Hoʻōla Honey
About the Farm
Hoʻōla Honey is a Native Hawaiian ʻohana-run farm in North Kohala dedicated to protecting honey bees, restoring the ʻāina, and strengthening local food systems. For more than a decade, the family has rescued and relocated honey bees across Hawaiʻi Island, while cultivating traditional food and medicinal plants such as kalo, ʻōlena, ʻawa, and laukahi. Their 5.5-acre farm also includes an orchard, livestock, and an apiary. Locally grown ingredients are incorporated into their value-added honey products, connecting pollinator conservation with Hawaiian cultural traditions.
The Challenge
Without secure perimeter fencing, Hoʻōla Honey struggled with wild pigs entering the property, damaging crops, uprooting trees, disturbing soil, and even knocking over beehives. Trespassing and agricultural theft added further challenges. These ongoing losses limited the farm's ability to expand its māla, orchard, and apiary, making it difficult to increase production and reliably supply local markets.
How Mālama Da Farmer Grant Helped
Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, Hoʻōla Honey invested in perimeter fencing, gates, and professional land preparation and installation services to better protect its growing areas. Funding also supported new plantings, including fruit trees and ʻawa, along with essential planting tools. These improvements help secure the farm's crops, orchard, pasture, and apiary while creating opportunities to expand cultivation.
Impact
With improved protection from wild pigs and trespassing, Hoʻōla Honey is better positioned to expand its growing areas and increase production of culturally significant food and medicinal plants. The farm aims to grow more kalo, ʻōlena, ʻawa, and other crops for its value-added honey products and local markets. Beyond strengthening farm resilience, these investments support pollinator health, preserve traditional Hawaiian agricultural knowledge, and contribute to a more sustainable local food system.
