MAʻO Organic Farms

MAʻO Organic Farms is a Native Hawaiian community-based social enterprise in Waiʻanae, Oʻahu, founded in 2000 by the Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation. Guided by the philosophy “Growing Food, Growing Leaders,” MAʻO brings together regenerative organic agriculture, ʻāina-based learning, education, youth development and enterprise to strengthen community wellbeing and food security.

At the heart of MAʻO is a commitment to reconnecting people with ʻāina while creating opportunities for ʻōpio (youth) to learn, work and lead. Through paid internships, mentoring, scholarships and education pathways, young people gain practical farming experience alongside opportunities to progress into tertiary education, employment and community leadership.

Over more than 25 years, MAʻO has grown into an internationally relevant example of an Indigenous-led food system, demonstrating how food and agriculture can be used not only to feed communities, but also to restore ʻāina, grow future leaders, strengthen local economies and build greater food resilience and sovereignty across generations.