Grown on Maui: Local Farms and Ranches

Maui is known as the “valley isle” with the West Maui Mountains rising out of the land on one side, an Haleakalā on the other, creating flowing valleys and hills with plenty of fertile land for farming and ranching. If you’re moving to Hawai’i and want to know where to get the best local produce, keep reading. We want to share some of our favorite farms and ranches to visit while you’re exploring the island of Maui.

Want to know more? Check out this remarkable Farmer’s Market Guide and Farm Tours Guide (from Spring 2020) from Edible Hawai'i for options on (almost) all of the Hawaiian Islands.

GO FOR
THE FOOD

Oʻkoa Farms

The biggest, most diverse stand at a many of Maui Farmer’s Markets, O’koa Farms’ tables are filled to the brim with the freshest, most colorful local produce on Maui. Can’t make it to the market? O’koa Farms offers pickup and delivery, too. Get your hands on fresh vegetables, unique tropical fruit, herbs, honey, flowers, whatever you need to make an idyllic farm-to-table meal. The farm prides itself on bringing fresh food to its beloved community of Maui and each visitor can see that in the healthy abundance of colorful and fresh local produce—the best food on Maui. Order delivery/pickup or find farmer’s market times at okoafarms.com. Want a tour? Make a special request and you might get lucky.

Oʻo Farm

Go on a scent safari when you tour the grounds at Oʻo Farm. Drink in the bright colors of the upcountry landscape and smell the bright blooms that will become juicy fruit in a matter of months. Enjoy a gourmet farm-to-table lunch with a panoramic view of Maui from part way up Haleakala. The three-course meal features a starter, three entrees, locally grown and roasted coffee, and a light dessert and earns every one of its 5 stars. A lovely afternoon in upcountry Maui should definitely include a visit and lunch at Oʻo Farm. Book reservations for their “Gourmet Lunch Tour” here and be sure to bring a light jacket—it’s cooler (and rainier) upcountry. Grab some local produce to take with you for a delicious memory.

Maui Bees

This endearing farm stand is tucked away above another farm (that has a great Thai food truck) and puts you in close contact with the insects that keep earth’s life buzzing. Maui Bees has fresh, locally sourced lunches on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., where you can admire bi-coastal views and creatively painted picnic tables. Become one with nature and give thanks to the bees as you taste their delicious Maui wildflower honey and stock up on gifts to share with family and friends. A quaint Bee Museum teaches guests a bit more about our buzzing friends. Learn more about this unique upcountry stop at mauibees.com.

GO FOR
THE ANIMALS

Leilani Farm Sanctuary

By far, the best place to come if you’re with kids or have any sort of love for animals. Meeting the animals one-on-one at this loving rescue farm is an experience that will stick with you for a lifetime. Learn more about how most animals (meant for consumption) are treated outside of this caring environment and how to make an impact. There are tons of animals at the farm, ranging from pigs to chickens, goats, ducks, donkeys, rabbits, geese, tortoises, deer, and a cow. Each end every animal is well taken care of and most are super friendly. Please leave kids under seven at home and be prepared for the tour, rain or shine! Learn more at leilanifarmsanctuary.org.

Pi’iholo Ranch

Want to feel like a real paniolo (cowboy)? Check out Pi’iholo Ranch in gorgeous, scenic upcountry Maui for the ride of your life. The horses here are well taken care of and are happy to take you for a ride with upcountry views while learning about the history of the land from knowledgeable guides. The website, piiholo.com, doesn’t have a lot of information, so call 808-270-8750 for more about booking a horseback riding Maui locals would recommend. Want a faster adventure? This ranch also runs a zipline course highlighting the longest side-by-side zipline in the whole state of Hawaii. Book this adventure at piiholozipline.com.

Triple L Ranch

When you think “horseback riding Maui” the first though that should come to mind is Triple L Ranch. Offering private custom horseback rides, Triple L Ranch’s tours are famous for ending up at Bully’s Burgers, one of the most “hole-in-the-wall” places you’ll ever go, with the best tasting burger you’ll ever eat. Some would say Bully’s has the best food on Maui. The guides are well-seasoned, the views are spectacular, and the horses are sweet. A guaranteed great day on Maui. We think Will C. sums up the experience well: “Undeniably one of the best days of my life. I am unable to convey how amazing this tour was. Triple L Ranch is just awesome. Period. Stunning views, lovable horses, nice tour guide, friendly staff and farm critters, and without a doubt the best hamburger and lunch I’ve ever had in my entire life.” Book your tour online at triplelranchmaui.com.

GO FOR
THE VIEWS

Kula Country Farm

If you drive by this charming local produce provider in the Fall, you’ll notice bright orange dots of pumpkins across a field and scarecrows all around. No matter the season, Kula Country Farm provides family fun and fresh, local produce for locals and visitors alike. Try the famous strawberry lemonade and grab more strawberries to go. You’ll find this farm’s berries in stores all across Maui, but none are fresher than the ones straight from the source with a U-pick strawberry field. Pick up jams and gifts for loved ones and stroll the grounds to admire the views. Partially up Haleakalā, the farm has expansive views from the north shore to the south. Watch the shadows of the clouds crawl across the farmland in central Maui and find peace while just admiring nature. Open Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., find time to visit this local favorite.

Lavender Farms

Escape the busy areas of Maui for absolute peace and serenity at the Maui Lavender Farms. With a quaint little garden with secret nooks and crannies and beauty comparable to the panoramic view of Maui, this is a treasure not to be missed. Stroll around the gorgeous grounds and meditate with a Buddha statue, sniff flowers, and admire the atmosphere. While the $3 per person entry fee won’t break the bank, you can also opt to donate at least one can of food per person for entry. You MUST try the lavender tea and scone with butter and lilikoi (passion fruit) jelly but beware the aggressive sparrows. Plan your visit and purchases at aliikulalavender.com. Currently open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.