Kamehameha Schools’ Mahiʻai Match-Up supports food systems-focused entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship and skills to build sustainable businesses, fostering economic resilience and cultivating them as ʻōiwi leaders whose work improves the well-being of our lāhui. In this series, we spotlight the innovative contestants of the competition, showcasing their journeys and contributions to Hawaiʻi’s sustainable food future.
Founded in 2019 by wife-and-husband team Lehia Apana and Brad Bayless, Polipoli Farms is in a historically rich area of Maui known for its fresh water and traditional lo‘i kalo systems. After careers in journalism and construction management, the couple pivoted to full-time farming during the pandemic, transforming their land into a thriving regenerative farm.
When they purchased their farm in 2017, they discovered evidence of traditional lo‘i kalo terraces while clearing out a mess of invasive species. They spent much of their time understanding what was there before, inspired by ʻike kūpuna to grow native crops like ‘ulu, māmaki, sugar cane and bananas.
“I think it’s so important to bring back the ʻono for these traditional foods, so when people look at the shelves, they crave the local, healthy options instead of imported unhealthy ones,” said co-founder Lehia Apana.
In addition to fresh produce, Polipoli Farms offers value-added products like their signature Chewy Bananas snack and herbal teas made from māmaki, ‘ulu and ‘uhaloa leaves. Their products are sold online and through retail stores, restaurants and hotels across Hawaiʻi pae ‘āina.
“Our goal at Polipoli Farms is simple, but not easy: to expand ʻāina stewardship across our region. We’re trying to do that by proving a successful business model rooted in what we call aloha ʻāina economics,” Apana said.
Born and raised on Maui, the co-founders are motivated by their love for ʻāina and the abundant history of Nā Wai ʻEha, the four great waters of Maui, one of which feeds their region. Honoring their ancestors and the places that raised them is central to their mission.
“We grew up in these waters, so playing and learning these traditional practices is our connection to culture that keeps us going every single day,” co-founder Brad Bayless said. “That kuleana is so deep within our naʻau.”
If their farm is named a Mahiʻai Match-up winner, the prize money will help their company meet growing demand by building an on-farm food processing hub, slated for completion by spring 2025. The new facility will allow Polipoli Farms to scale production and aggregate foods grown by other local mahi‘ai, making locally grown foods more accessible to the community.
“We have the opportunity to use business for good, to feed our ʻāina, feed our communities and create a regenerative business system through commerce,” Apana said.
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