At the Kona Salt Farm, we live by the local saying, “If can, can”—a humble yet powerful reminder that if something is possible, we do it. Guided by Hawaiian values of Malama (Caring), this mindset drives our pursuit of sustainability and our Kuleana (responsibility) to safeguard Hawaiʻi’s precious land and sea for future generations.
Reducing Waste & Single Use
- Glass & Tin Containers: We package our salts in reusable glass bottles and recyclable tin containers to ensure freshness and reduce single-use plastics.
- Our Packaging Journey: For more than two years, we worked with two different vendors to develop plastic-free, compostable pouches for our salt and electrolyte products. Unfortunately, extensive testing showed that the material's structural integrity and moisture barrier could not reliably protect our products. We ultimately had to return to conventional packaging to maintain product quality and freshness.
- We Keep Looking: Our search for better packaging hasn't stopped. We continue to evaluate new materials and solutions that can reduce waste while meeting the demands of our products and climate.
- We use glassware for farm tours and plates & silverware for own events, washing everything on-site with a commercial washer.
- We encourage event hosts to hold responsible events at our venue, to avoid single-use plastics, choose local vendors, and opt for natural décor whenever possible.
- We operate a farm-wide recycling program for cardboard, paper, glass, and aluminum to keep waste out of landfills when possible.
Clean & Renewable Energy
- We harness photovoltaic (PV) panels to power much of our salt farm, taking full advantage of Kona's abundant sunshine. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy took a big investment but it lowers our carbon footprint while reducing operational cost.
- We started the transition our salt harvest to Hot Houses that rely on solar energy, eliminating single-use materials and further minimizing our environmental footprint.
Caring for the Ocean
- We donate 1% of our proceeds to PMDP Hawaiʻi, a local nonprofit focused on protecting the sensitive wildlife and critical habitats of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from the threats of marine debris. As of October 2024, PMDP Hawaii has collected and removed over 1 million lbs of marine debris.
- We provide Hawai’i Island’s Akako‘a Coral Reef Restoration Program with space at the salt farm for dry lab, office, and boat parking. This simple but useful arrangement supports Akako‘a’s marine research and oceanic initiatives directly alongside our operations.
- We educate visitors and our local and online community through tours, events and online resources—inviting everyone to join us in caring for Hawai'i and to cultivate a closer connection with Hawaiʻi’s land and sea.
“If can, can” continually reminds us to do what’s possible. Our dedication to sustainability is an ever-evolving process. Mahalo Nui Loa for supporting our vision and for joining us in shaping a healthy future for Hawaiʻi’s land and ocean for generations to come.
