Kupa'a Farm

Maui, HI

Kupa'a Farms, nestled on the dry leeward slopes of Haleakala volcano on the beautiful island of Maui, is a thriving 10-acre haven dedicated to regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. Since its humble beginnings in 2003, owners Gerry Ross and Janet Simpson have ardently cared for the land, transforming it into a flourishing organic farm. Gerry, armed with a PhD in Earth Science, employs innovative techniques like no-till principles, permaculture, and intercepting food waste for compost to nurture the soil. Janet, with her coffee expertise, has played a pivotal role in making Kupa'a Farms an award-winning coffee producer in the state of Hawaii. The farm's commitment to regenerative agricultural techniques, diverse tropical crops, and a myriad of delicious produce, including traditional Polynesian crops, tropical fruits, coffee, cacao, garlic, and vanilla, reflects their dedication to providing nutritious and flavorful organic produce. 

As an apprentice at Kupa'a Farms, individuals embark on a hands-on journey immersed in regenerative agriculture. The apprentices actively engage in diverse tasks, including compost assembly, screening compost for bed preparations, utilizing basic tools such as the Broadfork and BCS walk-behind tractor, participating in seeding, planting, harvesting activities, and assisting in various aspects of farm maintenance and management, such as weeding, pruning, and wood chipping for mulch and compost. This comprehensive apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to learn about Polynesian crops and acquire comprehensive regenerative agricultural techniques.

Kupa'a Farms traces its roots back to 2003 when Gerry Ross and Janet Simpson transformed a 6-acre farm on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui, into a diverse space producing organic vegetables, fruits, and award-winning coffee. The name "Kupa'a," meaning "to make firm" in Hawaiian, reflects the solid, life-giving practices employed to grow their food. 

Kupa'a Farms radiates its passion for growing, providing, and savoring delicious organic produce within the local community. Beyond supplying restaurants and a food hub with their bountiful harvest, Kupa'a Farms fosters community engagement through unique events like Sunday morning pancake breakfasts and occasional "farmily" dinners. The farm's commitment to regenerative agriculture is complemented by its interactions with other local farms, engaging in workdays on traditional Hawaiian taro farms and higher-elevation farms with mushrooms. Through chocolate and coffee tours, the farm invites the community to explore its operations, showcasing the journey from seed to harvest and creating connections between the farm, its farmers, and the people they serve.