Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farm
About the Farm
Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farm is a women-led, certified organic farm in Kealakekua, continuing a decades-long tradition of growing fresh vegetables, fruit, and coffee for the West Hawaiʻi community.
The farm's new name, given by Kumu Keala Ching, celebrates its transition to women-led farming and a renewed commitment to incorporating the Hawaiian moon calendar and traditional ʻāina-based knowledge into its agricultural practices. Alongside growing nutritious local food, the farm supports agricultural education, internships, and opportunities for the next generation of farmers.
The Challenge
Ola Mahina Gardens faces the challenges of maintaining a productive organic farm while dealing with aging infrastructure, rising production costs, and increasing damage from invasive feral pigs. Pig activity has resulted in crop losses, damaged irrigation systems, and the spread of invasive plants, while an aging water system has contributed to higher utility costs.
At the same time, the rising costs of certified organic seeds, fertilizers, pest management products, and packaging have placed additional pressure on the farm. Balancing these expenses while keeping fresh, locally grown produce affordable for the West Hawaiʻi community remains an ongoing challenge.
How Mālama Da Farmer Grant Helped
Through the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, Ola Mahina Gardens received funding to strengthen essential farm infrastructure and support daily operations. Investments included fencing to help protect crops from invasive feral pigs, irrigation supplies and repairs, and maintenance of critical farm equipment.
The grant also supported farm personnel, agricultural water expenses, certified organic production supplies, seeds, fertilizers, pest management products, and post-harvest packaging. Together, these investments helped the farm address immediate production challenges while supporting its commitment to providing fresh, locally grown organic produce to the West Hawaiʻi community.
Impact
The Mālama Da Farmer Grant helped Ola Mahina Gardens address critical infrastructure needs, reduce pressure from rising operating costs, and strengthen its ability to maintain consistent organic food production. Improvements to fencing and irrigation support healthier crops, more efficient water use, and greater protection against invasive feral pigs.
These investments also support the farm's long-term resilience, allowing its women-led team to continue growing nutritious, locally produced food while sharing agricultural knowledge and creating learning opportunities for future farmers. By strengthening its operations, Ola Mahina Gardens can continue contributing to a more sustainable and resilient local food system on Hawaiʻi Island.
Hear Their Story
Hear from Krista Olson about the evolution of Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farm, the challenges of maintaining a certified organic farm, and how the Mālama Da Farmer Grant is helping strengthen its operations while honoring Hawaiian agricultural traditions.
Video by Nixon Jack
