About Makiki Community Garden (MCG)
Empowering families through education, food sovereignty, and community
MCG is the first ever community garden in Hawaii dedicated to helping families in food sovereignty. Since 1975, MCG have helped numerous Oahu residents be more present with nature and develop food sovereignty with their peers.
Who We Are
Makiki Community Garden is a publicly funded program operated by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation under §19‑12 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH). While gardeners follow the County’s bylaws, the garden has no paid staff—its success relies entirely on volunteers who support the space and help community members strengthen their food sovereignty.
Our Vision
We envision resilient, connected gardeners where community members thrive through healthy food, movement, and shared stewardship of green spaces.
Our Mission
To be a welcoming space where people can grow their own food, herbs, flowers, and plants while building meaningful connections with their neighbors
Our Values
At our core, we believe that lasting impact starts with strong principles. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we show up—for each other and for those we serve.
(Click our values to learn more)
Community Connection
Fostering relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose among neighbors.
Resiliency
Supporting practices that strengthen individuals and communities through sustainable gardening and healthy living.
Health & Well-Being
Encouraging nutritious food, movement, and outdoor activity as essential parts of a thriving life.
Stewardship of Green Spaces
Caring for our environment through responsible, hands‑on engagement with the land.
Learning & Growth
Providing experiential and educational opportunities that empower people to cultivate knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Accessibility
Ensuring our garden spaces and activities remain open, welcoming, and inclusive for our communities
Experiment Station founded
The Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association establishes its agricultural Experiment Station on the site (land leased at Keeaumoku, Wilder, and Makiki Streets for crop experiments). By 1936 HSPA had acquired the whole property, and the station became a major Makiki landmark — soil studies, rainfall and temperature records, and fertilizer research that shaped plantation practices across the islands.
Removal of Makiki Property
HSPA decides it no longer needs the Makiki property.
Creation of Makiki District Park
The City and HSPA reach a settlement; the City takes possession of the entire property, which becomes Makiki District Park — and the garden is founded there as the first in the city’s new Community Recreational Gardening Program under Mayor Fasi.
First garden of the Community Recreational Gardening Program
Garden founded in Makiki District Park (1527 Ke‘eaumoku St) as the first garden in the City & County of Honolulu’s Community Recreational Gardening Program, launched under Mayor Frank Fasi. The park land was formerly part of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association Experiment Station.
Rules for Community Recreational Gardening Program
City adopts amended rules for the Community Recreational Gardening Program
20th anniversary of MCG
In Honolulu Magazine
Featured in Honolulu Magazine’s “Field Notes”: profiled as O’ahu’s oldest community garden, 160 plots on a half-acre, governed by the gardeners themselves under Parks & Rec oversight.
Revised local rules
Garden association revises its local rules
COVID-19
In-person meetings cancelled for most of 2020 and 2021 while gardening continues.
50th Years of Community Gardens
50th anniversary of the citywide gardening program. City adopts new program-wide rules (May 12, 2025) with a one-year grace period. City Council appropriates $250,000 for security fencing around the garden; Mayor Blangiardi releases the funds on Sept 15, 2025.
Board of Directors
[under construction]
City and County of Honolulu Representatives
Kate Eickstead
Community Gardens Coordinator
Phone: (808) 768-7138
Email: communitygardens@honolulu.gov
Favorite plants to grow: arugula and carrots!
Anna Mines
Community Gardens Project Manager
Phone: (808) 768-7140
Email: anna.mines@honolulu.gov
Favorite plants to grow: potatoes, especially ‘uala!