Keeping It Fresh
Producing Fresh Eggs, Local Jobs, and Sustainable Innovation to Oʻahu
On the North Shore of Oʻahu, a quiet agricultural transformation is underway. What began as a shared vision between two family-owned egg producers, Hidden Villa Ranch and Rose Acre Farms, has grown into a powerhouse of sustainability, food security, and community empowerment. Their joint venture, Villa Rose, planted roots in Hawaii in 2013 when they purchased more than 300 acres in Waialua. Today, that investment has hatched Waialua Fresh, an egg farm unlike any other in the islands.
Building a Foundation for Freshness
The journey of Waialua Fresh began with a mission: to support Hawaii’s sustainability goals by producing fresh, local eggs and reducing the state’s reliance on imports. For nearly a decade, the site underwent careful development, with the first four barns and a modern packaging plant completed in 2022. By the end of 2024, Waialua Egg Farm will reach a major milestone; 10 fully operational barns housing approximately 500,000 egg-laying hens.
Each day, Waialua Fresh hens lay their eggs in the early morning. Within hours, those eggs are collected, cleaned, sorted, and packed, ensuring that what hits store shelves the next day is some of the freshest commercial eggs Hawaii has ever seen.
Empowering the Community
Waialua Fresh has always taken pride in being more than a farm. It also serves as a community. The farm operates on its own independent power and water systems, including a solar-powered electrical grid and a closed-loop water management system that eliminates runoff and maximizes efficiency.
This self-reliant infrastructure also plays a vital role in disaster preparedness. Through partnerships with the Hawaii Foodbank and the Department of Emergency Management, the farm has established a designated North Shore Disaster Response Zone. Waialua Fresh has secured 1,500 “PreCovery Pods,” each containing over 120 servings of food, ready to deploy in case of natural disasters or emergencies.
Waialua Fresh also directly supports the community through its popular roadside farm store, where locals can purchase affordable, cage-free eggs every weekend. The farm’s impact reaches beyond food, extending to work force development. Waialua Fresh has taken the lead in creating lasting career paths. From entry-level hires to managerial roles, the farm trains and mentors local residents, building a workforce rooted in Waialua and dedicated to sustainable agriculture.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Waialua Fresh isn’t just focused on production. It is also redefining what agricultural sustainability looks like in Hawaii. One standout initiative targets the staggering volume of chicken manure imported into the state each year, over a million pounds, often shipped in plastic bags.
In response, Waialua Fresh has partnered with certified local composting facilities to process its own manure into nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This not only eliminates waste but creates a local alternative for Hawaii’s farmers. The farm recently completed construction on a dedicated composting barn, allowing it to process fertilizer on-site and significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
Collaboration also extends to distribution. Rather than launching its own delivery fleet, Waialua Fresh relies on established local distributors, fostering a networked approach that boosts efficiency and benefits other island businesses.
Technology and Word of Mouth
While sustainability is central to Waialua Fresh’s operations, technology plays a key role in expanding its reach. The company has built a strong following through social media, where posts featuring fresh recipes, behind-the-scenes farm photos, and glowing testimonials from local influencers spread rapidly. Combined with old-school word of mouth—driven by the farm store’s exceptional quality—Waialua Fresh has become a recognized brand throughout Hawaii.
Culture Rooted in Family
Behind the success of Waialua Fresh is a deep commitment to family values and team collaboration. The combined legacy of Hidden Villa Ranch and Rose Acre Farms spans more than 150 years of egg production expertise, and that knowledge is passed down at every level of the farm’s operations.
“When you join us, you’re family,” says the team. “It’s a village that accomplishes great things together. Everyone participates at every level.”
This inclusive, hands-on culture makes Waialua Fresh a rewarding place to work and fosters strong retention and performance across all departments.
Leading with Safety and Stewardship
Operating in Hawaii’s unique ecosystem comes with challenges. From wild hogs to invasive mongoose, Waialua Fresh is rising to meet the local wildlife environment. The farm is pioneering biosecurity measures that set new standards for egg farms in the state, ensuring the health and safety of its workers, animals, and consumers.
In addition to its secure operations, Waialua Fresh is committed to being a steward of the land. The farm’s self-contained water system prevents contamination of nearby ecosystems, while solar energy powers its barns and facilities, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. With the addition of its composting barn, the farm is nearing zero waste status by turning even by-products into resources.
Looking Ahead: Phase One and Beyond
With its tenth barn nearing completion, Waialua Fresh is set to finish the first major phase of its long-term development plan. Once at full production capacity, the team will begin to assess market trends and consider future expansion.
The outlook is bright. With strong local demand, a dedicated team, and deep roots in both agriculture and community, Waialua Fresh is poised to grow its impact far beyond the North Shore. The farm is already setting a new standard for what local, sustainable egg production can look like in Hawaii.
AT A GLANCE
Who: Waialua Fresh
What: A Company with an eye to sustainability and an emphasis on producing fresh local farms eggs
Where: Waialua, North Shore of Oʻahu
Website: www.waialuafresheggs.com
