Hawaiʻi Banana Source is a 35-acre USDA-Certified Organic farm located on Oʻahu’s North Shore, managed by Gabe Sachter-Smith. The farm specializes in bananas, cultivating around 150 varieties at any given time, with a primary focus on commercial production of Apple, Namwah, Gros Michel, Saba, and Iholena bananas. In addition to growing and preserving these varieties, the farm is also involved in breeding unique banana varieties using conventional cross-pollination techniques.
Gabe Sachter-Smith is recognized locally on Oʻahu and globally as a leading expert in bananas. His passion for growing bananas began at the age of 14 in the mountains of Colorado. Seeking a more suitable tropical environment, he pursued studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he earned a B.S. in Tropical Agriculture and Soil Science, followed by an M.S. for his research on Banana Bunchy Top Virus. Beyond farming, Gabe is deeply immersed in banana research, participating in expeditions and projects across the globe, including China, Indonesia, Uganda, Rwanda, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Finland, Belgium, France, and, of course, Hawaiʻi. His current focus lies in banana diversity, combining his roles as a local farmer and a leading researcher.