Otsuji Farm, established in Hawaii Kai in 1954, is one of Oahu’s original family farms. For over 60 years, this second-generation family business has grown some of the island’s freshest vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs—including hard-to-find Asian and non-GMO varieties.
In addition to its wholesale distribution to local supermarkets and restaurants, Otsuji Farm sells directly to customers at farmers’ markets across the island. The farm has developed a loyal following of health-conscious people who love filling up their totes with premium, yet affordable, local produce grown without harmful commercial pesticides. Restaurant chefs, home cooks, students on a budget, retirees, and many others make a weekly stop at an Otsuji Farm booth to stock up on items like crisp heads of Anuenue lettuce for salads, daikon for pickling, and just-picked-today bunches of dinosaur kale for juicing.
At the center of the farm is Farmer Edwin Otsuji—known as much as for his warmth, kindness, and vast agricultural knowledge—as he is for the delicious, flavorful, and nutrient-packed vegetables he grows. Farmer Ed is passionate about community health and wellness, and he loves engaging in one-on-conversations with customers to help them on their journey toward a healthier lifestyle. He is particularly proud of Otsuji Farm’s decades-long commitment to organic farming principles.
Otsuji Farm is proud to contribute to Hawaii’s food security and sustainability. It’s local, sustainable farming at its best—and freshest. We hope to see you at one of our farmers’ markets or at the farm!
Our Story
When 19-year-old Kakuji Otsuji emigrated alone from Kagoshima, Japan to Hawaii, he hoped to achieve his own American dream. With little money and no English language skills, he settled into life as a blacksmith—but his story didn’t end there.
Kakuji soon met his wife, Fumie, and had three children: Richard, Masa, and Edwin. In 1954, after much persuasion, Fumie convinced Kakuji to take their life savings and establish Otsuji Farm in Hawaii Kai in 1954.
The youngest son, Edwin, now in his 70s has managed the farm for decades. The farm is now preparing to transition to its third generation, with Edwin's son Jonas managing the farm for the past seven years.
In addition to its wholesale distribution to local supermarkets and restaurants, Otsuji Farm sells directly to customers at farmers’ markets across the island. The farm has developed a loyal following of health-conscious people who love filling up their totes with premium, yet affordable, local produce grown without harmful commercial pesticides. Restaurant chefs, home cooks, students on a budget, retirees, and many others make a weekly stop at an Otsuji Farm booth to stock up on items like crisp heads of Anuenue lettuce for salads, daikon for pickling, and just-picked-today bunches of dinosaur kale for juicing.
At the center of the farm is Farmer Edwin Otsuji—known as much as for his warmth, kindness, and vast agricultural knowledge—as he is for the delicious, flavorful, and nutrient-packed vegetables he grows. Farmer Ed is passionate about community health and wellness, and he loves engaging in one-on-conversations with customers to help them on their journey toward a healthier lifestyle. He is particularly proud of Otsuji Farm’s decades-long commitment to organic farming principles.
Otsuji Farm is proud to contribute to Hawaii’s food security and sustainability. It’s local, sustainable farming at its best—and freshest. We hope to see you at one of our farmers’ markets or at the farm!
Our Story
When 19-year-old Kakuji Otsuji emigrated alone from Kagoshima, Japan to Hawaii, he hoped to achieve his own American dream. With little money and no English language skills, he settled into life as a blacksmith—but his story didn’t end there.
Kakuji soon met his wife, Fumie, and had three children: Richard, Masa, and Edwin. In 1954, after much persuasion, Fumie convinced Kakuji to take their life savings and establish Otsuji Farm in Hawaii Kai in 1954.
The youngest son, Edwin, now in his 70s has managed the farm for decades. The farm is now preparing to transition to its third generation, with Edwin's son Jonas managing the farm for the past seven years.
The Otsuji Family
Left to right: Jonas, Edwin, Marcus, Priscilla, and Derek. All of Edwin & Priscilla's children have been working on the farm since they were old enough to walk.
Left to right: Jonas, Edwin, Marcus, Priscilla, and Derek. All of Edwin & Priscilla's children have been working on the farm since they were old enough to walk.
