Aloha and welcome to Pineapple Paradise Farms! If you're dreaming of a tropical getaway filled with lush greenery, sweet pineapple, and stunning ocean views, then you've come to the right place. Our family-owned farm on the Big Island of Hawaii is a true paradise for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and the aloha spirit.
The History of Pineapple Paradise Farms
Pineapple Paradise Farms was founded in 1952 by my grandparents, Keahi and Leilani Akana. They came from a long line of Hawaiian farmers and had a deep love for the land. When they first laid eyes on this 50-acre property in the Puna district, they knew it was the perfect place to start their dream farm.Over the next several decades, Keahi and Leilani worked tirelessly to clear the land, plant pineapple and other tropical fruits, and build a sustainable farm that could support their family. They used traditional Hawaiian farming techniques passed down through generations, as well as innovative new methods to improve yields and efficiency.By the 1980s, Pineapple Paradise Farms had become a thriving business, selling its sweet, juicy pineapples and other produce to local markets, restaurants, and even some international distributors. Keahi and Leilani's children and grandchildren all grew up on the farm, learning the value of hard work, respect for nature, and the importance of family.Today, I'm proud to say that Pineapple Paradise Farms is still owned and operated by the Akana family. We've expanded the farm to include 100 acres of lush, fertile land, and we grow a wide variety of tropical fruits and vegetables in addition to our famous pineapples. But at our core, we're still the same family-run business that my grandparents started over 70 years ago, dedicated to sustainable farming, preserving Hawaiian culture, and sharing the aloha spirit with everyone who visits our little piece of paradise.What We Grow at Pineapple Paradise Farms
Of course, the star of the show at Pineapple Paradise Farms is our pineapples. We grow several different varieties, including the popular MD-2 and Smooth Cayenne, as well as some unique Hawaiian heirloom pineapples that have been cultivated in the islands for centuries. Our pineapples are known for their exceptional sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant yellow color.But pineapples are just the beginning! We also grow a wide variety of other tropical fruits, including:- Mangoes (several different cultivars)
- Papayas
- Bananas
- Starfruit
- Guava
- Passionfruit
- Lychee
- Rambutan
- Taro (for making poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple food)
- Sweet potatoes
- Breadfruit
- Cassava
- Ginger
- Turmeric
Visiting Pineapple Paradise Farms
One of the best things about Pineapple Paradise Farms is that we're open to visitors! We offer a variety of tours and activities that allow you to experience the farm and learn about Hawaiian agriculture and culture. Here are just a few of the things you can do when you visit:Farm Tours
Take a guided walking tour of our pineapple fields and fruit orchards. Learn about the history of the farm, see how we grow and harvest our crops, and sample some of our fresh, juicy pineapple and other tropical fruits. Tours are offered daily at 10am and 2pm.Pineapple Picking
Get your hands dirty and pick your own pineapple! We'll provide you with a knife and instructions on how to select and cut the perfect pineapple. You can take your freshly picked pineapple home as a souvenir of your visit. Pineapple picking is available from 9am to 3pm daily.Tropical Fruit Tasting
Indulge in a sampling of our farm-fresh tropical fruits, including pineapple, mango, papaya, and more. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting and share information about the different varieties and their unique flavors. Fruit tastings are offered at 11am and 3pm daily.Poi Making Demonstration
Learn how to make traditional Hawaiian poi, a staple food made from taro root. Our poi master will demonstrate the process of pounding the taro into a smooth, creamy paste using a wooden mortar and pestle. You'll even get to try your hand at poi pounding and take home a sample of the finished product. Poi making demos are held at 1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Hula Lessons
Experience the graceful art of hula with a private lesson from one of our expert hula dancers. You'll learn the basic steps and hand motions, as well as the cultural significance of hula in Hawaiian history and tradition. Hula lessons are available by appointment.Hiking and Birdwatching
Explore the natural beauty of our farm on one of our hiking trails. You'll see lush tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning ocean views. Keep an eye out for native Hawaiian birds like the 'i'iwi, 'apapane, and nene (Hawaiian goose). Hiking maps are available at the farm office.In addition to these activities, we also offer picnic areas, a farm stand selling our fresh produce and value-added products like pineapple jam and macadamia nut butter, and a gift shop with Hawaiian-made crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.Sustainability and Conservation at Pineapple Paradise Farms
At Pineapple Paradise Farms, we're committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices that protect the land and environment for future generations. Some of the ways we prioritize sustainability include:- Using organic and biodynamic farming methods to maintain soil health and biodiversity
- Implementing water conservation techniques like drip irrigation and mulching to reduce water usage
- Generating our own renewable energy through solar panels and a small hydroelectric system
- Composting all of our farm waste to create nutrient-rich soil amendments
- Preserving native Hawaiian forests and wetlands on our property as wildlife habitats
- Partnering with local conservation organizations on reforestation and habitat restoration projects
Weddings and Events at Pineapple Paradise Farms
If you're dreaming of a truly unique and memorable wedding or special event, look no further than Pineapple Paradise Farms. Our lush, tropical setting provides a stunning natural backdrop for any occasion, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations.We offer a variety of event spaces to choose from, including:- Our open-air pavilion with panoramic ocean views
- A charming historic barn perfect for rustic-chic events
- Secluded garden areas surrounded by tropical flowers and fruit trees
- A private waterfall and swimming hole for a refreshing dip
Giving Back to the Community
At Pineapple Paradise Farms, we believe in the importance of giving back to our local community and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. That's why we're proud to support a number of local organizations and initiatives:- The Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, which has been a cornerstone of the Puna community for over a century
- The Keaukaha Community Association, which works to improve the lives of Native Hawaiian residents in the Keaukaha area
- The Hawai'i Island Land Trust, which protects important natural and cultural lands across the island
- The Hawai'i Farmers Union United, which advocates for sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty in Hawaii
Plan Your Visit to Pineapple Paradise Farms
Ready to experience the aloha spirit and tropical beauty of Pineapple Paradise Farms for yourself? Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit:- We're located in the Puna district of the Big Island, about a 30-minute drive from Hilo International Airport. Rental cars are available at the airport.
- The farm is open daily from 9am to 4pm, with tours and activities running throughout the day. Check our website for the current schedule.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Pack a swimsuit and towel if you plan to take a dip in our waterfall swimming hole.
- Bring cash or a credit card to purchase fresh produce, value-added products, and souvenirs at our farm stand and gift shop.
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