Waimanalo sunflower fields to reopen after Kona low flooding

WAIMANALO, Hawaii — Three months after unprecedented flooding from a Kona low storm destroyed plants, irrigation systems and small structures, Waimanalo Country Farms will reopen Monday.

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“It was defeating. I broke down. Just seeing the damage was overwhelming. So it was just like a lot of emotions were running through our minds like, okay, what do we do now?” said Cheyenne Adams of Waimanalo Country Farms.

The floods also delayed planting, but after hard work in the fields, the sunflowers are blooming again.

“I feel like it’s more of like a relieved kind of feeling. We finally get to open. So we’re excited and we feel like it’s been forever. Last time we were open was in October, so it’s been a little bit. We’re very excited and grateful,” Adams said.

The sunflowers normally fill roughly 10 acres. The field is now cut in half, but it’s still a lovely sight.

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“It’s just a happy flower. I think it’s really happy. It makes me happy. It makes me joyful. There’s something about the yellow,” Adams said.

Adams is the fifth generation to work the land. The farm has been open since 1948.

“A lot of people ask us, when are you guys going to open. This gives us a better estimation once the sunflower is bulbing like this,” Adams said.

Waimanalo Country Farms will be open every day for three weeks starting Monday. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Kama’aina rates are available.

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