FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Maui Attractions

by Patricia Vanikiotis

May 27, 2023

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. Maui Tropical Plantation The grounds are shaded by tall old trees and lush foliage and spotted with small, low-slung buildings and water features.  Waikapu Valley, Maui Scattered around the landscape (and even in the lagoon) are the sometimes massive pieces of machinery Maui Tropical Plantation  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 Maui Tropical Plantation  and sugarcane Maui Tropical Plantation 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 Maui Tropical Plantation of artists who display their work Maui Tropical Plantation and offer workshops on the grounds.

The farm here produces all manner of crops including papayas, mangos, Maui Tropical Plantation guava, taro, avocados, macadamia nuts, coffee, bananas and star fruit. We also observed lots of tropical flowers and plants, too, like this red ginger, Maui Tropical Plantation and June was particularly fascinated by the jackfruit tree Maui Tropical Plantation  and its sizable fruit. Maui Tropical Plantation  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, Kihei, Maui  giving us the chance to observe these sometimes massive specimens from a close (but respectful) distance. Kihei, Maui

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.  Lahaina, Maui

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

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Jan 17, 2025

Michelin-Starred Chef Rolls Out New Menu at Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas

MICHELIN-starred Chef Michael Fojtasek, whose accolades include three times as a James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Southwest, introduced his seasonal menu at The Restaurant at Albert Hotel. Local ranchers, farmers and food artisans representing the Texas Hill Country region are showcased in dishes including Raw Gulf tuna with grilled kabocha, benne seed, black butter and fumet; red snapper with smoked trout roe and fennel fumet; and peach-blackberry crostata with crème fraîche whip.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

Daily
Jan 17, 2025

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Goes Big for Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, skip the traditional gift and give the gift of travel and lifelong memories with a romantic getaway to Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Thanks to its beautiful weather, delicious dining options, stunning scenery and relaxing wellness offerings, this property offers a one-of-a-kind escape for couples.

Daily
Jan 17, 2025

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort Unveils Newly Refurbished Guestrooms

Following a four-week renovation, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort recently unveiled its newly refurbished guestrooms, furthering the resort’s commitment to offer one of the most luxurious guest experiences on the island. Next up, the resort will introduce a new Kids and Teens Club and state-of-the-art Technogym fitness facility later in 2025.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

Daily
Jan 16, 2025

Get a Glimpse Into One of the Busiest Transportation Stations in Europe: Roma Termini

Rome's Termini Station is a true icon of modern Roman architecture, serving as the city's largest rail station and one of Europe's major transit centers. One of the key aspects of the structure’s recent transformation was opening up the view toward the sixth century B.C. Servian Walls from the main hall, restoring visitors' visual connection to this historical legacy.

eFlyer News
Jan 15, 2025

Uber to Be Exclusive Rideshare, Delivery Partner of Delta Air Lines

Beginning this spring, Uber will be the exclusive rideshare and delivery partner of Delta Air Lines. This new, multiyear partnership allows SkyMiles members to earn miles when riding with Uber and ordering with Uber Eats throughout the United States.

Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems

Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.

eFlyer News
Jan 15, 2025

Mandarin Oriental to Sign 2 European Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced the expansion of two iconic hotels: Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam and Hôtel Lutetia in Paris. Following the completion of the transaction with relevant Works Councils, both properties will be rebranded, with Hôtel Lutetia transforming to Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, and Conservatorium Hotel changing to Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam.