Page 6 - MidWeek Windward - Apr 7, 2021

6 APRIL 7, 2021
Waimānalo Country Farms Blooms With Beautiful Flowers
BY GINGER KELLER
Now that her grandkids are out in the field plant- ing seeds, Kailua resident Shawn Kadooka says that Waimānalo Country Farms has seen the hard work of six generations since its start in 1948.
Originally called Golden Melon Farm, the property previously specialized in “truck farming,” and grew an abundance of produce like broccoli, kai choi, green onion, Chinese peas, sweet potato and tomatoes.
Waimānalo Country Farms, a local, family business, currently has sunflowers in bloom, and residents are invited to stop by.
In the decades following, melons became a hot-ticket item — which is how the farm garnered its prior mon- iker — and, at one point, there were 13 different va- rieties popping up from the ground.
values, though. It taught me to work hard at a very young age, and same thing goes for my kids. They got to play sports, but all of their extra time was spent on the farm. Maybe they didn’t like it at the time, but as they got old- er and they got married, they came back and said, ‘Mom, we really appreciate the fact that you made us work hard.’
the Lord blesses us because we get along.”
in time for the wedding, so the farm decided to share the beauty with the community.
“We really appreciate ev- eryone’s support. We love doing it and that’s why we keep doing it,” Kadooka adds.
When the men of the family were off to Vietnam in the 1970s, the remaining members were forced to transition to a crop that re- quired less labor: corn.
“It’s something that comes natural because you either love farming or you don’t. We all happen to love it. Right now, all of my kids help at the farm; they all have their own businesses, but when they’re not work- ing or when the farm needs help, they stop what they’re doing and help.
The concept came about by accident when Kadooka’s daughter wanted to get mar- ried surrounded by flowers. The flora sadly didn’t bloom
Members of the multigenerational family which operates Waimānalo Country Farms stand next to their sunflowers.
PHOTOS COURTESY SHAWN KADOOKA
squeezed lemonade or sweet tea is included and there’s also a chance to safely say “hi” to the newborn goats, sheep and donkeys.
the people that come are so mindful.”
Though Waimānalo Coun- try Farms might be known for its fresh, local produce, what really makes it stand out are the picturesque sun- flower fields that are current- ly in bloom.
This year, residents can take a leisurely drive around the farm, with an opportu- nity for occasional stops for picture taking. For this, the farm offers an array of props, including a bubble machine, tractor, white pick- et fence, bathtub, butterfly wall and a 2021 sign for graduates. A cup of fresh-
“People just love sunflow- ers; it makes them happy,” says Kadooka. “There are so many individuals who ... don’t get to get out and ac- tually see how things grow. They don’t get to have that country fresh air and, really,
Reservations are not re- quired but highly recom- mended. Call 306-4381 or visit waimanalocountry- farms.com for more infor- mation.
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Today, Waimānalo Coun- try Farms — which is owned by Kadooka and her hus- band, Dominic — continues the decadeslong tradition.
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“When my uncle ran it, you didn’t go to the beach, all of your friends got to play and you didn’t, you had to work and learn,” Kadooka says with a smile. “I think it taught me some really good
“It’s neat because, al- though ... it kind of seems monotonous because we’re all together, we love it and
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