Banana Bonanza | Hana Hou! Magazine

I had such an interesting time meeting and photographing naturalists Angela Kay Kepler and Frank Rust, the botanist/authors of The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now - Traditional Pacific & Global Varieties, Cultures, Ornamentals, Health & Recipes. This incredible couple has done extensive ecological research on Hawaiian and Pacific bananas for the past 30 years. They have a beautiful farm overlooking Waipio Bay on Maui, with an amazing yard filled with over 32 different types of bananas. I learned so much I never knew about bananas, be sure to check out the full Hana Hou! magazine article here, chock full of information and great stories about Angela and Frank.



Frank and Angela enjoy the afternoon light while giving me a tour of their beautiful farm

Looking for ripe bananas




Banana flower pod


Frank Rust

Angela with one of her chicks





Frank sorts through bananas in their kitchen

Angela and Frank in their kitchen, the counter filled with bananas from their yard, a normal sight at the Kepler - Rust household as bananas are one of their main food staples for both them and their chickens and ducks.







Angela Kay Kepler

Frank carries in a freshly cut bushel of bananas

Angela feeding her ducks
Angela and Frank's gorgeous backyard view over Waipio Bay