A shared vision of partners Kaua‘i County and Leadership Kaua‘i is now reality in ‘Ele‘ele with a new space that will bring community members together for food, connection and stewardship.
A blessing ceremony was recently conducted for Lima Ola Community Garden.
“This garden represents what can happen when our community comes together with a shared vision. It’s about growing food, cultivating relationships, supporting our kūpuna and keiki and creating a space where our island values of mālama and kuleana can thrive,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a county release following the blessing. “Mahalo to our [Kaua‘i County] team and the Leadership Kaua‘i 2026 class who played a central role in planning, coordination and implementation.”
Lima Ola Community Garden provides a space for residents to grow food, build connections and strengthen stewardship of the ‘āina.
The garden includes site preparation, raised garden plots, irrigation systems, gathering areas and ongoing educational and sustainability programming.
Members of the Leadership Kaua‘i 2026 class supported community outreach, garden design, volunteer coordination and key events, including the blessing ceremony and a planned grand opening.
The project began in January with planning and site preparation. A blessing April 17 marked the completion of initial phases and transition to ongoing community use and stewardship.
It’s designed to be inclusive and accessible, supporting a range of uses from food production and cultural practices to educational classes and community gatherings for keiki, kūpuna and families.
Community partnerships were instrumental in bringing the project to life, including support from Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, Office of Economic Development along with local businesses and organizations.
Lima Ola Community Garden is an ongoing initiative, with opportunities for residents to participate through volunteer workdays, educational events and long-term stewardship.
Contact Christine Castillo at 808-241-4480 or via email at ccastillo@kauai.gov for additional information or with any questions.
Group gathers for the Lima Ola Community Garden blessing April 17, 2026, in ‘Ele‘ele. (Courtesy Photo: Kaua‘i County)- Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami gives remarks during the Lima Ola Community Garden blessing April 17, 2026, in ‘Ele‘ele. (Courtesy Photo: Kaua‘i County)
