Hawai‘i high school students grow food with solar-powered vertical farm

Oct 27, 2025

Kaimukī High School students are gaining valuable hands-on experience in sustainable food production thanks to a new solar-powered hydroponic system that was installed on the school’s tennis courts.

The project is partially funded with a $17,500 grant provided through the Ulupono Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation at the request of Kerry Kakazu, founder of MetroGrow Hawai‘i. The operation features Sky Greens — rotating vertical towers that provide equal sunlight and water exposure for plants.

The students work to test and maintain the off-grid system, which uses renewable energy to grow fresh produce efficiently in a compact space. In addition to students gaining insight about the potential of agricultural technology to increase local food production, they are also getting a first-hand look into entrepreneurship and the business side of farming.

The Kaimukī High School agriculture program was recently featured in a Hawai‘i Public Radio story highlighting the school’s innovative W.O.R.M.S. (Worms, Organs, Reuses, Microgreens, Sustainability) program, an effort that blends agriculture, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Long-time teacher Chu Hong has raised more than $100,000 to support the program, an idea that she cultivated during the pandemic and is now sharing with students.

Listen to the Hawai‘i Public Radio story here.

Photo Courtesy: Hawai‘i Public Radio