Leah and Ponch fell in love with the land in Hāna, Maui nearly a decade ago. After getting engaged on Maui and living in Kihei, they put down roots on a small, once-operating macadamia farm in 2018.

Since then, they have lived on, worked, and slowly brought this land back to life. What began as a neglected orchard became, through persistence and care, a working macadamia farm. They planted trees, rehabilitated the land, and learned the ins and outs of farming along the way. It has been a true labor of love.

This year marked a major leap. Leah left her remote career to dedicate herself to the farm full-time alongside Ponch. After years of strategizing to make full-time farming a reality, their commitment began to take hold.

The farm became their livelihood, and then a powerful storm swept through the islands.

Severe winds from a record-breaking Kona Low storm devastated the orchard, taking down at least half of their mature trees. While their home and this past year’s harvest were spared, the mac nut tree grove, the heart of the farm, was deeply impacted and will be forever changed.

Right now, Leah and Ponch are focused on cleanup, safety, and understanding what can be saved.

Funds raised will help them:

Invest in additional equipment and labor to clear 45+ downed trees

Sustain the farm during this immediate recovery period and assist with the loss of future harvest income

And eventually, start growing agin…

Leah and Ponch are heartbroken for their small farming community, and would never ask for this help themselves… but everyone needs support, and no one is an island (even when you live on one!).

Please help remind them they are not alone. They are deeply loved and supported, and their dream and story is far from over.

With time, care, and the support of community, they will rebuild, and we are grateful for everyone who will be a part of that.