From the Land of Fire, We Forge
Lepo ʻUla: South Kaʻū Rural Enterprise and Innovation Hive is a Native Hawaiian-led nonprofit Agriculture and Natural Resource enterprise dedicated to uplifting and elevating our historically underserved and socially disadvantaged ancestral communities through responsible rural development.
Empowering Through Responsible Rural Development
For us, “responsible rural development” means the kind of socio-political-economic growth that – through free, prior, and informed consent – meets the aspirations of the people who have been here for a very long time – some of us since time immemorial.
Our Mission & Values
Lepo ʻUla honors those who came before, uplifts those rooted here now, and strengthens the foundation for those still to come. As descendants of South Ka‘ū’s first people, we have a vested interest in the future growth of this community – it is our kuleana (responsibility).
For generations, South Kaʻū has endured the weight of geographic isolation — leading to systemic disparities in access, opportunity, and investment. Too often, success meant leaving home behind, while remaining meant sacrificing basic resources or pathways to advancement. These challenges have strained our people and tested our resilience — but they have not broken our will.
Today, with the technology, tools, and collective knowledge at our fingertips, we have the chance to reverse that narrative. Lepo ʻUla is committed to advancing a new model of rural development — one that is rooted in cultural integrity, driven by community leadership, and built to serve past, present, and future generations of South Kaʻū.
Our Work
Our Projects
Discover the impactful projects Lepo ‘Ula is leading to establish a Native Hawaiian culture-based Agricultural Economy in South Ka‘ū.
Building Our Hive at Lepo 'Ula
Working farm, cultural center, and innovation center rolled into one hub. Our most ambitious project is creating a vibrant center from which we will grow a responsible agro-economy with Native Hawaiian knowledge leading the way.
- Cultural Resource Center
- Agricultural Workforce Development
- Farmer's Market
Training Hawai'i's Farmer of the Future
Hawai‘i’s Farmer of the Future sees what others overlook. Where some see lava desert, we see the foundation for food security, economic resilience, and cultural restoration. Our mahiʻai practices were born from this land — not in spite of it, but because of it. In South Kaʻū, we still carry that ancestral knowledge: how to grow food in difficult places, how to work with the rhythms of ʻāina, and how to provide for our people in ways that restore balance. Hawai’i’s Farmer of the Future is a farmer that knows Native Hawaiian culture.
- Agricultural Workforce Development
- Culturally Appropriate Foods
- Food Security
Turning A Lava Desert Into A Food Empire
Recent lava flows on the southern slopes of the largest active volcano on Earth (Maunaloa) have obliterated the once lush rainforests and expansive farmlands that remained there. Through the use of modern technology, we can restore these ecosystems, transforming lava desert into food and opportunity.
- Native plant restoration
- Community involvement
- Sustainable Trans-Farmation
Our Team
Join The Swarm
Support Our Mission
FAQs
Lepo ‘Ula is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating responsible rural development and empowering the South Ka‘ū community through innovative projects and education.
You can support Lepo ‘Ula by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about our initiatives. Visit our ‘Join the Swarm’ page to learn more.
Our projects include agricultural workforce development, preservation and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture, and the establishment of an agro-economic hub, all aimed at promoting sustainability and local resilience.