My name is Louis and I have been passionate about wellness, biohacking, and farming ever since I was a teenager. I attended the University of Hawaii Hilo and studied the ecology and soil science. The most important fact I had learned was that the farmland of the world has been depleted of all its minerals. This has created worldwide nutrient deficiencies, as we are devoid of the core building blocks of life. Thankfully in Hawai'i, we are surrounded by fertile volcanic soils, bountiful clean rainwater, and an abundant ocean. This is what led me to create Hawaiian Health Co. and our electrolyte product Hawaiian Hydration.
It all started in 2022 in Waimea, Kaua'i I had the opportunity to start my own mini-farm. My girlfriend and I had an abundance of pumpkins, watermelon, herbs, greens, and too much basil. We then made the basil into pesto and sold it at local farmers markets. I had numerous farming friends across the islands, who grew unique foods, herbs and mushrooms. I had the idea to gather these ingredient and make them into easy-to-take tinctures, powders, and pills.
Supporting local farms was the first key tenet of the business. The state of Hawaii, (the most remote inhabited archipelago on Earth), imports more than 90% of its food. Large food producers dominate the local food system, preventing small farmers from having opportunities to distribute their produce. Food grown in small farms are often higher in nutrients, organically grown and support local communities - while large scale farms use chemical fertilizers, industrial methods, and support the quarterly profits of large investment firms. Hawaiian farmers needed an outlet for their high-quality products to feed the island and national markets. We decided to source all of our key ingredients from these small producers right here at home.
Here in Kaua'i, my friend Justin grows Ashwagahnda, Josh grows Lion's Mane, Robin collects Bee Pollen, Eitaro pollinates Vanilla, and I grow Gotu Kola. On the Big Island, Melanie evaporates salt, and Amanda grows Lion's Mane. In Mau'i, Mark grows Kava. These small farmers and producers work to regenerate the soil, create local jobs and nourish the community.
Since 2022, I have made a half-dozen products by hand. I extract herbs for tinctures using Mau'i Pineapple Vodka, and use dehydrators and freeze-driers to powder fruits and mushrooms. I would spend my nights printing and hand-cutting the labels. Every Saturday morning, I would wake up early to set up a booth at the Hanalei Farmers Market. My friend and I would hand out free samples of Lion's Mane hot cacao on rainy days, and cold passionfruit electrolytes on hot days. Since 2022, with our farmer's market and website, we shared our health products with the neighbors across the island, community across the state, and people from around the world.
We continue to freely share our electrolyte product Hawaiian Hydration, with hikers coming from the Nāpali Coast hiking trail, surfers from the Hanalei Bowl, and runners at the Kaua'i Marathon.
We hope to continue our journey and share the healing powers of Hawai'i with the world.
Thanks for your support!
-Louis