Local Vendor Profiles: Hawaii
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Island of Hawai'i
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Bunten Farms
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Inspired by the ideal mix of Hawai‘i trade winds, daily rain and abundant sunshine, James Bunten and Sharon Umbaugh partnered with nature to create some of the most delicious tasting tropical fruits on the island. On their small farm, they grow exotic fruits such as longan, rambutan and lychee. But their most prized fruit and family favorite is the White Pineapple – a unique sweet treat!
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Dragonfruit Farms
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Dragonfruit Farms, located in Kapoho on Big Island, is the result of a chance encounter by farmer Gregg Adams with the startling fruit during a visit to Vietnam in 1993. Since this discovery, Gregg's passion has been to find and develop a particularly flavorful and sweet cultivar. The resulting Sweetest One™ variety boasts a beautiful pink skin and white flesh dotted with black seeds.
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Hamakua Heritage Farm
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Bob and Janice Stenga, owners of Hāmākua Heritage Farm, began growing mushrooms in Laupāhoehoe on the Big Island in 2002. The gourmet mushrooms, certified organic in 2008, are cultivated in an automated process that relies on steam and air filtration to control their growth. The exotic array of Hāmākua grown mushrooms, including oyster and pepeiao, combine to create a true ‘fungal jungle.’
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Hamakua Springs
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Located on the slopes of Mauna Kea, Hamakua Springs Country Farm is run by three generations of the Ha family. Richard Ha started by growing bananas on a small plot of land on his father’s chicken farm. Now his wife June, mom Florence and daughter Tracy (along with her husband Kimo) all help run the family business, which sometimes includes deliveries to local stores. Everyone gets an equal vote in product development, which led to Hamakua expanding beyond bananas to cocktail tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and more.
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Hawaiian Springs
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Since 1995, Hawaiian Springs has been bottling natural artesian water “at the source” ensuring the highest quality and purest spring waters. Located near the town of Kea‘au, receiving almost 150 inches of rain per year, it is the second largest sustainable aquifer in the world. Here, water is naturally filtered by lava rock as it travels underground for 20 to 30 days until it reaches Hawaiian Springs wells.
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Hawaiian Vanilla Company
Island of Hawai'i, HI
After moving to the Hamakua Coast to raise their children in a sustainable rural environment, Jim and Tracy Reddekopp purchased a 4,000 square foot vanilla factory in 1997. Hawaiian Vanilla Company has since become the first sustainable vanillery in the U.S. While each vanilla orchid planted takes 5 years to mature, the blossoms only bloom for one day! Each blossom is individually hand pollinated, making their craft a true labor of love.
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Kona Brewing Company
Island of Hawai'i, HI
In 1997 Mattson Davis took the plunge across the big blue Pacific to lead Kona Brewing Company in its fledgling days. After embracing Hawai‘i’s Aloha Spirit, which Mattson shares through his “Liquid Aloha”, he grew the craft beer brewery making Kona Brewing Company Hawaii’s largest brewery and with quality being their number-one priority, Kona Brewing Company’s beers have won countless awards, wowing countless discriminating palates.
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Mehana Brewing Company
Island of Hawai'i, HI
The craft beer of Mehana Brewing Company is brewed and bottled in Hilo by the Shindo family. No strangers to the bottling industry, the Shindos owned and operated Hilo Soda Works for many years. For over ten years now they have focused on developing Mehana’s deliciously light and crisp beers perfect for Hawai‘i drinking.
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Mi's Italian Bistro
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Chef Morgan Starr's love for the restaurant business started with a dishwashing gig at age 14, led to his graduation from the Culinary Institute of America,and brought him to Hawai'i to take up the coveted position of Sous Chef at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Recently, Morgan and his wife, Ingrid Chan, opened Mi's Italian Bistro in Kona, where the motto is "support local, be green, smile and enjoy every moment!". Whole Foods Market is delighted to be the first to offer wonderful fresh pasta from Mi's Italian Bistro.
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Original Hawaiian Chocolate
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Owned and operated by Pam and Bob Cooper, Original Hawaiian Chocolate is the first chocolate grown and processed in Hawai’i. On the slopes of Hualalai Mountain, cacao trees are nurtured by rich volcanic soil, gentle island rains and tropical sunshine. Bob and Pam grow, hand-pick, sun-dry and process only Hawaiian-grown cocoa beans, non-blended to assure purity and quality.
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Pacific Floral Exchange
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Pacific Floral Exchange has been in the flower business in Hawai‘i for almost 2 decades. Over the years the company has grown a network of 80 local farmers who cultivate everything from anthurium to protea, heliconia, and fern fiddleheads. This spectacular array of tropical flowers is distributed from the company warehouse in Kea‘au on the Big Island.
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Puna Orchids
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Puna Orchids 10 acre property lies in a balmy bay in sunny Kapoho where green sea turtles bask. Kapoho’s unique climate helps produce the finest dendrobium orchid plants. Striving to be as environmentally responsible as possible, they use solar power in their nursery where they hand tend the plants and carefully select only the best for each order.
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Tropical Dreams
Island of Hawai'i, HI
Located in Waimea, Tropical Dreams has been providing wonderful frozen desserts to Big Islanders for 20 years. Now run by John and Nancy Edney, the ice cream and gelato is made using cream from Big Island dairies and local fruits, which earned them the Hawai‘i Seal of Quality. We are delighted to introduce O‘ahu to this small batch, custom made delight.
O'ahu
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1st Look Exteriors
O'ahu, HI
For over 16 years, O'ahu-based Greg and Terri Lee have been designing award-winning landscapes. They recently incorporated living walls and green roof installations as part of their sustainable landscaping services. Composed of locally-grown plants, the "living vase" is a mini version of a living wall, scaled down to fit perfectly in your home or office. These uniquely beautiful vases are available only at Whole Foods Market!
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A Latta Gelata
O'ahu, HI
Christine Murai brings a little bit of Tuscany to Hawai‘i with her hand-crafted gelato, made fresh daily in small batches. In 2007, A Latta Gelata opened its doors to the delight of Island gelato lovers. Christine uses as many local ingredients as possible, creating the creamiest, freshest and most flavorful desserts on the island.
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Aloun Farms
O'ahu, HI
Aloun Sou, his wife Somphone and their children immigrated to Hawaii from Laos in 1977 and settled in Wai‘anae. They farmed on 5 acres of leased land in the Lualualei Valley growing various varieties of Asian vegetables, green onion and herbs. They now have over 3,000 acres in central O‘ahu. Their goal is to provide the highest quality fresh island grown produce and decrease the island’s dependence on imported produce. They are strong supporters of community outreach through educational tours, collaboration with the Future Farmers of America program, school-to-work programs, and educational farm visits.
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Andy’s Bueno Salsa
O'ahu, HI
When Andy Doka’s small Mexican restaurant in Waimanalo closed years ago, longtime customers begged him to keep making his salsa. He proudly sources ingredients from local farmers, including chiles from Lame Crane farms in Kailua and hand-picked cilantro from Vilath Farm. Andy still hand-crafts, packages and delivers his salsas, earning himself the nickname “Salsa Guy!”
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Ba-Le
O'ahu, HI
After opening Ba-Le Sandwiches in 1984 in Honolulu’s Chinatown, Thanh Quoc Lam expanded his shop to a full-scale bakery where he and his team craft quality artisanal breads and delicious desserts using only the purest and finest local ingredients.
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Hawaiian Bath & Body
O'ahu, HI
Since 1996, Jerry and Debora Driscoll have been making all natural soaps (and haven't used any other soap since!). In keeping with their desire to live a sustainable lifestyle, the Driscolls and their partner Shannon built their North Shore Soap Factory using recycled and reusable materials. Everything they create is formulated and made on the premises from natural plant extracts and roots. In fact, all their ingredients are food grade, in keeping with their vision for the highest quality product.
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The Hawaiian Chef
Oahu, HI
Chock full of fresh local ingredients from Hawai'i farms, The Hawaiian Chef's dressings are bursting with flavor. Crafted by Executive Chef Beau Ikaika Beair, the first ingredient of each item is mana, representing a gift of spiritual empowerment through natural healthy foods prepared with love and aloha. E Ala E Kau Kau: Awaken to the benefits of good food.
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Ho Farms
O'ahu, HI
Located in Kahuku, on the North Shore of O‘ahu, Ho Farms is a family-driven affair. Cultivating beautiful produce for over 16 years, the Ho family is committed to growing produce that promotes human and environmental health. Known particularly for their beautiful rainbow of tomatoes, Ho Farms grows a variety of fruit and vegetables that proudly bear the Hawai‘i Seal of Quality.
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Honey Girl Organics
O'ahu, HI
Honey Girl Organics, started in 2006 by husband and wife team Anthony and Gwen Maxfield and family friend Christina Sirlin, creates ultra-rich skin crèmes made from organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, honey, pollen and propolis straight from their own hives. Their products contain no preservatives, additives or synthetic ingredients, as honey and beeswax are excellent natural preservatives. They are so natural and healthy, you could eat them!
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Honolulu Coffee Roasters
O'ahu, HI
In 1991 Raymond Suiter founded Hololulu Coffee Company in order to create the ultimate coffee experience. Cultivated in Kona by farmers using sustainable growing methods, the coffee is artisan roasted in small batches daily to ensure freshness and taste. Honolulu Coffee Co.’s coffee can be found only at the company’s own retail cafés, and here at Whole Foods Market.
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Indigenous Soap Company
O'ahu, HI
The Indigenous Soap Company was started in 2002 by Eric Gamundoy and Love Chance. Between Eric’s dream to learn how to make soap and Love’s quest to “go all natural”, turning their hobby of artisan soapmaking into a business seemed like the perfect fit. Their soaps are made from local organic or wild-harvested herbs and oils in combinations that are made with healing intentions. They contain no synthetics, colors, or fragrance oils, making them perfect for all skin types and ages.
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Island Seasonings and Island Salsa
O'ahu, HI
Created with the finest local herbs, produce and sea salt, Island Seasonings and Island Salsas showcase the bountiful local ingredients found on Hawai‘i. They offer a variety of gourmet dry rub blends and the freshest salsa around.
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Kaiulani Spices
O'ahu, HI
Kai Cowell has always had a passion for food in its purest and freshest state, so pairing her love for simple great tasting food with traditional Hawaiian flavors and herbs only seemed natural. Kaiulani Spices are made from raw spices that she roasts, grinds and blends to create unique rubs and seasonings - capturing the true flavor essence of the Hawaiian islands.
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Land of Organica
O'ahu, HI
Land of Organica is a family owned operation in the heart of Honolulu. Their delicious juices and sorbets are made using fresh certified organic fruit, locally sourced whenever possible, and are sweetened using agave or Big Island honey. The results are purely refreshing.
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MA’O Organic Farms
O'ahu, HI
Gary and Kukui Maunakea-Forth founded MA’O Organic Farms not only to provide fresh produce to locals, but also to give back to their community and to help develop local agriculture. Their passion is simply beautiful – good food, good land and good relationships. This non-profit farm provides scholarships to high school and college age students, who work the fields and learn sustainable farming practices. Today, MA’O is the largest certified organic farm on O‘ahu. You’ll find many wonderful products from MA’O in our produce aisles!
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May’s Wonder Gardens
O'ahu, HI
In the highlands above Hale‘iwa on the North Shore, May’s Wonder Garden is home to a bountiful variety of lettuce. Using state-of-the-art hydroponic methods, owner Duane Lau cultivates luxurious green butter, red leaf, green leaf, Mānoa, lolla rosa and romaine lettuce. When leafy greens have a view this good, it’s no surprise they’re this delicious!
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Mountain View Dairy
O'ahu, HI
The Wong family grows and harvests kiawe wood on 100 acres of Mountain View Dairy, in Wai‘anae, O‘ahu. The Wongs have been farming in Wai‘anae for over 48 years. Their kiawe wood, ideal for smoking and grilling meat, poultry and fish, is used in our in-house smokers and now you can purchase the wood, too, to recreate these wonderful flavors at home.
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Oils of Aloha
O'ahu, HI
Since 1988, Oils of Aloha has manufactured top-quality natural oils from botanicals grown throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Utilizing a minimal refining process, Oils of Aloha’s Kukui and Macadamia Oils are expeller pressed (natural extraction without chemical solvents) to maintain the optimum quality and purity of the oil.
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Paepae O He‘eia
O'ahu, HI
Paepae o He‘eia is a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for He‘eia Fishpond, an ancient fishpond located in He‘eia, Ko‘olaupoko in Windward O‘ahu. Established by a group of young Hawaiians, Paepae o He‘eia works in partnership with landowner Kamehameha Schools to manage and restore the fishpond for the community and future generations. The brackish water of the fishpond supports a diverse community of aquatic species, including limu, moi, ‘awa, papio and ama‘ama crabs. The pond’s delicate limu is absolutely ‘ono!
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Poamoho Farms
O'ahu, HI
Although they came from backgrounds in Naval Intelligence and computer systems engineering, Al and Joan Santoro have grown to love their life as organic farmers. They have taken their 7 acre lot on the North Shore from fallow, former sugar cane land covered with guinea grass to the largest certified organic tropical fruit orchard on O‘ahu. Embracing the idea of diversified farming, their farms hosts mangos, lychee, citrus, breadfruit, papayas, star fruit, and more.
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Paradise Candles
O'ahu, HI
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands and her love for the environment, Jena Steinbauer began making all-natural soy candles with her husband Rob. Their inspiration comes from many places - the pineapple fields of Kunia, the beautiful indigenous plants and flowers discovered in Waimea Valley, and fresh fruits from local vendors. Each soy candle is hand-crafted in Hawai‘i with Aloha.
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Sumida Farms
O'ahu, HI
Sumida Farms is a little bit of a green heaven right in our urban backyard. Passed down through three generations, the farm continues to harvest their watercress the traditional way - in cold natural spring water. Siblings Barbara and David Sumida preserve their family’s legacy, vacuum chilling the watercress just after harvesting to ensure the best quality product arrives at our store.
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Taro Delight
O'ahu, HI
Tom Purdy used to smother all his food with cream-based salad dressing, until a bad cholesterol report made him rethink his diet. He experimented with taro root and after finding the right flavor, he made taro dressing for all his friends for Christmas. They promptly pulled out chips and ate it as a dip. The rest is history! Taro Delight Smoked Taro Dips are all natural, made without stabilizers or preservatives and lightly smoked for a full bodied flavor perfect as a dip or even the base for your own dressing creation.
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Twin Bridge Farms
O'ahu, HI
Twin Bridge Farms was started by enterprising farmers Milton Agader and Al Medrano when Waialua Sugar shut down in the mid-1990s and opened up acreage in the area for diversified farming. Their primary crop is asparagus, a perennial crop that has been a major hit with local chefs in high end restaurants and many personal kitchens. Thanks to its fresh flavor and crisp texture, the asparagus’ success is no surprise and is reflected in the farm’s receipt of the Hawai‘i Seal of Quality.
Maui
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Howard’s Nurseries
Maui, HI
Located in Kula, Maui, Howard’s Nurseries takes advantage of the cool Upcountry weather - made even more wintery through the use of cold storage facilities – to cultivate blooming bulb plants not often seen in Hawai‘i’s tropical environment. For those pining for a touch of temperate spring, Howard and Sandy Takishita’s tulips, hyacinths, and freesias are just the thing!
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I. N. Komoda Orchids
Maui, HI
I. N. Komoda Orchids, Inc. is a small orchid nursery in Makawao, Upcountry Maui. The nursery specializes in Miltoniopsis, more commonly known as the "Pansy Orchid" and other unique orchid genera. Owner Ivan Komoda's passion is the creation of new hybrids, which are nationally and internationally recognized. Formerly a Medical Technologist, Ivan's one-time hobby has become full time obsession — lucky us!
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Kula Organic Grown Produce
Maui, HI
Ken Okamura is the third generation in his family to farm on Maui. After earning his Masters degree in social work from the University of Hawai‘i, he took over for his parents in 1984. Okamura began experimenting with organic farming practices to improve production and continues to expand the range of organic veggies grown on his farm in Kula, including cabbage, bell peppers and cucumbers.
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Maui Brewing Company
Maui, HI
Maui Brewing Company, with a brewpub in Kahana and brewery in Lahaina, creates handcrafted beers using the finest natural ingredients from around the world to brew local beers with global style. The results have captured many national and international accolades and are sure to quench your thirst in style.
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Maui Pineapple
Maui, HI
For nearly 100 years Maui Pineapple Company has grown delicious pineapples in the fertile Maui fields. When the company developed its Maui Gold variety, pineapple lovers everywhere rejoiced at this extra sweet fruit. Maui’s combination of sunny days, cool nights and rich volcanic soil results in a perfectly refreshing gold treat.
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Scents of Knowing
Maui, HI
Jack Chaitman founded Scents of Knowing 2 decades ago, inspired by the intelligence of nature. He creates single note and blended perfumes from sustainably grown plants and flowers, starting with a gentle process where fresh flowers are immersed in jojoba oil to extract the essence of the plant. The results are unique scents that capture the elements of nature.
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Surfing Goat Dairy
Maui, HI
Owned and operated by German expatriates, Thomas and Eva Kafsack, Surfing Goat Dairy represents one of only two goat dairies in Hawai‘i. Armed with a passion to create some of the finest goat cheeses using the most natural and local ingredients, Thomas and Eva relocated to Maui. Surfing Goat dairy is a Certified Humane farm offering a variety of gourmet and specialty Chevre cheeses.
Moloka‘i
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Kumu Farms
Moloka‘i, HI
Kumu Farms has been on Moloka‘i for over 25 years, and has been certified organic since 1996. Owner Grant Schule cultivates herbs and sunrise papaya, and makes fresh pesto and lime-cilantro sauce. In a cooperative partnership with Moloka‘i Hawaiian Homesteaders, Kumu Farms purchases and markets organic papaya from these growing farmers. To help us all grow our kitchen gardens, Kumu Farms has developed an organic potted culinary program just for Whole Foods Market.
