Maui is a place full of endless natural wonders, an island abound with so much natural beauty that it is hard to comprehend at times. One moment you are driving through a desert landscape and 20 minutes later you are passing by a 100ft tall waterfall surrounded by giant monkey pod trees and Jurassic size ferns. Maui Sunflowers can now be included in the beauty of the Valley Isle.
As you come in for landing into Kahului International Airport you will notice two giant mountains on either side, Haleakala standing at 10,023 ft and the West Maui Mountains standing just a little lower at 5,787 ft. Dividing these two volcanoes is a large spread of land that we call “the valley”. For the past 145 years, 36,000 acres have been used as a sugar cane plantation providing many jobs for locals but recently all operations have ceased and the valley is transitioning into more diversified agriculture.
There are many Ideas for what will be grown and a local company has already begun on a grand project. Pacific Bio-diesel has planted 115 acres of sunflowers as its first test crop with an expected yield of 100 gallons of bio-diesel per acre.
Photo Credit: Eddie Basques “We’re designing a sustainable, zero-waste and economically viable system to grow food, animal feed and fuel. Short-term crops that harvest in 100 days or less can be planted, harvested, crushed, and converted to bio-diesel, all in Hawaii,” said Pacific Bio-diesel President Bob King. “We’re focusing on several different crops in various crop rotations and experimenting with different soil amendments such as compost and others made from by-products of the production of our bio-diesel, like glycerin and potassium sulfate.” ( Maui News )
This is a big step for Maui and the State of Hawaii towards our goal of being 100% sustain-ably run by 2045. With Hawaii’s year round growing conditions and nearly perfect soil, we can say that we have a good feeling about this.
About Skyline Eco-Adventures
Skyline Eco-Adventures is Hawaii’s most awarded zipline company and operates two Maui zipline tours at Ka‘anapali and Haleakala, and the Poipu Skyline Adventure on Kauai. Call (808) 878-8400 or visit www.skylinehawaii.com for more information.
As you come in for landing into Kahului International Airport you will notice two giant mountains on either side, Haleakala standing at 10,023 ft and the West Maui Mountains standing just a little lower at 5,787 ft. Dividing these two volcanoes is a large spread of land that we call “the valley”. For the past 145 years, 36,000 acres have been used as a sugar cane plantation providing many jobs for locals but recently all operations have ceased and the valley is transitioning into more diversified agriculture.
There are many Ideas for what will be grown and a local company has already begun on a grand project. Pacific Bio-diesel has planted 115 acres of sunflowers as its first test crop with an expected yield of 100 gallons of bio-diesel per acre.
Photo Credit: Eddie Basques “We’re designing a sustainable, zero-waste and economically viable system to grow food, animal feed and fuel. Short-term crops that harvest in 100 days or less can be planted, harvested, crushed, and converted to bio-diesel, all in Hawaii,” said Pacific Bio-diesel President Bob King. “We’re focusing on several different crops in various crop rotations and experimenting with different soil amendments such as compost and others made from by-products of the production of our bio-diesel, like glycerin and potassium sulfate.” ( Maui News )
This is a big step for Maui and the State of Hawaii towards our goal of being 100% sustain-ably run by 2045. With Hawaii’s year round growing conditions and nearly perfect soil, we can say that we have a good feeling about this.
About Skyline Eco-Adventures
Skyline Eco-Adventures is Hawaii’s most awarded zipline company and operates two Maui zipline tours at Ka‘anapali and Haleakala, and the Poipu Skyline Adventure on Kauai. Call (808) 878-8400 or visit www.skylinehawaii.com for more information.
