About
Purpose & Pollen
Your one-stop shop for regenerative farming on Maui, Hawai'i
Whether you're looking to start a farm, turn your backyard into a food forest, sell or purchase farm fresh produce, or just talk story about regenerative agriculture, we're your people!
My name is Darrell McKelvie Ruppel, and I come from education, social work, and agriculture. I started Purpose & Pollen in 2021 as a farming endeavor on, with, and for Maui many years ago. Initial local efforts included founding the first Future Farmer's of America (FFA) Maui division, while writing and teaching a homeschool program on sustainable agriculture and socioeconomics in Haiku. Then Purpose & Pollen started a 3-acre custom farm in Ulupalakua, working hand-in-hand with some of the nation's most influential Paniolo. Following that, I helped write and teach a school-wide class in Farming at Makawao Elementary with the Hawai'i Dept. of Education. Ever since, it's been an organized whirlwind of amazing farming, consulting, and growth, having worked with the most prestigious farms across Maui, performing specialty installations, design work, land-use management, and more. Check out our Farms & Portfolio page for details.
When we don't have our hands in the dirt, you can find us at a local farmers market, connecting our community with the abundance of healthy, delicious food that is grown here on the island. We also take our produce and work with local farmers to create gourmet products full of tropical flavors thoughtfully sourced on Maui. Our products are lovingly made in small batches to create fresh treats that leave you craving more. All of our produce and ingredients are organic - no exceptions!
Visit us at the Farmer's Market in Kihei!
Every Saturday morning from 7:30-11:30am
1819 South Kihei Rd. Maui, HI 96753
You can also purchase our value-added food products at one of our partner stores and right here at our online shop.
Our Story
Trading everything in, to farm.
Why? For health, for ourselves and our community. Before we knew the word, we knew farming was a part of our kuleana - or purpose. With ancestors living and passed teaching us the philosophies, fundamentals and intricacies of agriculture, it was only a matter of time before we got back to our roots--tending the soil and caring for our neighbors by harvesting and sharing the fruits of our labor. This platform gives us the opportunity to see that further, sharing our work (and food) with you.
Welcome to the 'ohana.
Darrell McKelvie Ruppel
Owner/Operator