Maui’s Upcountry is known to be the island’s bread basket. The area’s climate is well suited for growing a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Over the last decade, there have been a number of Upcountry agribusinesses that have started to provide tours of their operations. Alii Kula Lavender Farm is a favorite. The tour of the grounds is impressive and it is hard to beat their lunch tour which includes lavender scones and tea, the grounds tour, cooking demonstrations, lunch and more. Billy’s kids always enjoy trips up to the Surfing Goat Dairy. This maker of premium goat cheese allows you to tour farm operations and the kids to get a first hand look at the goats.

Recently, I came across a brochure for an Upcountry Coffee Farm Tour. The Shim Farm up in Kula offers tours of its coffee, protea and botanical farm. The hour long tour includes an orientation on coffee, proteas, a history of the Chinese in Kula and a walk through the farm. The 3,500 foot elevation on the slopes of Haleakala means dramatic vistas. I look forward to checking out the farm on a future visit Upcountry.

Pete Jalbert