What would you do with $27K?
KAHUKU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Kuilima Farm, a beautiful 468-acre property on Oʻahu's North Shore, has received exciting news recently.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) selected it as one of the organizations for its Regenerative Experiences program.
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This means the farm will receive $27,500 to develop activities that connect visitors and residents in meaningful ways.
Kuilima Farm is managed by Pono Pacific Land Management LLC and owned by The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. The business aims to create experiences that benefit everyone involved.
The HTA chose 15 organizations for this program, with funding ranging from $20,000 to $35,000. The goal is to help these organizations share the rewards of tourism with the local community.
Projects funded through this program are expected to be completed by Dec. 31.
One of the special features of Kuilima Farm is its commitment to sustainability. The farm is protected under a conservation easement, thanks to the North Shore Community Land Trust.
Carolyn Unser, the Kuilima Farm Experience Manager, shared her excitement about the program.
"The Kuilima Farm tour currently takes guests through the Piko that showcases native plants," she explained. "However, by integrating traditional planting methods, storytelling, and display exhibits with assistance from this program, we can create a transformative visitor journey that educates and inspires a deeper appreciation for Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural heritage."
The program allows chefs at The Ritz-Carlton to use fresh produce grown right on the farm. This reduces the need for imported goods and supports local agriculture. Guests can enjoy delicious, sustainably sourced meals and even take part in guided tours that teach them about the farm's practices.
Mufi Hannemann, the HTA Board Chair, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
"The selection of these remarkable organizations marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create a more regenerative and culturally respectful tourism model in Hawaiʻi," he stated.
Hannemann believes this program will empower local partners to expand their valuable work, ensuring that the islands' cultural and natural resources are preserved for future generations.
Kuilima, which means "holding hands with the land" in Hawaiian, embodies this vision. With all five restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton using fresh produce from the farm, Kuilima Farm truly represents a farm-to-resort operation. It leads the way for regenerative tourism in Hawaiʻi.
In addition to providing fresh food, Kuilima Farm is also USDA food safety certified, ensuring greater food security for the surrounding community and visitors.
For those interested in learning more about this innovative farm and its sustainable practices, additional information can be found .
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With the help of the HTA, Kuilima Farm is set to make a positive impact, blending tourism with respect for the land and culture of Hawaiʻi.
The following is a list of recipients from HTA's programs:
Community Stewardship Program recipients
Ahupuaʻa ʻO Hālawa
Location: Hālawa Valley, Molokaʻi
Funding: $42,500
Summary: Committed to preserving Hālawa Valley's cultural and natural resources for over 27 years, AOH plans to enhance its online presence and promote regenerative programs through community engagement and education.
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Location: Keaukaha, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $50,000
Summary: An all-volunteer group focusing on restoring Native Hawaiian fishponds and wetlands, ʻAHI aims to develop its organizational capacity while hiring a project manager and acquiring materials for restoration.
East Maui Land Restoration
Location: Honomanū Waterfall, Maui
Funding: $44,000
Summary: Serving as an umbrella organization for local initiatives, they seek funding to enhance stewardship efforts and acquire equipment for land restoration projects.
Haleakalā Conservancy
Location: Haleakalā, Maui
Funding: $50,000
Summary: As a partner to Haleakalā National Park, the Conservancy aims to build a volunteer network and enhance grant application capacity for future initiatives.
Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā
Location: Wahiawā, Oʻahu
Funding: $50,000
Summary: Focused on maintaining Kūkaniloko Birth Site, the club plans to create an online platform to share moʻolelo and data collection strategies for future funding.
Hui Aloha Kīholo
Location: Kīholo State Park Reserve, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $50,000
Summary: Aiming to protect Kīholo through community involvement and education, HAK seeks to enhance its website and develop a data collection plan to foster engagement.
Hui O Laka
Location: Kōkeʻe & Waimea Canyon, Kauaʻi
Funding: $18,500
Summary: The Kōkeʻe Museum wants to modernize its online presence to broaden outreach and educate the public about local natural history and culture.
North Shore Community Land Trust
Location: Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu
Funding: $50,000
Summary: Focused on preserving over 60,000 acres of North Shore land, NSCLT plans to clear invasive species and promote agroforestry alongside traditional practices.
Pōhāhā I Ka Lani
Location: Waipiʻo Valley, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $45,000
Summary: This organization focuses on cultural education and land stewardship, seeking guidance to improve fundraising and organizational capacity.
Regenerative Experiences Program recipients
Aloha with Touch Kauaʻi
Location: Islandwide, Kauaʻi
Funding: $20,000
Summary: Aiming to provide high-quality cultural retreats, the organization seeks partnerships to enhance visitor experiences and shift to a purpose-driven model.
Ancient Leaf Tea
Location: Onomea Bay, Pāpaʻikou, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $24,000
Summary: A family-owned tea company plans to make its tours more accessible while expanding operations to better serve local communities.
Location: Keauhou Bay, Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $20,000
Summary: This paddle-powered tourism company aims to enhance guide training and local food offerings, promoting sustainable practices in ocean tourism.
Common Ground Kauaʻi
Location: Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi
Funding: $35,000
Summary: Focused on regenerative hospitality, Common Ground aims to expand culturally grounded experiences while sourcing all ingredients locally.
Hāna Arts
Location: Hāna, Maui
Funding: $20,000
Summary: This arts organization wants to expand its cultural workshops, enhancing community engagement and preservation of local traditions.
Hoʻi Hoʻi Ea
Location: Waikāne, Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Funding: $25,000
Summary: This Native Hawaiian-led organization aims to develop a co-stewardship model for preserving cultural practices and natural resources.
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin
Location: Honolulu & Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
Funding: $25,000
Summary: The oldest Buddhist temple in Hawaiʻi plans to create an experience that merges indigenous Hawaiian spirituality with Buddhist practices.
KAʻEHU
Location: Paukūkalo, Wailuku, Maui
Funding: $25,000
Summary: This nonprofit seeks to regenerate coastal ecology while engaging the community through cultural practices and stewardship programs.
Kahuku Farms
Location: Kahuku, Oʻahu
Funding: $34,000
Summary: A family-owned farm aims to revamp its tour offerings, enhancing guest experiences with new, immersive agricultural insights.
Kuilima Farm
Location: Kahuku, Oʻahu
Funding: $27,500
Summary: Focusing on sustainable agriculture, Kuilima Farm plans to develop transformative visitor experiences through education on traditional practices.
Mahina Farms Maui
Location: ʻĪao, Wailuku, Maui
Funding: $25,000
Summary: This Native Hawaiian-owned farm envisions creating cultural immersion experiences to connect visitors with ancestral practices.
Men of PAʻA
Location: Pāhoa, Puna, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $25,500
Summary: Dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiian men, this organization plans to expand its farm operations and visitor experiences related to cultural cooking practices.
Moloka'i Land Trust
Location: Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi
Funding: $35,500
Summary: Focused on preserving Molokaʻi's cultural resources, the trust aims to establish a native wiliwili forest to support traditional practices.
North Shore EcoTours
Location: Haleʻiwa, Waialua, Oʻahu
Funding: $25,000
Summary: This eco-tour program seeks to deepen its commitment to environmental stewardship through regenerative tourism practices.
Tea Hawaiʻi & Company
Location: Volcano Village, Puna, Hawaiʻi Island
Funding: $34,000
Summary: Aiming to promote Hawaiʻi's tea culture, this company plans to scale up marketing efforts to attract more visitors, especially from Japan.
