It’s almost Halloween at Kula Country Farms! A favorite host site for STEMworks™ Agriculture & Business Internships, the upcountry family-run business owned by Chauncey and Teena Monden is located on the slopes of Haleakalā at 6240 Kula Highway. It’s a favorite stop for both locals and tourists alike, and the keiki adore the Pumpkin Patch. Over 60 varieties of locally grown edible and decorative pumpkins, squash, and gourds, alongside a children’s garden, farm animals, and a sunflower patch, make for an exciting Fall event. 

Chauncey, a graduate from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a fourth-generation farmer, took over the family farm in 1998 when his father retired. His wife Teena runs their open-air farm stand that is stocked with their home-grown fruit, produce, fresh-baked goods, and specialty items. Also, their daughter Tess has a smoothie, tea, coffee, and goodies truck on the property, next to the farm stand. 

“We’re known for our Strawberry U-pick, and many other farm-related events,” Chauncey shared. “We started the stand because we wanted to promote local agriculture and to sell directly to customers. Our specialty crops like year-round strawberries give us that opportunity. One of the benefits of being a farmer is the gratification you feel when you produce a consistent product that people keep coming back for.” 

Teena’s exceptional creativity keeps the stand continually growing which helps keep the farm going. She added, “The stand’s product line is always increasing, along with events held at the farm. For example, the third Saturday of each month we host a popular craft fair with locally made items. This month, come and pick your own pumpkins! The 2026 Fall Pumpkin Patch will be open through the month of October from 9am-4pm. We greatly appreciate all the community support!”