The Last Undeveloped Valley in East O'ahu
Kamilonui Valley is one of the last remaining undeveloped valleys in East Oʻahu, a rare open landscape where Hawaiʻi’s agricultural history is still alive. Once known as the “valley of the sweet potato,” this fertile area has long served as a source of food for surrounding communities and sits beside Pahoa Heiau, a sacred site tied to the region’s farming traditions.
When Hawaiʻi Kai was developed, the valley was intentionally preserved as agricultural land to remain the community’s breadbasket. Today, as development pressures grow across Oʻahu, Kamilonui stands as a living reminder that open space, food production, and cultural stewardship still have a place in modern Hawaiʻi. Protecting this valley means preserving one of East Oʻahu’s last opportunities for local agriculture, habitat, and connection to the land.
Photo: Hawai'i State Archives
The valley’s voice is being heard. See stories below.
The Farmer
Devin Murphy is the steward of Kanekoa Farms, having taken over operations from Gina Kanekoa three years ago. Gina was a recipient of the Mahiʻai Matchup award from Kamehameha Schools, which granted her access to the property in Kamilonui Valley. However, due to the valley’s uncertain future, she felt that long-term investment was too risky and ultimately entrusted the farm to Devin.
Devin has a degree in agriculture from UC Santa Cruz's Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Prior to farming in Kamilonui, Devin worked for several years at different farms across Oʻahu as the farm manager and Keiki and Plow, assistant farm coach at GoFarm, and hoaʻāina (caretaker) at Hoʻokuaʻāina.
As one of the last active food producers in Kamilonui, Devin's work is rooted in preserving the valley's agricultural legacy while cultivating crops that nourish both community and culture.
kanekoafarms@gmail.com
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edible flowers, green onion, turmeric, 'ulu, kalo, purple radish, daikon, beets, corn, papaya, lettuce, chard, sunflowers, apple banana, beets, kabocha, eggplant, cilantro, roselle, thai basil, italian basil, oranges, lemongrass, carrots, kale, parsley, moringa
