Kauai United Way Blog

Kaua’i United Way had a wonderful 10th annual golf tournament last weekend, and could not have done it without our sponsors.   Today I would like to take the time to thank our single “Silver” sponsor Grove Farm.  Grove Farm has been on the island of Kaua’i since it was founded in 1864.  A little history……..
In 1864, George Norton Wilcox, (raised in Hanalei), became the sole owner of “Grove Farm”.  George Norton Wilcox was already a natural leader in his community and a philanthropist at heart.  Under his leadership, Grove Farm came to be known for not only its high quality of product, sugar cane, but a positive economic source for growth on Kaua’i. Grove Farm has worked hard to live up to their reputation as a local company for the past 150 years, and  their dedication to the island of Kaua’i has remained unwavering.

Grove Farm brought many modernizing changes to Kauai agriculturally, economically, and socially.  Agriculturally, Grove Farm embraced the construction of an innovative water irrigation system, and they were the first to on the islands to use the sugar cane seed planter.  Socially,
In December of 1941, Grove Farm became immersed in helping/defending in World War II. They dedicated large acreages (previously used to grow sugar), to instead grow food to meet the needs of the local population and the military.  Economically, Grove Farm was the first to build a hollow tile house on Kauai, and give its workers an opportunity to own their homes rather then just rent them.  Grove Farms pioneered the break from the traditional housing system where the workers had to rent plantation houses, and pioneered a home ownership program. By 1955, 177 plantation employees owned homes. These are just  a few examples of how Grove Farm has shown its dedication to social and economic opportunities for all, on the island of Kauai.
Grove Farm continues today, to demonstrate the highest regard for Kauai’s island community in all facets of economic growth, both in sugar production and in land development.
Now, Grove Farm Company, Inc., headquartered in Lihue, owns approximately 40,000 acres on Kaua’i, making it one of Kaua’i's largest private landowners.  Grove Farm continues to maintain its keen focus and commitment to Kaua’i.

As a kama`aina company, Grove Farm is committed to leading Kaua´i’s community and economic development, while being a responsible steward of its community.

Thank you so much to Grove Farm for helping Kaua’i United Way.

“Live United….the Kaua’i United Way.”  What an excellent example.