Puʻuʻeo Mauka Conservation Easement with O.K. Farms

O.K. Farms is rooted in a magical corner of Hawaiʻi Island, where the air is sweet with the scent of tropical fruits, the majestic Wailuku River winds its way past Rainbow Falls, and the land tells a story of generations of care.

For decades, the Keolanui ʻOhana has managed O.K. Farms, growing it into one of the largest tropical fruit producers in the United States and a crucial steward of Hawaiʻi Island’s food security and cultural heritage.

In recent years, the land that O.K. Farms and the Keolanui ʻOhana leased was under threat of being sold and repurposed, unless they could raise the funds to purchase it. In 2025, Trust for Public Land teamed up with O.K. Farms and Hawai‘i Land Trust (HILT) to permanently protect more than 74 acres of the vital and cherished agricultural land in the Puʻuʻeo ahupuaʻa.

“This land has fed our family and community for generations,” said Troy Keolanui, Co-Founder and Operations Manager of O.K. Farms. “The conservation easement secures not only our ability to keep farming, but also preserves an essential place for Hawaiʻi Island’s local food system and the cultural connections that make this ʻāina so meaningful.”

Beyond farming, O.K. Farms plays a vital role in food security by offering farm boxes or community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes. These include fruits and vegetables as well as products from other Hawaiʻi Island farmers, dairies, and producers, strengthening the island’s local food system.

The preservation of this breathtaking and productive landscape is crucial for safeguarding the watershed that directly supports the vitality of Wailuku River and Hilo Bay. Yet, its significance extends further, as an inspiring model for community-driven conservation. Through technical support, fundraising, and collaboration, the preservation of the Puʻuʻeo Mauka agricultural lands honors the legacy of Ed Olson and the Keolanui ʻOhana, while ensuring the cherished land continues to feed and sustain the community for generations to come.