Aloha & Welcome
to Ancient Leaf Tea

A Family Farm in Papaikou, Hawai'i

E Komo Mai!

My name is Susan Schultz, here with my husband Art and our rescue dog, Lady! I am pleased to welcome you to Ancient Leaf Tea, our family-owned and operated farm here in the rainforests of Papaikou, Hawai'i. As our owner and founder, I use my twenty plus years of tea training and experience from Japan, and the United States to craft the finest of teas right here in Hawai'i!

Since we got our start in 2004, Ancient Leaf Tea has been dedicated to using organic and regenerative methods of cultivation to grow teas and produce that enrich the soil food web that supports the life all around us. While our biggest passion is true tea (Camelia sinensis), we also grow all manner of fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, including tea-blend favorites like white pineapples, medicinal hibiscus, butterfly pea flowers, and lilikoi.

Ancient Leaf Tea

'Āina (Land) History & Stewardship

At Ancient Leaf Tea, the lands that we are blessed to steward have a rich Hawaiian history. Our land in the Alakahi Ahupua'a are part of the historical School Grant Lands of King Kamehameha II. The King granted this 'āina to Konohiki Hamaunu, and they passed to H. Hewahewa as codified in award 851 of the Great Mahele in 1847.

"Organic & Regenerative Practice"

Did you know that "Certified Organic" doesn't necessarily mean that something was sustainably or regeneratively grown, without relying on manufactured fertilizers or destructive agricultural practices?

At Ancient Leaf Tea, we are committed to exceeding USDA Organic standards by using our Indigenous Microorganisms, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Korean Natural Farming techniques to cultivate a complex, resilient, and biodiverse soil ecosystem. Not only does this approach remove the need for synthetic fertilizers, it also allows us to grow better-tasting fruits and teas!

Don't take our word for it

★★★★★

What an amazing tour! Susan is a storyteller, teacher and wealth of knowledge in all things tea. I bought the tea at a market for its top quality and now that I have taken the farm tour my value and appreciation for this tea and farm are X100!

April M.

Google Reviews, June 2024

★★★★★

The Tea Farm Tour is a must do while in Hilo. Susan’s warm energy is contagious and her passion for the farm & tea she makes is a joy to be a part of. Be prepared to only drink this tea from now on, it’s THAT good.

Kyle M.

Google Reviews, May 2024

★★★★★

You like tea? You like plants? You like animals? You like sustainability? Great! Then this tour is for you!
It's a once in a lifetime experience that you will be wanting to last forever!

Megan L.

Google Reviews, Dec. 2024

★★★★★

Susan gave us the most unbelievable tour of her tea farm that was filled with her passion, immense knowledge and incredible enthusiasm for all she grows.

Bonnie

Google Reviews, Dec. 2024

★★★★★

We learned a ton about modern sustainable and responsible farming from them. They are extremely dedicated people, open to experiment and learn by mixing traditional local secrets with cutting edge breakthroughs in agriculture.

Yury D.

Google Reviews, Dec. 2024

★★★★★

Just a wonderful tea farm touring experience! We learned so much from the amazing owner Susan. She gave a great insight into the different plant species cultivated and the types of tea produced on the farm. A perfect way to spend our day

Joseph S.

Google Reviews, April 2024

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