Our Agricultural Roots: The Story of Resilient Roots

Our Agricultural Roots: The Story of Resilient Roots

Resilient Roots is where it all began. Founded over a decade ago, Resilient Roots has been dedicated to growing and processing taro, cassava, bananas, and breadfruit right here on Kauai. What started as a passion for farming turned into a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and local food production.

In its early years, Resilient Roots wasn’t just focused on farming—it was about strengthening Kauai’s agricultural community. From the beginning, Resilient Roots has worked hand in hand with local farmers, propagating and donating trees with a commitment to buying back their harvests. This model ensured farmers had the support they needed to grow and sustain their crops, not just financially but through long-term purchasing agreements that kept their businesses going. Over the years, Resilient Roots has propagated over 650 trees—including breadfruit, mango, and cacao—helping expand food production across the island.

For years, Resilient Roots handled everything—farming, milling flour, making croutons, and producing value-added products. But as the vision grew, so did the need for a dedicated space to bring these products to the public. That’s where ResiRoots Café comes in.

Today, Resilient Roots focuses solely on agriculture—growing the ingredients that supply ResiRoots Café while continuing its mission of supporting local farmers. It has also provided land for farmers to grow on and has played a key role in transforming Nitta’s Corner. In fact, Resilient Roots is the leaseholder of Nitta’s Corner, bringing not just ResiRoots Café to life but also creating opportunities for other local businesses. This transformation includes opening the space to tenants like SunSkai Shave Ice, expanding the vision of Nitta’s Corner as a hub for local entrepreneurship.

Together, Resilient Roots and ResiRoots Café are creating a sustainable food system that keeps Kauai’s agriculture thriving and our community connected to its roots.