7 Must-Visit Hawaiian Agritourism Destinations
There are more reasons to vacation in Hawaii than we can count, but have you ever considered exploring the agricultural bounty of this enchanting island state? It may be small, but Hawaii produces large amounts of sugar cane, pineapples, flowers and coffee for the state, country and world to enjoy.
If you’re looking for something unique to do next time you find yourself in the Aloha State, look no further than these seven memorable agritourism experiences.
See more: Foods That Grow in Hawaii
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1. Kona Coffee and Tea Company
Coffee connoisseurs won’t want to miss a visit to Kona Coffee and Tea Company. This popular organization grows their single-estate coffee on the slopes of Hualalai, where the beans have access to rich volcanic soil, sunny mornings and plentiful gulps of island rainfall. Once the beans are ready to harvest, they’re picked by hand and driven down to the company’s wet and dry mill, where they’re transformed into some of the finest tasting coffee on the island.
2. Alekoko Fishpond
How often do you have an opportunity to explore a legendary ancient Hawaiian fishpond? Probably not too often. The Alekoko Fishpond was constructed nearly 1,000 years ago and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. While these ponds were originally built to provide a steady catch of fish, today they serve as one of the best examples of Hawaiian aquaculture. If you want to make the most of your visit to Alekoko Fishpond, we recommend booking a kayak tour.
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3. Honoka’a Chocolate Company
Hawaii is home to an abundance of natural resources and agricultural gems, but many would argue that Hawaiian chocolate deserves a top spot on the list, which is why you should visit Honoka’a Chocolate Company. Nestled on an idyllic farm on the Hamakua coast, this bean-to-bar company crafts decadent, small-batch chocolates that pack a major flavor punch. Choose from farm tours and tastings to filling a bag full of treats at their farm store. You can’t go wrong either way.
See more: See What’s Growing With This Hawaii Produce Calendar
4. Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens
Na ‘Āina Kai translates to “lands by the sea,” which is an incredibly accurate description of these gorgeous botanical gardens, sculpture park and hardwood plantation. Nestled on more than 240 acres, these awe-inspiring gardens are considered a living mosaic of diversity, boasting sandy beaches, sprawling meadows and an impressive collection of flora, fauna and water features. You can also find over 160 bronze sculptures around this remarkable estate. They aren’t open for self-guided tours, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to see this one-of-a-kind destination.
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5. Ho’opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill
Also on the National Register of Historic Places, Ho’opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill is the only remaining rice mill of its kind in the Aloha State. Visitors to this historic site, which dates back to the 1800s, can explore the rich and storied history of island agriculture, discover a variety of endangered native water birds and learn how taro, a traditional Polynesian crop, is cultivated and used. Guided tours are the only way to see the renowned Hanalei Valley up close, making this an absolute must for your Hawaii bucket list.
See more: 7 Most Iconic Foods From Hawaii
6. OK Farms
Trust us when we say that OK Farms is more than just okay. This 1,000-acre farm has spent the last hundred years producing everything from citrus fruit and cacao to macadamia nuts and hearts of palm. But above and beyond their agricultural bounty, OK Farms offers their guests the opportunity to enjoy exclusive farm tours that give you private access to some of the most cherished waterfalls in the state. You can even spot Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain, from some of their scenic hiking trails.
7. Big Island Bees
Big Island Bees is a multigenerational beekeeping business that began in the 1970s. While they began with a merely a handful of hives in the 1970s, today they are home to approximately 3,800 hives with more than 190 million bees. You can visit their operation to sample a variety of flavorful honeys and learn fun facts about their diligent workers. For example, did you know that their bees need to fly 48,000 miles in order to produce a single pound of Hawaiian honey? You can discover more on their tours and while perusing their on-site museum.