We are a working, organic tropical fruit farm in Hawaii on the Big Island. Kumu Aina means teacher of the land. For 10 years it has been teaching us as well as the many people who come here to help us with the farm and to learn about tropical fruit, permaculture, and sustainability.
We have over 600 fruit trees and 80 varieties of tropical fruit. In addition, we have milking cows, sheep, goats, chickens, quails, honeybees, and dogs.
We work towards a livestyle of living off the land, using little outside resources, and reducing our ecological footprint. Bob and I (Terri) own the farm, and this is our home. We live in an area of like-minded people on farms living as we do.
We are off the grid, which means most everything we use comes from the land, such as food, solar heated showers, catchment water, solar power (DC-AC inverter), composting toilets, and fire cook stoves.
We hope to inspire others to choose a similar path as ours living close to the land eating natural foods without chemicals or genetic modification. We teach young people how to unplug and discover natural living and learn by doing.
Hello. Years ago I bought “hog plums” from your fruit stand at Maku’u Market. Would love to know exactly what that was. Was it another name for Dwarf Wi Apple or was it another plant in the Spondius family (spondius mombin)? Also, do you sell seeds or plants of this hog plum? Thank you, Ryan (on island)
It was def a hog plum mombin. I don’t think the seeds germinate. There are never any keiki under the tree. I heard they must be sir layered. I could try to do a few. We are upping our nursery. I will keep you posted. I think they are yummy too. And I think I remember you. Mahaloz
Aloha, I live in the Hamakua coast. I have not seen any recent posts from you. The last post I see is you moving back to your farm after evacuation. I hope your farm and family are thriving. I do miss your inspirational writing. Stay well.
Yes, we are good! Honestly, I’ve been really busy getting the farm back in order. The lava came fairly close but we are still here. My laptop died and I just ordered a new one, so who knows, I may begin writing again. Thanks for your inquiry. Aloha.
Hi I live in Hilo and a huge fan of marang. Do you have any fruit or trees for sale?
Not at this time.
Hello! I am interested in working on your farm next summer after I graduate (June, July, and August 2019). When will the application be open for summer 2019? Thanks so much!
Not sure Eavan, I hope so. Let’s see what the lava is going to do.
When making yuca hash browns are you using the raw or precooked yuca to shred?
I shred them raw. Never tried cooked.
Hi, I am interested in working on your farm. Before I fill out the application, do you have availability in May or July this year?
Yes, we do.Thank you, Terri
I would be interested in coming to stay for a visit
check site for online application. We have availabilities in March and the summer. Aloha