Ikaika Bishop

My love for plants and all things natural began at an early age growing up on the Windward side of Oahu.  I spent many of my weekends fishing, surfing, and camping with my family at almost all of the various beaches and bays around Oahu. Early adulthood has granted me a few hats, including Clinical Director of a medical massage therapy clinic, Assistant Manager at a local retail nursery and greenhouse, Freelance Web Designer and graphic artist, and Technical Coordinator at a DOE high school.  I began working as a consultant for Aquaponics in 2008, and in 2013 started Keanuenue Farms and Consulting, opening a 6 acre organic farm growing tilapia, taro, banana, and tropical flowers.  I continue to manage the farm as a hobby until more of the fruit trees and flowering plants mature into a substantial, permaculture designed commodity.
Currently, I also assist in management at the Waikalua Fishpond where I perform research on farming Hawaiian seaweed, invasive and endemic species, and also host visiting groups of every age and background.  I consult professionally on agriculture and aquaculture technology, and assist my wife in designing, manufacturing, and marketing our handcrafted jewelry brand “Maoli Jewelry”.  Other projects include being a board member for an online audio archive for historical and cultural stories about Hawaii, and grant writing for a local non-profit. Giving back to the community and respecting nature is a priority and core value in everything I do.