FOOD & DRINK —
ISLAND FARMS
Leave the surf behind and follow Shelley Seale into the mountains of Hawaii to discover an array of boutique farms
T
he Hawaiian island of Maui is a beachand-ocean lover’s dream. Known as the “Valley Isle,” the coastline is dotted with pristine white and black sand beaches and a diverse array of waterbased adventures. But a lesser-known side of Maui is its Upcountry: fertile slopes on the high elevations around Haleakala, with soaring views over the mountains and cool breezes that are a refreshing change from sea level. Here, you’ll fine numerous farms, ranches and botanical gardens; with a variety of makers that are open to the public for demonstrations, tours or tastings. Spending a few hours, a day — or more — exploring this uniquely Maui region offers a glimpse into a completely different side of Hawaiian life. My small group had arranged to meet our guide for a day tour around some of these Upcountry spots. She
was easy to spot in a white van with her logo emblazoned across the side, and she immediately came bounding up to us with a wide smile, friendly hello and seemingly endless exuberance. After introductions and bottles of water were passed around, she escorted us into the van as she explained briefly what the itinerary would be: visits to a lavender farm, vodka distillery and winery, with a stop for lunch at Ulupalakua Ranch Store. We would end the day with a spectacular ocean view at Ho`okipa Beach Park, near Paia Town. Personally, I was getting a kick out of the guide’s slightly zany but infectious personality; and her homemade audio rigging — instead of a modern headset connected via bluetooth to the van’s stereo system, she had a regular stick microphone duct-taped to the side of her window frame. I tried to suppress a giggle as she adjusted the
