Data-informed,
Community Driven.

Born from the recognition that Hawaii's agricultural future lies in the intersection of traditional wisdom and technological innovation.

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Our Ancestral Roots & Modern Vision

Makaliʻi Metrics LLC, founded in June 2022 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, was built upon the legacy of bio-centric sciences rooted in Hawaiian ancestral practices. Our mission centers on learning from the practices of aloha ʻāina—the commitment to land stewardship and regeneration—by merging these ancient principles with modern agricultural analyses. Recognizing the critical need to support local producers, our company was established to address Hawaiʻi's unique environmental challenges, such as soil depletion, high dependence on imported food, and need for culturally-informed soil analysis resources. We aim to empower ʻāina practitioners across Hawaiʻi with tools and data to foster climate resilience and strengthen food system security, thus advancing a vision of sustainability grounded in Hawaiian heritage and modern science.

Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with generations of Hawaiian agricultural knowledge.

  • Laboratory with microscopes, lab equipment, and supplies on white counters and shelves.

    Laboratory Infrastructure

    Our state-of-the-art facility uses advanced soil testing equipment and rigorous quality control for accuracy. We meet national and international accreditation standards, and our local operation keeps samples on-island—reducing transit time and contamination risk. From pH to nutrient profiling to contaminant screening, we provide a complete picture of your soil's condition.

  • Line graph showing fluctuations in data points over time on a computer screen.

    AI-Powered Soil Analytics

    Our AI platform transforms raw soil data into actionable recommendations. Advanced machine learning analyzes complex soil compositions to provide precise guidance for crop selection, nutrient management, and restoration strategies. This technology identifies subtle trends traditional analysis might miss, optimizing your land's productivity.

  • Screenshot of the Makali'i Metrics Dashboard login page with fields for email and password, a login button, and options to sign up or go back.

    Community Monitoring Platform

    Track your soil's health with our intuitive online platform. Our monitoring tools let you track changes over time, compare plots, and share insights with your team or advisors. Access your data anytime, anywhere, and make informed decisions based on real-time analysis and historical trends.

  • Vegetable garden with rows of leafy greens, lettuce, and red lettuce, bordered by mulch and trees, on a cloudy day.

    Traditional Knowledge Integration

    We blend ancestral Hawaiian agricultural practices with modern scientific analysis, honoring kupuna's understanding of the relationship between land, water, and crops. By combining traditional 'ike (knowledge) with laboratory precision, we provide a holistic perspective that respects Hawaii's soil heritage.

Establishing Hawaiʻi's Very Own Local Soil Laboratory

The Challenge

Hawaiʻi's farmers and land stewards currently face significant delays and costs when sending soil samples to mainland laboratories. Results can take weeks to return, and mainland labs often lack understanding of Hawaiʻi's unique volcanic soils, microclimates, and agricultural context.

The Solution

Makaliʻi Metrics is building a state-of-the-art soil testing facility that combines advanced analytical equipment, rapid turnaround times, Hawaiian-specific soil baselines, integration of traditional ecological knowledge, and community-accessible resources.

Led by Experts Rooted in Hawaiʻi

Our team brings together decades of agricultural experience, cultural knowledge, and technological innovation

DANIEL RICHARDSON
KUHAʻO ZANE
ZACKARY PILIEN

  • FOUNDER

    As Founder and Owner, Daniel brings over a decade of experience in Hawaiʻi's agricultural sector. He has led large-scale soil sampling and analysis projects, including a USDA-led assessment across the islands and a bioenergy project on Maui. Daniel also currently serves as Director of Cultivation at private greenhouse and horticulture operations in Hawaiʻi, managing a team of 25+ cultivators. His deep expertise in soil carbon dynamics and commitment to sustainable practices drive Makaliʻi Metrics mission to integrate traditional knowledge with innovative soil science.

  • CO-FOUNDER

    Co-founder and Owner, Kuhaʻo is the Creative Director of Sig Zane Designs and SZKaiao, where he integrates cultural values into design. His work spans from local branding projects to architectural wayfinding, reflecting his commitment to Hawaiian cultural preservation. Kuhaʻo also serves as the President of the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, leveraging his generational knowledge to support cultural and environmental education.

  • Kāko'o

    Coming from a background in loʻi kalo and ʻāina education, Zachary supports Makaliʻi Metrics in community relationship building, soil sampling, and data science work. In his work he seeks to make soil science accessible to all people in Hawaiʻi and create educational opportunities for students to connect with soil.

Ready to Transform Your Soil Health?

Get started with soil analysis grounded in aloha ʻāina.

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