Agritourism: A Growing Trend on Maui

Agritourism – or agriculture-related tourism – is a growing trend in a variety of destinations, and the island of Maui is a prime location to get in on the action. Farms and ranches on the island are home to everything from lavender to orchids, pineapple, coffee, wine, goat cheese, and sweet onions. And, best of all, they’re welcoming visitors.

One hot spot is Oo Farms, which offers a farm and lunch tour for visitors to eat a freshly prepared gourmet lunch featuring products they harvest themselves. Another hands-on option is a tour at Surfing Goat Dairy, where visitors can learn to milk a goat and create fine cheeses.

Other options offer an inside look at working agricultural operations, such as a Maui Gold Pineapple Tour, free guided tours of Tedeschi Vineyards at Maui’s Winery or a stop at Maui Grown Coffee’s company store for background information on its brew and varieties.

If you’re more into flowers than food, take a farm tour at Orchids of Olinda, including lunch. Or head to Alii Kula Lavendar Farm, which offers guided walking tours, craft classes, lavender treasure hunts, and elegant lunch baskets.

To take in more than one agritourism experience, try Maui Country Farm Tours for options including a multi-farm itinerary, a coffee tour, or a visit to the new Ocean Vodka organic sugar farm and distillery.

Maui is also celebrating its agriculture with events and festivities, such as the Maui Country Agricultural Festival, the East Maui Taro Festival, and the Maui Onion Festival. Visit these events for fun activities such as live entertainment, food booths, cooking demos, and games – not to mention an awareness of the rich bounty that Maui has to offer.