farm to bottle integrity
Kuleana® products demonstrate a continued commitment to regenerative agriculture and renewable energy for a cleaner, kinder, healthier world.
who we are
a local company rooted in sustainability
Kuleana® Hawai’i Grown Oils are a product of Maiden Hawaii Naturals, LLC – a company created in 2015 by Maui-based renewable energy pioneers, Bob and Kelly King.
We are regeneratively farming sunflowers on Maui and KauaĘ»i in rotation with other food crops, supporting greater food security and clean energy in HawaiĘ»i. Our oils are expeller-pressed with no additives or preservatives and bottled by our company at our mill in Kaumakani, KauaĘ»i.Â
Our oils support local food security and are a favorite ingredient for healthy local meals.
a look inside
premium oils from our new mill
Most conventional oils are heavily processed at high temperatures and with harsh chemicals to extract the oil and extend the shelf life; those refined oils are clear, odorless and depleted of nutrients.
In contrast, our premium virgin oils are produced naturally. Using an expeller press, we mechanically press the nuts and seeds with no additives or preservatives, retaining the oil’s natural flavor, aroma, color and nutrients.
And as part of our zero-waste production process, the residual “meal” after oil is crushed from nuts and seeds at our mill is utilized as a high-protein ingredient for local livestock feed. Nothing is wasted.
practicing regenerative agriculture
farming facts
Unlike conventional agriculture, our company uses regenerative agriculture practices in our farming operations on Maui and Kauaʻi. Learn more about regenerative ag below and at Biodiesel.com
mechanical cultivation for weed removal
We mechanically cultivate our sunflower fields to remove weeds. This enables us to avoid use of toxic herbicides on our crops.
center pivots provide efficient irrigation
Our center pivot irrigation system provides accurate and variable irrigation for efficient water usage. The pivot generators, like all of our tractors and farm equipment, run on 100% biodiesel, a biodegradable and non-toxic biofuel produced in Hawai’i by our sister company, Pacific Biodiesel.
Non-GMO Fields Are a Healthy home for pollinators
Our team utilizes natural farming practices, including rotation of non-GMO crops to help improve soil health. Itʻs no wonder our sunflower fields are a favorite among pollinators like honeybees and butterflies.
PLEASE, NO TRESPASSING.
Our sunflowers and other crops farmed on Maui and Kauaʻi are located on private property. For safety and security reasons and in accordance with the private landowners’ policies, no public parking or unauthorized access to the farm sites are allowed. To learn about future farm tours and other community events, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. Mahalo for your cooperation!
leading with integrity
Meet our founders
Our company is rooted in sustainability and clean energy. Kuleana® creators Bob and Kelly King are the internationally respected renewable energy pioneers who founded Pacific Biodiesel on Maui in 1995. Their company recycles used cooking oils from restaurants statewide for use in the local production of renewable fuel for HawaiĘ»i.Â
outstanding in our field
meet our team
James Twigg-Smith, agriculture operations director
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Christopher Long, Sales Manager
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george Twigg-Smith, operations manager
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kurt galatro, maui farm manager
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our story from seed to oil
2015
After being contacted by local macadamia nut processors in 2015 who wondered if excess nuts could be pressed for biofuel instead of landfilled, our founders Bob and Kelly King researched and quickly realized the benefits of macadamia nut oil both as a natural cosmetic oil and a versatile cooking oil. They created a small crushing mill next to their biodiesel refinery on Hawaiʻi Island and initially began producing small batches of cosmetic-grade macadamia nut oil. Maiden Hawaiʻi Naturals, LLC was born. As their operations expanded, they began producing culinary oil in large volume, sold to local restaurants and retailers.
the maui sunflowers
2017
In 2017 the Kings began farming sunflowers on Maui and soon added that culinary oil to their product lineup. Acres of beautiful blooming sunflowers became an instant attraction in Mauiʻs central valley, inspiring visitors and locals alike -- and featured in many educational farm tours and benefit events hosted by our company.
expansion of ag operations to kauaʻi
2024
In early 2024, the Kings announced a significant expansion of their agriculture operations to Kauaʻi – including a new crushing mill with the capacity to process 40 tons of seeds and nuts daily and scaled up farming on 1,000+ acres of formerly fallow agriculture land. Today their team around the state is demonstrating a community-based model of regenerative agriculture and renewable energy that’s a poster child for the circular economy – supporting food security, clean energy, and green jobs in Hawaiʻi.
Kuleana – more than a name, our mission
“Kuleana in Hawaiian means personal responsibility. That inspires everything we do. We believe it is our kuleana to practice sustainability, support local farming and create products that do no harm to people or planet, while showing respect for the Hawaiian culture and this beautiful land." – Kelly King, co-founder of Kuleana®
our vision
Our vision is bold but simple: to place our Hawaiʻi-grown natural culinary oils at the heart of every kitchen that values wellness, sustainability, and taste.
We believe every drop of Kuleana® Hawaiʻi Grown Oils should tell a story of place, purpose, and possibility. We exist to elevate the way chefs, restaurants, and home cooks experience oil: not as a commodity, but as a premium ingredient that brings health, flavor, and sustainability to the table. By choosing our locally grown premium oils, our community chooses:
- Purity — Expeller-pressed without chemicals, preserving nutrients, flavor, and integrity.
- Regeneration — Supporting Hawaii’s circular economy, healthy soils, and thriving ecosystems.
- Performance — Versatile, chef-loved oils with a high smoke point and clean, light flavor profile.
- Local Impact — Strengthening Hawaii’s farmers, kitchens, and communities.
From local farms to your table, we are nourishing people and planet — one bottle at a time.