Local Produce
Why is it Important?
More Food Security
More than 90 percent of our food is imported from outside Hawaii. As we saw with Covid, if there are issues with the supply chain, less food is delivered. There are many potential disasters from hurricanes, wars, price increases, fuel shortages, etc, that can lead to food shortages and price increases. Studies have found that an island needs to be growing at least 50% of its staple crops, like rice, ulu, potatoes, and wheat, to be self-sufficient if there is a disaster.
We have excellent year-round growing weather and fertile lands to become more self-sufficient. Small farms can grow more variety, which protects biodiversity and ultimately, long-term food security.
Healthier for Us
Local produce can often be distributed to markets on the same day of harvest. Produce from elsewhere can take up to a month. The older the produce, the fewer nutrients. Locally-grown food generally contains fewer chemicals, even if it’s not organic, because these foods are grown in smaller batches.
Healthier for the Environment
Local food doesn’t have to travel as far to arrive on your plate, so this reduces pollution. There is also less packaging required to transport local produce.
Better for the Economy
Supporting local farmers builds our local economy. It passes through fewer hands so more money goes directly to the people growing it. The food is less expensive because less money is going to shipping, refrigeration, processing, marketing, and packaging costs.
Ulupono Intiativeʻs 2011 Local Food Market Demand Study of Oahu Shoppers found that 61% of the more than 1,200 Oahu residents surveyed believe buying local is very important, and 81% of participants believe there isn’t enough locally grown. The survey also found that while Oahu customers are price-conscious, they’re willing to pay more for local products because they understand the benefits of supporting local.
What Can I Do?
You can be part of creating market demand. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are a great way to support local farmers. Some farms deliver local produce right to your door, others have pickup locations. This is especially beneficial for smaller farmers who don’t have the volume to supply large chain supermarkets. Besides joining a CSA, we can continue to support local by choosing local goods over imported at grocery stores and by frequenting farmers’ markets.
Community Gardens
Here is a list of gardens that have plots for the community to grow produce and volunteer.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Home produce delivery or local pick-up.
808 Organics – Honolulu
Pick-ups and deliveries. We know eating healthy is hard, and we are here to help. We source the best organic food from across the state, and build boxes for people on Oahu. more…
Oahu Fresh – Honolulu
O`ahu Fresh provides farmers` market food delivery to working professionals and residents in the Honolulu area who are committed to eating healthy, fresh produce while at the same time supporting Hawaii agriculture. Every Wednesday afternoon, we will deliver a farmers` market bag of food to your office or home. more…
Waihuena Farm – Haleiwa
Aloha, Waihuena Farm, formerly known as Meleanas Farm, began as a very special three acre lot on beautiful North Shore Oahu just across the street from Pipeline and has expanded into the neighboring 17 acre lot. While we have big dreams for the farm, including becoming a co-op, currently we are focusing on a $25 weekly share CSA program. more…
Hawaii Plant Propagator – Honolulu
We produce mushroom spawns, fruit wine, fruit vinegar and tissue cultured plants. We can also assist in providing expert advice and spawn for anyone interested in producing paddy rice straw mushroom which can be profitably grown on newspaper, cardboard aI’mnd other organic wastes. more…
Local Inside, an Oahu Farmers CSA – Honolulu
Local Inside, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, sources produce from local farmers on Oahu, primarily HAF Ag Park at Kunia, and makes it available to the community through easy accessible delivery locations. more…
Mahina Pua Farm LLC – Honolulu
A Mahina Pua Farm full CSA share buys you a box or bag of fresh local vegetables and fruits grown at our farms to be picked up every 1 or 2 weeks. The land that the food is grown on is urban land on the East side of Oahu. more…
FarmRoof – Waimanalo
FarmRoof is the world’s first and only certified organic green roof system. Based in Waimanalo on the island of Oahu, FarmRoof was founded by Alan Joaquin in 2008. With a focus on innovation, our company has invested heavily in research and development. more…
Holoholo General Store – Honolulu
Holoholo General Store is a CSA and mobile market offering fresh produce and specialty items from local farms and artisans. Just like the vegetable truck (yasai truck) of Hawaii’s past that came through neighborhoods selling fresh, local goodies, Holoholo “da truck” is a similar concept; we do the shopping and come to you! more…
Pu’u O Hoku Ranch – Kaunakakai, Molokai
14,000 acre property comprised of certified organic farming, and accommodations primarily focused on educational workshops – as well as tropical forests and the amazing Pacific Ocean. more…
Ohia Fields Farm – Ookala
Ohia Fields Farm is a family-run CSA serving the Hamakua Coast, Kamuela (Waimea), Waikoloa and down along the Kohala Coast to Holualoa and Kailua-Kona. We offer year-round home delivery. Our basic box is filled with 7-10 vegetables and herbs grown locally and “off the grid” on our 22-acre farm. more…
Wally’s Farm, LLC – Honolulu
Here at WALLY’S FARM we grow using permaculture and organic techniques. We are a public friendly park like environment. We welcome TOURS and encourage UPICKS. We support ALL agricultural initiatives for example, Charter School and home school projects. more…
Honolulu Farmer’s Markets
Confirm date, time, and location by checking their websites. Other Farmer’s Markets in Oahu.
Kekaulike Farmers Market
Every Day, 7 am – 3 pm
Manoa Farmers Market
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, 7 am – 3:30 pm
Honolulu Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 4–7 pm
808-848-1921
Ala Moana Center Farmers Market
Fridays, 3–7 pm
Ala Moana Pacific Center Courtyard
808-225-4002
KCC Farmers Market
Saturdays, 7:30 am – 11 am
Kapiolani Community College
Kakaako Farmers Market at Ward Village
Saturdays, 8 am – 12 pm
Ward Warehouse
Tips
- Bring a shopping basket or bag. A cooler and a cart on wheels can be helpful.
- Bring cash in small denominations, especially if you’re shopping early.
- Early shoppers usually wait in lines; there’s usually plenty of product for shoppers who come later.
Agriculture Groups in Hawaii
Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation
The mission of HAF is to support and sustain Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry by addressing the critical needs and services of farmers and the industry in Hawaiʻi, and by better connecting them with the community and vice-versa. This involves educational and outreach programs in the community, as well as direct marketing, technical, educational and in-the-field support for farmers.
HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Support, enhance, promote, and protect Hawaii’s agriculture and aquaculture industries. We work to create and maximize opportunities for exporting; and facilitate growth of existing and new agricultural commodities and by-products. In addition, the department works to prevent the introduction and establishment of plants, animals and diseases that are detrimental to the state’s agriculture industry and the environment.
HAWAI‘I FARM BUREAU
Serving as Hawai‘i’s voice of agriculture protects, advocates, and advances the social, economic and educational interests of our diverse agricultural community.
RESILIENCE OFFICE
As mandated by the City Charter, the Resilience Office is tasked with tracking climate change science and potential impacts on City facilities, coordinating actions and policies of departments within the City to increase community preparedness, developing resilient infrastructure in response to the effects from climate change, and integrating sustainable and environmental values into City plans, programs, and policies.
Agriculture Programs in Hawaii
Da Bux
The DA BUX program partners with food retailers to make Hawai‘i grown fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP-EBT cardholders. Get a 50% discounts on local fruits and vegetables by scanning a DA BUX Access Card at the checkout of any participating grocery store.
Aims to inspire young future farmers to pursue an agricultural-related career thus continuing to grow and expand our agricultural industry in Hawaiʻi