Ohana Aina, LLC (Hawaiian for "Family Land") was founded by Hawaiian born and raised Melissa Pankas in January, 2015 in order to purchase a 25 acre farm at 24240 James Monroe Hwy in Aldie, Virginia. Melissa, and her husband Jim, purchased this land to prevent it from being developed and to keep it as "Family Land" that can be used by all as an Equestrian facility.
Thus, Ohana Equestrian Preserve was born from the dual desires to preserve open space for future generations and to celebrate Virginia’s proud equine tradition. The Pankas family also aspired to have Ohana Equestrian Preserve become involved with local community outreach programs. The ‘ohana’ concept carries with it a certain responsibility, an obligation to take care of those in your circles, as they take care of you. They had a dream of sharing the farm to support and develop programs to help children, veterans, caregivers or anyone dealing with post-traumatic stress injuries, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and challenging family dynamics.
The Pankas family feels blessed with the opportunity to have the land, build a facility and surround themselves with amazing businesses and individuals that not only support the equine culture of Loudoun County but diverse enough to also support their “ohana” dreams of helping others.
To John and Tess Jubinsky, who swore they never would be Virginia landowners, we are so thankful you changed your mind! Without you, Ohana would never be. Thank you for all of your support and faith to make Ohana our family legacy. Dad- there is not a day that goes by that we do not miss and think of you.