La’akea Vision for the Land

We are designing the landscape at La’akea to provide as many needs of our community as possible. The largest feature on the land is the cinder cone, which rises 100 feet high, with a cone that is 100 feet across and 40 feet deep. At one time this cone was a mini-volcano, spewing lava, cinders and ash. The rich soil downwind of the cone is a result of this activity. When the lava stopped flowing lichens, ferns and ohia trees began to grow in bare rock. Today we have ohia trees that reach up to 80 feet tall and tree ferns measure 10 feet or more. Previously about 1/3 of the property was bulldozed, trails and roads were made, and a lime and guava orchard were planted. Our main house was built at this time.

Our plan is to work with the existing landscape and existing infrastructure, creating an integrated landscape that will support 12-20 people. We are protecting forested areas, replacing non-native invasive species such as puna rose (Melastoma candidum) with native and useful species. We are expanding our orchard areas, planting more fruit trees including species such as: macadamia nut, ulu (breadfruit), cacao (chocolate), coffee, and many others to provide us with as much food as possible throughout the year. Rather than relying on a cash crop such as our 100 tree lime orchard, we are diversifying so as to have many food producing and income producing crops.

We are bringing animals back into the landscape such as ducks, chickens, and goats. These animals will provide us with food, cycle nutrients, and serve as natural weed and bug control. We plan to construct another pond, near the barn, which will provide nutrient rich water to our garden/nursery area below, as well as fish.