Agriculture in Waimanalo
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Waimanalo, HI
Waimanalo enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average highs in the mid-80s (°F) and relatively mild lows. The area receives a substantial amount of rainfall, particularly during the wetter winter months, which contributes to its lush, green landscape and supports agriculture. The soil in Waimanalo is exceptionally fertile, thanks to the volcanic origins of the Hawaiian Islands, and is particularly well-suited for cultivating a wide range of crops tropical fruits.
Plumeria Collection
Although native to Central America these colorful “pinwheel” flowers have become iconic in Hawai`i. Many families and farmers grow plumeria to make flower garlands or “lei” in Hawaiian. This collection includes plumeria varieties in a range of colors like yellow, white, pink, and scarlet red.
Ki Collection
Ti or kī in Hawaiian is a common plant found in many Hawai`i home gardens for its diverse colors and uses. The leaves of the kī plant are important to traditional Hawaiian and Pacific lifestyles such as in cooking to wrap and steam foods like laulau and making roofs, rain coats, and hula skirts. Kī leaves were thought to bring good fortune and were used medicinally to alleviate fevers and other ailments.
Kalo Collection
Taro or kalo in Hawaiian is a nutritional root crop that is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, calcium, and iron. Like its heart-shaped leaves, kalo is at the heart of the Native Hawaiian diet and culture. The site has more than 60 varieties of kalo from Hawai`i and other Pacific islands.
Cacao Tree
Can you guess which of your favorite sweets comes from this tree? It is chocolate, and the plant is Cacao (Theobroma cacao)! Cacao trees were first cultivated in ancient Central American and Amazonian civilizations, where cacao was revered as the ‘food of the gods.’
Cacao Fruit
Chocolate comes from the fermenting and processing of the seeds, including its sweet white coating. After fermenting, seeds are dried, roasted, and ground into cocoa liquid, which is then mixed with cocoa butter and sugar to make chocolate. Polyphenols in the cocoa seed are known to have various health benefits.
