Microalgae (Spirulina and Other Species)
Microalgae like spirulina are cultivated in open-air ponds or closed systems, valued for their high nutritional content and growing market demand for functional foods. Hawaii Island’s sunlight, heat, and pristine water make it an ideal location for algae production.
Several aquaculture operations on Hawai'i Island specialize in growing microalgae strains, especially spirulina, prized for its protein content, vitamins, and antioxidants. The algae are cultivated in shallow ponds or photobioreactors that circulate nutrient-rich water, allowing for rapid growth. Once harvested, they are dried or processed into powders, tablets, or capsules, often marketed as superfoods.
Hawai'i’s year-round tropical climate provides plenty of sunlight, enabling continuous production cycles and high yields. In addition to dietary supplements, microalgae can be used for animal feed, cosmetics, and even biofuel research.