Edmund C. Olson’s Legacy
Edmund C. Olson came to Hawaiʻi a self-made businessman and grew to love its people and land. Mr. Olson was a doer, who loved to work and support the people working alongside him. He never lost his drive to get business done, but grew into one of Hawaiʻi’s largest advocates for conservation and agriculture.
He was the founder of many successful businesses, including Superior Gunite, A-American Self Storage, and O.K. Farms. His success in business allowed him to dedicate thousands of acres through The Trust for Public Land and give millions of dollars to improve lives and the environment. Mr. Olson cared about people and giving back to Hawaiʻi.
Edmund C. Olson Timeline
Ed was born in San Diego in 1931 and raised in Southern California by his single mother. He took an interest in cars, especially fast ones.
California Roots
After a stint in the Marines, Olson worked his way up as a construction worker to becoming a contractor and specialized in Gunite (spray concrete). In 1956, at age 25, Olson used $500 dollars to start the Superior Gunite Company, which sprayed concrete for flood control and road projects. The company also made around 34,000 swimming-pool shells across the Sun Belt.
Superior Gunite
In 1973, Olson founded A-American Self Storage, which became one of the nation’s largest self-storage companies. At the height of its existence, Mr. Olson rapidly grew the business and A-American had over 100 locations.
A-American Self Storage
Starting in the 1980s, Mr. Olson started visiting Hawaiʻi frequently - first ʻOahu and then the outer islands. With the decline of the sugar industry in Hawaiʻi, he was able to acquire thousands of acres of agricultural land.
Coming to Hawaiʻi
By the 2010s, Mr. Olson held over 15,000 acres of land in Hawaiʻi, mostly dedicated to agriculture. This included thousands of acres of macadamia nut orchards. In 2009 he purchased Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company to process and sell the nuts. Then in 2012, Ka’ū Coffee Mill was built by Mr. Olson to provide Ka’ū coffee growers a place to process their coffee.
Expansion in Agriculture
O.K. Farms was founded, in 2002, with a mission to perpetuate sustainable agriculture in Hawaiʻi. Ed Olson and Troy Keolanui partnered to fulfill their vision of a diverse tropical fruit farm that is a part of their community for generations to come.
O.K. Farms
On July 15, 2024, Edmund C. Olson passed away in his Hilo home, at the age of 93. He is remembered as the Boss, a decisive Leader, Philanthropist, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend. His estate is held by the Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2, with the mission to support sustainable agriculture, protect natural resources, and invest in Hawaiʻi’s people. Mr. Olson wished that this work continue to be done through the creation of a charitable foundation.
Leaving a Legacy
Olson Trust Companies
Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company
100% Hawaiʻi-grown macadamia nuts all grown, harvested by hand, and roasted on Hawaiʻi island.
Kaʻū Coffee Mill
From farm-to-cup, coffee is grown, milled, roasted, and served in Kaʻū, on Hawaiʻi island.
Kaʻū Farms Management
Managing over 9,000 acres of agricultural lands in the district of Ka‘ū.
Pālehua Ranch
Stewarding over 2,000 acres of conservation and agricultural land, with historical and archeological sites, on the island of Oʻahu.