A New Haleiwa Agricultural Park Is Giving Immigrant and Refugee Farmers a Place to Grow
A new agricultural park in Haleiwa is breaking ground as more than just a farming venture — it’s becoming a bridge between cultures and a pathway to economic independence for immigrant and refugee families across Oahu.
The Pacific Gateway Center launched the Haleiwa Agricultural Park on Kamehameha Schools land, creating opportunities for newcomers to Hawaii who often arrive with extensive farming experience from their home countries but lack access to land and markets here.
The 10-acre site along Kamehameha Highway provides individual plots where farmers can grow traditional crops from their homelands alongside local Hawaiian produce. Many participants previously worked as professional farmers in countries like Myanmar, Laos, and various Pacific Island nations before relocating to Hawaii as refugees or immigrants.
From Professional Farmers to New Beginnings
For many participants, the agricultural park represents a return to their roots. Several farmers had owned large agricultural operations in their birth countries but lost everything due to political upheaval, natural disasters, or economic instability that forced them to seek refuge elsewhere.
“These are not people learning to farm for the first time,” said Maria Santos, program coordinator for the Pacific Gateway Center’s agricultural initiative. “They’re bringing generations of knowledge about sustainable growing practices, water management, and crop rotation that can benefit all of Hawaii’s agricultural community.”
The program goes beyond providing land access. Participants receive business training, help with marketing their produce, and connections to local restaurants and farmers markets throughout the North Shore and greater Honolulu area.
Cultural Exchange Through Agriculture
The agricultural park is fostering unexpected cultural exchanges between longtime Hawaii residents and newcomers. Local farmers are learning about heritage seed varieties and traditional growing methods, while immigrant farmers adapt their techniques to Hawaii’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Several plots feature crops rarely seen in local markets, including specific varieties of bitter melon popular in Southeast Asian cuisine and drought-resistant vegetables that thrive in Hawaii’s varying microclimates. These specialty crops are finding eager customers in Chinatown markets and ethnic restaurants across Oahu.
The location in Haleiwa puts the agricultural park at the heart of the North Shore’s farming community, where participants can connect with established local growers and learn about Hawaii’s agricultural traditions while sharing their own knowledge.
Economic Impact and Food Security
Beyond cultural benefits, the agricultural park addresses two critical issues facing Hawaii: food security and economic opportunities for immigrant communities. The state imports roughly 85% of its food, making local production increasingly valuable for both economic and environmental reasons.
Participating farmers can sell directly to consumers through the program’s connection to weekend farmers markets in Haleiwa, Kailua, and Honolulu. Some are already developing relationships with restaurants in Waikiki and downtown Honolulu seeking fresh, locally-grown specialty ingredients.
The economic model allows farmers to keep most of their profits while contributing a small percentage back to the program for maintenance and expansion. This approach helps families build savings and potentially transition to larger farming operations or other business ventures.
Community Support and Partnerships
Kamehameha Schools’ decision to lease land for the agricultural park reflects a broader commitment to supporting Hawaii’s diverse communities while honoring the land’s agricultural heritage. The partnership includes access to water, basic infrastructure, and storage facilities.
Local North Shore residents have embraced the project, with several volunteering to help with translation services, transportation to markets, and connections to potential customers. The Haleiwa community’s response demonstrates how agricultural initiatives can strengthen neighborhood bonds across cultural lines.
The Pacific Gateway Center is also working with University of Hawaii extension agents to provide technical support and help farmers navigate Hawaii’s unique growing challenges, from soil salinity near coastal areas to managing crops during intense rain seasons.
Looking Ahead
Plans are underway to expand the agricultural park to accommodate more farmers, with a waiting list already forming. The Pacific Gateway Center is exploring partnerships with other landowners across Oahu to replicate the model in areas with significant immigrant populations, including Kalihi and West Oahu.
The success in Haleiwa could serve as a template for addressing both Hawaii’s agricultural workforce needs and immigrant economic integration. As more families establish themselves through farming, their children are also learning agricultural skills that could help address the state’s long-term food security challenges.
For Honolulu residents, the agricultural park represents more than just another farming project — it’s an example of how Hawaii’s immigrant communities continue to contribute their skills and traditions while building new lives in the islands.
