People from all corners of the globe love visiting Oahu for its
unmatched weather, sublime scenery, energizing spirit, and unique
and fascinating culture, but these days Oahu’s innovative farm
to table cuisine is one of the island’s greatest attractions.
With ideal year-round climate conditions and rich volcanic soil,
it is only natural that the island of Oahu is home to an
abundance of farms. The countless farmers, chefs, restaurants,
and consumers dedicated to utilizing Oahu’s locally-grown
products have helped develop the island’s farm-to-table
movement, growing it considerably in recent years and
paving the way toward island-wide sustainability.
Local Farms
ALOUN FARMS
About: Founded in 1977 by Laotian immigrant Aloun Sou and his family, Aloun Farms began as a basic five-acre operation in the Lualualei Valley of Waianae, producing several varieties of Asian vegetables, green onion and herbs. Today, the farm is nearly 3,000 acres and produces more than 40 different crops. Aloun Farms is a strong supporter of community outreach through educational tours and collaboration with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.
Special products: Aloun Farms Ewa Sweet line includes crisp, juicy and sweet corn, melons, and onions. The corn and onions are grown year-round, and melons are grown during Oahu’s spring season. The Sunburst Melon and Thai Watermelon are two of Aloun’s signature products.
Where to find them: Farmers’ markets and supermarkets island-wide, including Costco, Foodland and Wal-Mart stores; Chef Chai Chaowasaree incorporates Aloun products into his menus at Chef Chai.
Contact: www.alounfarms.com or (808) 677-951
HO FARMS
About: Ho Farms, a 40-acre produce farm on Oahu’s North Shore, is a food safety certified farm that has been recognized for its efforts to minimize the use of pesticides and chemicals, resulting in healthier, natural and better-tasting food.
Special products: Specialty tomatoes, renowned for their sweet flavor and crispy texture, are Ho Farms’ signature product. They produce tomatoes of the baby Roma, cherry, golden grape, grape, Kahuku golden, and zebra varieties, all vine-ripened and individually handpicked at their peak flavor. The farm also grows Japanese cucumbers, long squashes and long beans.
Where to find them: Farmers’ markets island-wide; stores including Foodland, Down to Earth, Malama Market, and Tamura’s Market; as well as RumFire at Sheraton Waikiki.
Contact: (808) 293-9757
MAO ORGANIC FARMS
About: Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation established MAO Organic Farms hoping to impact five critical areas of need in the region – out-of-school youth, sustainable economic development, agriculture, health, and Hawaiian culture. Today, the five-acre certified organic farm offers after-school programs, workshops, garden clubs, and internships for local middle and high school students, and produces and sells more than three-dozen different high-quality organic crops.
Special products: MAO is known for its signature “Sassy” salad mix—a combination of kale, Swiss chard and cilantro—and produces a variety of herbs, root vegetables, bananas, mangos, and citrus fruits such as Meyer lemons, Tahitian limes, and Clementine tangerines.
Where to find them: Farmers’ markets island-wide; health food stores including Whole Foods, Down to Earth and Kokua Market; and restaurants such as Alan Wong’s, Chef Ed Kenney’s Town, Kona Brewing Company, Nobu Waikiki, and Tiki’s Grill and Bar.
Contact: www.maoorganicfarms.org or (808) 696-5569
MARINE AGRIFUTURE (Sea Asparagus)
About: Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Marine AgriFuture hydroponically produces Kahuku sea asparagus, a tender and crispy sea vegetable packed with phytochemicals that protect the liver, heart and cellular DNA. Wenhao H. Sun, Ph. D., president of Marine AgriFuture, has perfected the science of growing the sea asparagus—classified as a cancer-fighting “superfood” which can aid weight loss, boost energy, enhance the immune system, make certain vaccines more effective, and destroy some types of tumor cells, particularly lung and blood cancers.
Special products: In addition to sea asparagus, Sun sells pickled sea asparagus and ogo (seaweed), and a sea asparagus bento with inari sushi and pickled sea asparagus, prepared lomi-style and mixed with fresh mushrooms over a noodle salad.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets island-wide; stores including Costco, Kokua Market and local health food stores; and restaurants such as Ola at Turtle Bay Resort, Town in Kaimuki, and more.
Contact: www.olakaihawaii.com or (808) 779-2885
NALO FARMS
About: Nalo Farms, a family-run operation founded in 1953, is nestled at the feet of the Koolau Mountains in Waimanalo. The farm primarily produced herbs until an entire crop of basil was wiped out by disease in 1990. Shortly after, owner Dean Okimoto met with Chef Roy Yamaguchi who suggested Okimoto grow baby greens for his flagship restaurant, which had opened in 1988. The rest is history and now, Nalo Farms supplies approximately 130 restaurants with more than 3,000 pounds of their fresh-cut, high-quality greens each week.
Special products: Nalo Farms signature crops are seven types of lettuce, and other herbs, sprouts, and microgreens. Their “Nalo Greens” are often found accompanying Pacific Rim and Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
Where to find them: Farmers markets island-wide; a variety of local health food and supermarket stores; and restaurants including Roy’s, Alan Wong’s, Side Street Inn, Sarento’s Waikiki, Mariposa at Neiman Marcus and more.
Contact: (808) 259-7698
NORTH SHORE FARMS
About: Located on Oahu’s North Shore in Waialua, North Shore Farms is best known for its signature Big Wave Tomatoes.
Unique products: North Shore Farms sells a variety of its crops through tasty products such as the popular Neapolitan Grilled Pizza (made with Big Wave Tomatoes, hand-stretched cream mozzarella and macadamia nut pesto sauce), heirloom tomato sauces, salsa, lomi lomi tomato and salmon, pickled tomatoes, dill beans, okra, asparagus, and more.
Where to find them: Farmers’ markets island-wide.
Contact: www.bigwavetomatoes.com or (808) 389-6255
SUMIDA FARM
About: Sumida Farm, founded in 1928, now produces 75 percent of all the watercress in Hawaii. The farm’s unparalleled site contains natural ground springs and allows it access to an abundance of cool, crystal-clear filtered water from the Pearl Harbor aquifer.
Unique product: Watercress, a delicate, leafy green vegetable, belongs to the same family as cabbage and broccoli, and contains powerful phytochemicals good for the lungs and eyes. A popular local vegetable in Hawaii, its crisp texture and peppery taste works with everything from salads and soups to sauces and sandwiches. The 300 tons of watercress produced each year go to local markets, hotels, and restaurants—none of the product is exported to the mainland.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets island-wide; most of Oahu’s major grocers including Safeway, Foodland and Times Supermarket; and restaurants such as Chef Mavro and Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
Contact: (808) 488-4517
THE UNITED FISHING AGENCY – HONOLULU FISH AUCTION
About: Before sunrise, local fishermen bring their fresh catch to the Honolulu Fish Auction and sell them to the highest bidders, primarily chefs and buyers who supply local restaurants, hotel and retail venues. The auction, located at Pier 38 off of Nimitz Highway, begins at 5:30 a.m. (sharp), Monday through Saturday, and goes until all the fish are sold. Don’t be surprised if you don’t recognize the language the bidders are using; it is an internal dialect developed over decades that only the buyers and the auctioneer understand.
Unique products: An impressive variety of fish found in Hawaii’s waters including ahi, aku, marlin, mahimahi, wahoo, swordfish, opah, monchong, and opakapaka.
Where to find it: Virtually every store or restaurant serving fresh fish on Oahu can be traced back to the Honolulu Fish Auction. Nico’s at Pier 38 and Uncle’s Fish Market are great casual places to enjoy the freshly caught fish. For a more high-end experience try Chef Chai, Chef Mavro, or Azure at The Royal Hawaiian.
Contact: www.hawaii-seafood.org
WAIALUA ESTATE
About: Waialua Estate’s Hawaiian Cacao began as an experimental crop in 1996, as part of Dole Food Company Hawaii’s diversified agriculture program. The estate’s 18-acre orchard on the North Shore of Oahu is planted along the fertile banks of the Kaukonahua stream on land once used for sugar cultivation.
Unique products: The special blend of Trinatario, Forestero and Criollo cocoa beans produces a fine flavored, single origin, world-class chocolate grown only in the USA, with subtle flavors, aromas and textures that characterize Waialua Chocolate. Dole Hawaii also produces Waialua Coffee.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets island-wide; restaurants such as Alan Wong’s, Chef Mavro and Azure.
Contact: www.waialuaestate.com or (808) 622-3224
Farmers’ Markets
The popularity of farmers’ markets has increased dramatically over the last few years, as more people are concerned with buying and eating local to help the environment and have better tasting food. Meet the farmers and food producers of Hawaii’s diversified agricultural scene and select from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, beef, aqua-cultured seafood, fresh-baked breads, handmade pastas, tropical jams and jellies, unique snack foods, honey, baked goods, specialty seasonings, and so much more.
The Honolulu Farmers’ Market is centrally located, making it extra convenient for Honolulu residents to stock up on locally produced goods. It is held every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. fronting the Concert Hall on the corner of Ward Ave. and King St. Mention you are attending the Farmers’ Market during market hours and park for free.
Address: 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Contact: www.hfbf.org/markets/markets/honolulu or (808) 848-2074
The Kapiolani Community College Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays from 7:30-11 a.m. in the Kapiolani Community College parking lot, is Oahu’s largest farmers’ market. An average of 60-70 vendors set up every week, with guest vendors from neighbor islands frequently visiting. To add a touch of gourmet, several restaurants and vendors such as La Tour Bakehouse, Licious Dishes, Blue Lotus Farms, The Pig and the Lady, and others serve breakfast food items, and students from KCC’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific are also on hand to serve up tasty treats.
Address: 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Contact: www.hfbf.org/markets/markets/kcc/ or (808) 848-2074
The Haleiwa Farmers’ Market began in April 2009 as Oahu’s premier green market – solar-powered, plastic-free with a Reduce Reuse Recycle campaign, and food vendors using only bio-compostable plates and utensils that are composted after use. The market encourages a “BYOSB” (bring your own shopping bag) policy. Dedicated to the local farm grower, this market has been a fun community gathering-place reflective of the uniqueness of the North Shore. More than 40 vendors provide fresh local produce and attendees enjoy live music. There is even free arts & crafts activities for children. The market happens every Thursday from 2-6 p.m.
Location: Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712
Contact: www.haleiwafarmersmarket.com or (808) 388-9696
More Oahu farmers markets include:
Waikiki Farmers Market – Tuesday and Thursdays, 4-8 p.m., Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, Ground Floor at the Pualeilani Atrium Shops. Contact: http://waikiki.hyatt.com/en/hotel/news-and-events/events/farmersmarket.html or (808) 923-1234
Makeke Waianae – Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Waianae Mall. Contact: www.waianaefarmersmarket.org/waianae or (808) 697-3709
Waialua Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesdays, 4:30-7 p.m., Waialua Sugar Mill
Kakaako Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Ward Village
State of Hawaii’s “Seals of Quality” Program
The Seals of Quality represent the cream of the crop of Hawaii’s agricultural producers. The program was established in 2006 to protect the integrity and value of the marketing cachet for Hawaii-branded farm and value-added products. Products with this seal are genuine, Hawaii-grown or Hawaii-made premium products, a guarantee enforced by the State of Hawaii. To meet program standards, all fresh agricultural products must be produced entirely in Hawaii and meet the highest quality standard.
Look for the following Oahu-based companies with the Hawaii Seal of Quality:
- Hawaiian Chip Co. (taro & sweet potato chips) www.hawaiianchipcompany.com (808) 845-9868
- Ho Farms (specialty tomatoes) www.hofarms.com (808) 293-1375
- Kamiya Gold, Inc. (papayas) www.kamiyapapaya.com
- Manoa Honey Company (Hawaiian honey) www.hawaiibeekeepers.org
- Marine Agrifuture, LLC (Kahuku sea asparagus) www.olakaihawaii.com (808) 779-2885
- Nalo Farms (Nalo Greens) (808) 259-7698
- Twin Bridge Farms (asparagus) (808) 864-6477
Contact: www.hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/seals-of-quality or (808) 973-9595
Oahu Chefs
Local chefs have taken advantage of the bounty of the sea and land of Hawaii over the last several decades, developing Hawaii Regional Cuisine (HRC). HRC is a distinctive cuisine featuring island fish, produce and food products often using a fusion of culinary and ethnic food styles found in the islands. The Island of Oahu distinguishes itself with 12 of the 15 founding chefs of HRC creating their signature style and fusion. Some of Hawaii’s best chefs including Alan Wong, Roy Yamaguchi, George “Chef Mavro” Mavrothalassitis, and Sam Choy have spearheaded the promotion of the Hawaiian Islands’ culinary revolution worldwide. Bringing even greater distinction to HRC, Wong, Yamaguchi, Mavrothalassitis, and Choy have all received numerous awards and recognitions by the prestigious James Beard Foundation for their culinary work. The next generation of chefs who trained, studied or were inspired by the original 12 founding chefs of HRC are called Hawaii Island Chefs (HIC). As an association, they carry on the HRC tradition by supporting and encouraging up and coming chefs and culinary programs throughout the state. Community and relationships are important for HIC as they are committed to “buy local” and are respectful of the environment and supply issues in an effort to ensure sustainability. Notable Oahu HIC chefs include Chai Chaowasaree, Elmer Guzman, Ryan Loo, and Fred DeAngelo. From fine dining to gourmet plate lunches, Oahu’s chefs remain committed to perpetuating the creativity, excitement and innovation of Hawaii as a premier culinary destination.
Resource
Hawaii Tourism Authority / Oahu Visitor's Bureau / July 1, 2015
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