Our Projects

Lepo ʻUla was born from the belief that South Kaʻū deserves more — more opportunities, more support, and more investment in the people who call this place home. As community members ourselves, we understand the deep-rooted challenges that come with living in one of Hawai‘i’s most rural and underserved regions. But we also know the strength, knowledge, and potential that live here.

Our projects are shaped by these realities. From supporting new farmers and providing hands-on training, to creating pathways for economic self-reliance and cultural renewal, every effort is designed with and for the people of South Kaʻū. We’re not just planting seeds in the ground — we’re planting hope, resilience, and the foundation for a future where our community can thrive on its own terms.

Establishing A Hive of Innovation and Economic Resilience

A working farm and community hub where future farmers are trained, local food is celebrated, and South Kaʻū comes together to grow, learn, and thrive.

Perpetuating Native Hawaiian Culture

Grounding every project in ancestral knowledge, ʻāina-based practices, and the living traditions that continue to guide and sustain our community.

Bolstering Agriculture

Creating new opportunities for local food production, supporting beginning farmers, and strengthening food security through hands-on training, shared resources, and community-driven solutions.

Addressing Rural Disparities

Tackling the interconnected challenges of poverty, food insecurity, limited healthcare access, educational gaps, and the lack of infrastructure that disproportionately impact our remote community.

Explore Our and Initiatives

In South Kaʻū, life has always been shaped by the land — by wind, lava, and the hands of those who dared to grow something from it. At Lepo ʻUla, we carry that legacy forward, not by returning to the past, but by building on its strength. Our services were born from what this place has asked of us: the need for tools, for training, for access, for belonging. Together, we are laying the foundation for a new agro-economy — one rooted in ʻāina, guided by cultural memory, and driven by the determination to thrive here, on our own terms. Whether it’s clearing a rocky field, teaching the next generation, or lifting our voice in policy, everything we do is an act of restoration — of land, of people, and of possibility.

Professional Advocacy
Lepo ʻUla may be brand new, but our experience and expertise in public policy runs deep. Every action we take is aimed at creating systems-level change that supports farmers, food producers, rural families, and Native Hawaiian Rights. From developing agricultural policy and drafting legislation to engaging lawmakers and testifying at the Capitol and Council Chambers, we advocate fiercely for a future where rural communities are prioritized, resourced, and heard.
Farm Enterprise Training and Agriculture
We equip the next generation of farmers and food producers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to thrive. Our training blends cultural values with practical, hands-on skills — from land preparation and crop planning to business development, marketing, and compliance. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, Lepo ʻUla provides the support you need to turn agricultural passion into sustainable enterprise.
Revitalizing Native Culture
At the na'au (core) of our work is the preservation and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian identity. We create spaces to uplift the cultural practices, ancestral knowledge, and deep-rooted traditions that have long defined South Kaʻū. From ʻāina-based education and storytelling to cultural gardens and community gatherings, Lepo ʻUla is dedicated to restoring this region as a stronghold of ʻike kupuna and Native Hawaiian life.