A Dream of Wellness and Community Grows on Hawaii’s Big Island
Nestled in the serene foothills of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Volcano lies a lush, off-grid sanctuary where sustainable living meets holistic wellness. Known as the Honaunau Wellness Farm, this 7.5-acre retreat is the vision of Steve Sakala, who spent nearly two decades transforming the land into an eco-conscious haven after years with the Peace Corps in West Africa.
Now listed for nearly $2.5 million, the Honaunau property features two homes and six cabins set among more than 100 types of fruit and medicinal plants. It includes rainwater catchment systems, solar energy, farm animals for soil regeneration, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sustainable Living in Paradise
Sakala’s mission was clear from the beginning: create a self-sustaining, community-oriented farm. The land includes updated main and ohana homes (Hawaii’s term for a second family residence), greenhouses, workshops, and four entirely off-grid cabins. Each structure showcases sustainable materials, including Hawaii’s native ‘Ōhiʻa wood and upcycled materials that would otherwise go to waste.
The main house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms with a modern kitchen, copper farm sink, and a wellness area featuring an infrared sauna, yoga space, and an outdoor shower. The ohana house offers two bedrooms, a polished concrete kitchen, and a communal lower level with a shared farm kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area.
Off the Grid, Yet Fully Functional
The farm’s elevation—around 1,500 feet—eliminates the need for heating or cooling, one of the biggest energy burdens in traditional homes. With solar panels and a rainwater catchment system that provides up to 95% of the water, the entire farm is nearly energy and water independent.
“Our systems are designed to mimic nature,” said Sakala. “Even the animals like goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens play a role in restoring soil health by rotating them around the land.”
Year-Round Harvest and Cultural Roots
Beyond its eco-friendly design, the farm produces a year-round bounty of macadamia nuts, tropical fruits, and traditional Polynesian crops like taro, sugarcane, breadfruit, and squash. Spices from tropical regions are also grown to prepare for future changes in food availability.
“The goal was not just to grow food, but to grow culture and resilience,” said Sakala.
A Retreat for Wellness and Learning
Honaunau Wellness Farm has operated as a retreat center and short-term rental for the last decade. Guests participate in farm tours, sustainability classes, yoga sessions, and farm-to-table meals—all with sweeping views of Kealakekua Bay and sacred Hawaiian sites.
“The sunsets are breathtaking, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot whales and dolphins,” said listing agent Tanya Sunshine of Hawai’i Life.
As Sakala eyes future ventures and travel opportunities, he hopes to replicate the Honaunau model elsewhere, combining regenerative farming with education and wellness to inspire more communities toward sustainable living.
