Upcountry Maui is the heart of the island’s agricultural community, with a bounty of flowers, produce, livestock and, of course, world-famous Maui onions. On your next visit, why not make a day of exploring the region’s food farms while taking in the fresh country air and magnificent vistas? In addition to Ocean Vodka, which opens in April, these working farms also welcome visitors:
>> Ali‘i Kula Lavender (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, 1100 Waipoli Road): The 10.5-acre estate offers more than 45 varieties of lavender. Five daily tours lasting about 35 minutes are $12 per person. Lavender tea and scones are sold at the gift shop. Drop in or book in advance by calling 808-878-3004 or visit www.aliikulalavender.com.
>> Surfing Goat Dairy (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and until 2 p.m. Sundays; 3651 Omaopio Road): Just up Omaopio Road from Ocean Vodka is this lively 42-acre farm owned by German expats Thomas and Eva Kafsack. Free tastings of gourmet goat cheeses; tours are $10-$25, with keiki discounts. Pick up some cheese and truffles to go. Call 808-878-2870 or visit www.surfinggoatdairy.com.
>> Maui’s Winery (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; no street address, follow the lower fork in the road past Grandma’s Coffee House in Keokea): Even if you’re a teetotaler, you’ll love the picnic grounds on this historic property formerly known as Rose Ranch. Bring a box lunch or pick up something at Ulupalakua Ranch Store across the street. The tasting room boasts an 18-foot mango wood bar and is housed in the former guest cottage frequented by King David Kalakaua. Free tastings of grape, pineapple and sparkling wines, with tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Call 808-878-6058 or visit www.mauiwine.com.
>> Maui Pineapple Tours (Daily tours, 872 Haliimaile Road): Pineapple hasn’t completely disappeared from Maui’s landscape, thanks to Haliimaile Pineapple Co., which took over lands once farmed by Maui Pine. Tours of this working plantation are offered weekdays at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Cost: $65 tour only ($55 kids); $80/$70 for tour and lunch. Call 808-665-5491 or visit mauipineappletour.com
>> O‘o Farm (Daily tours with lunch, 651 Waipoli Road): Get a true farm-to-table experience at this 8.5-acre organic farm in Kula that supplies fresh greens, herbs, fruit and coffee to several upscale restaurants in Lahaina. Tours with gourmet lunch run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays for $50. Call 808-667-4341 or visit www.oofarm.com.
