Near the end of our recent family vacation on Maui, we made a visit to Maui Tropical Plantation in the Maikapū Valley among the West Maui Mountains. It sits on a former sugarcane plantation and mill and now is a working farm that raises over 40 different crops and hundreds of native plants and botanicals, with over 1,500 acres of farmland. It offers the opportunity to experience another aspect of the diverse landscapes and history of the island, with the 60 acres immediately around the plantation complex hosting a restaurant, coffee roasting house, tropical gardens, shops offering artisan goods, a farm stand store and even two zip line experiences!
The complex is marked by a towering windmill, making it easy to spot from the highway. The grounds are shaded by tall old trees and lush foliage and spotted with small, low-slung buildings and water features. Scattered around the landscape (and even in the lagoon) are the sometimes massive pieces of machinery recovered from now-defunct sugar mills that once were major economic drivers on the island. We were there to take the 40-minute guided tram ride around the property to get a close-up look at some of the unique crops grown there, but the grounds are free and open to the public to explore, dine and shop. The plantation is also a popular wedding and events menu, and it occasionally also hosts outdoor concerts. Personally, I would have liked to try out the zip line tour, but that will have to be for another visit!
We boarded the open tram cars (with canopies to protect us from the sun) and began our loop around the property, passing fields of pineapple and sugarcane and rows of palm and banana trees. We stopped and got out to view a demonstration of husking and opening a coconut . . . a rather arduous and lengthy process. Our guide/driver provided lots of interesting information about the different kinds of coconuts and how best to process and use the water, milk and meat from them. This same stop allowed us to examine the sculptures of artists who display their work and offer workshops on the grounds.
The farm here produces all manner of crops including papayas, mangos, guava, taro, avocados, macadamia nuts, coffee, bananas and star fruit. We also observed lots of tropical flowers and plants, too, like this red ginger, and June was particularly fascinated by the jackfruit tree and its sizable fruit. Our only complaint was that the sound system on the tram really underperformed, and we felt we missed a lot of what our guide was sharing.
After the tour we strolled around the Kuma Farms Farm Market Stand, which offers local produce, fruit and herbs as well as all sorts of products from breads and pastries to fruit, honey and jams. The Mill House Roasting Company, producing small batches of craft coffee beans, is on site, and you can watch the process through large windows. Be warned that everything is much more expensive than on the mainland, but the quality is excellent.
That afternoon we just enjoyed beach time at the sheltered lagoon and beach directly in front of our condo. We were delighted to discover that several sea turtles had taken shelter from the ocean waves directly behind the breakwater, giving us the chance to observe these sometimes massive specimens from a close (but respectful) distance.
The next day we had plans for several stops in Lahaina. We started our day at Whalers Village Shopping Mall in Ka‘anapali. It has a nice mix of high-end and national brand stores as well as local specialty shops. I especially loved all the beautiful handcrafted furniture, leather goods and jewelry at the Martin & MacArthur store, and we picked up some obligatory souvenirs at Hilo Hattie’s, too. What was nice for our group is that the open-air mall offers entertainment for the little ones on the lower level, with a unique multi-story climbing structure and a sizable splash pad for cooling off. Before we left, we walked out to the ocean side of the mall, with benches and a nice walkway offering views of all sorts of watercraft and across the water to Lana‘i.
We just had time before our lunch reservations to visit Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the on-island estate and learn about the whole process of creating fine chocolate, from the trees to the final product, but we opted for just a quick tasting at their in-town store and café. Each couple purchased the $10, nine-piece tasting flight (plus a few dessert goodies and bars to take home), where we could choose the nine varieties we wanted to try. Ku‘ia produces estate-grown chocolates, made from beans grown on Maui, as well as chocolates made from beans sourced from around the world. There are dark, milk and dark milk chocolates, some boasting added flavors like mango or cappuccino. It was a nice way to get an overview of their products (and all were delicious!), and a bonus was that we learned that 100 percent of net profits from weekend tours and tastings are donated to local nonprofit organizations.
With our hearts and our tastebuds happy, we made our way to Star Noodle for lunch, a treat we’d been looking forward to all week. More on that next week!
— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis