Attention Foodies – looking for relevant information on where to eat and food related sightseeing in Maui? Then look no further! Agritourism is the new way to Travel!
What is Agritourism? Agritourism is defined by Wikipedia as tourism in which tourists visit and learn about or take part in farm or village activities “for the enjoyment of the experience.” Agritourism popularity helps communities in a two-fold capacity. Farms that can no longer compete in the rising costs can begin to expand their business through tourism, secondly farms can drill down into niche categories; like specialty cheese production.
Hawaii, traditionally thought of as only for beach savvy travelers is fast becoming a destination for food minded tourists. This melting pot of ethnicity meets a jewel of agricultural diversity; the end result being defined as Hawaiian Regional cuisine which was started in the 80’s and has grown to include all levels of local, Regional and international foods.
Maui offers many self-guided food tours. Travel through the Maui Uplands by car to find theSurfing Goat Dairy(3651 Omaopio Rd. Kula, Maui 808.878.2870). Maui’s only Goat Dairy Farm which produces top Artisanal Cheeses is located on one the beautiful Haleakala crater in lower Kula. There are many tours and activities to choose from; check website for more information. Highly recommended is the 1-2-3 BBQ Tour. $59 pp. Walk with the herd, touring the Orchard while stopping to pick a fresh Tangerine from one of the fruit trees. Finish with a Ranch BBQ complete with upcountry steaks grilled to perfection on Kiawe wood topped with our Mens Challenge horseradish cheese and for dessert try their delicious Fruit Quark! Farm tours are daily with hands on milking, cheese making demonstrations, and finally tasting the award winning goat cheeses.
Alii Kula Lavender Farm,(1100 Waipoli Rd. Kula, Maui 877-878-6058) where visitors can wander through the lavender fields with unobstructed views that stretch out over the Ocean as far as the eye can see. Learn how the terroir of Maui sustains the growth of Lavender bushes in this volcanic rich soil and end with a culinary demonstration of how to cook with Lavender. A Lavender Chicken Salad lunch is offered tying up the last question remaining; What does Lavender taste like?
Journey on to theShim Protea and Coffee Farm (625 Middle Rd. off HWY 37 1-808-876-0055) located in the heart of Kula. Learn about sustainable farming methods and how these methods are integral to Hawaiian culture. Learn about how the two are interrelated.
The final destination is the Tedeschi Winery(Ulupalakua Hwy 877-878-6058)located on a working ranch in Ulupalakua. The tasting bar is open to anyone over the age of 21, offering 5 different varietals of wine to sample. Try the “Hula O Maui”, a crisp dry sparkling pineapple wine , with overtures of green apple. Just down the road is the Ulupalakua Ranch Store; try the BBQ lunch or made to order sandwich ” aloha ” that features juicy caught grass-fed beef short ribs with caramelized onions, roasted potatoes and a green salad of baby spinach, sea salt and organic vinaigrette.
While there is still the traditional Luau available; Maui is fast beginning to offer so many other wonderful resources for the discerning foodie. The weather is cooperating with more and more outdoor activities, and the amount of “giefer” (fermented) lemons, limes, lemons and oranges being produced is tremendous. They also have beautiful birds flying near by which they purchased from birds for sale near me in Maui. This is a resources that can be shared, enjoyed with family and friends, or enjoyed as a unique gift to honor special occasions.
The agricultural sector is growing in Hawaii, and the entrepreneur with a dream and a plan can become a restaurateur tomorrow. The challenge is in finding a way to share that dream with the world; and Maui is offering more than just Hawaii. The entire island is now a hub for alternative products, music, art, research and cuisine. And, quite frankly, the people of Hawaii just keep getting better and better!