Seventy-Four Acres Of Hilo Farmland Protected In Perpetuity
O.K. Farms, Hawai‘i Land Trust, and Trust for Public Land collaborate to safeguard Hawai‘i Island’s food system
HILO, HAWAI‘I - O.K. Farms, Hawai‘i Land Trust (HILT), and Trust for Public Land (TPL) today announced the successful completion of the Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement, permanently protecting more than 74 acres of productive agricultural land near Hilo. The land has been farmed and cared for by the Keolanui ‘ohana, founders of O.K. Farms, for over two decades. Following the passing of landowner Ed Olson in July 2024, the Edmund C. Olson Trust honored its longstanding relationship with the ‘ohana by offering them the first opportunity to acquire the land. The easement ensures that the land will remain in agricultural use forever, safeguarding a crucial component of Hawai‘i Island’s food security, and cultural heritage.
Located along the Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls, the lands are an important part of the watershed protecting Hilo Bay. O.K. Farms cultivates a variety of tropical fruits, including lychee, longan, rambutan and citrus, as well as spices such as cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. One of the largest producers of tropical fruit in the United States, the farm also provides hearts of palm and grows its own brand of Rainbow Falls Hilo Coffee, enhancing local food security through farm boxes and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
“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 Hawai‘i Island’s local food system and the cultural connections that make this ‘āina so meaningful.”
HILT and TPL raised more than $1.6 million for the Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation effort, with contributions from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Stupski Foundation, The Healy Foundation, Hawai‘i Good Food Fund, Eric L. Anderson and Roger Beck, and others.
“This effort is about more than just protecting land; it’s about honoring the legacy of Ed Olson and the Keolanui ‘Ohana and ensuring that the land continues to feed and support the community,” said ‘Olu Campbell, President and CEO of Hawai‘i Land Trust. “We’re proud to have worked alongside O.K. Farms and Trust for Public Land to make this vision a reality.”
“Pu‘u‘eo Mauka represents a model for community-driven conservation,” said Lea Hong, Associate Vice President and Hawai‘i State Director for Trust for Public Land. “This collaboration keeps Hawai‘i’s agricultural lands working, supports local farmers, and safeguards our island’s cultural and natural heritage for generations to come. We are so grateful to the Edmund C. Olson Trust for working with us to ensure these lands remain in agriculture forever.”
Media kit (courtesy of O.K. Farms)
About O.K. Farms
Founded in 2002, O.K. Farms is rooted in a mission to perpetuate sustainable agriculture in Hawai‘i. Located on the hills of Pu‘u‘eo Mauka in Hilo, the farm was co-founded by Troy Keolanui and the late Ed Olson and is stewarded by the Keolanui ‘ohana as a thriving, community-based agricultural hub. Today, O.K. Farms manages 320 acres, practicing sustainable land stewardship and supporting Hawai‘i’s food system through local partnerships and a robust CSA program. The farm also welcomes school groups and visitors for educational tours and experiences, with scenic views of Rainbow Falls, Mauna Kea, and the Wailuku River. To learn more, visit okfarmshawaii.com.
About Hawai‘i Land Trust
Hawai‘i Land Trust (HILT) is Hawai‘i’s local statewide nonprofit land trust that protects, stewards, and cultivates reciprocal relationships with ʻāina that sustain Hawai‘i. The nationally accredited land trust supports the health, productivity, and resilience of Hawai‘i’s biocultural ecosystems, food systems, and kama‘āina and local communities through its 8 community preserves, 54 conservation easements, and ‘āina transactions, stewardship and community programs. For more, visit HILT.org.
About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, and raised $110 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
