Maui Farm Tour: O’O Farms in Kula
It’s summer all year long on Maui, and the volcanic soil is deep, dark, and rich with nutrition. So when farmers dig down and plant, they get quick, beautiful, delicious results.
Restaurants that do not take advantage of the local and organic produce are really missing out – and so are their diners.
Several restaurants on the island have a “farm to table” ethic, including Chef James McDonald’s Pacific’O, I’O, and Feast at Lele.
In 2000 McDonald started his organic farm in Kula, O’O Farms. Today, the farm is producing all of the produce, fruit, and herbs needed in his three restaurants. They’re even considering selling the surplus to us locals (yes, please).
In the meantime, you can check out their lunch tours. Every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 1pm you can head up to their farm for a tour and lunch ($50 per person). You get a snack when you first arrive, and then take a tour of the grounds. You learn a lot, and then you eat an amazingly fresh, well-prepared lunch (these guys know how to cook) at their shady picnic table.
Group and private tours at O’O Farms in Kula. Call 808.667.4341 to make a reservation or visit their website: www.oofarms.com.
July 7, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Always looking for something new to try, we reserved for the O’O Farm tour with lunch. Our tour guide Ansel met us in the parking area and took us around the various gardens while gathering fresh items for the chef to use for lunch. He was passionate about the farm and its organic methods of growing and shared much knowledge with us all.
After the tour we went back to a beautiful hand hewn wood table under an arbor for our lunch. The chef made a beautiful grilled mahi mahi, with greens, platters of fresh raw root vegetables and surprise of all surprises a sauted tofu with herbs. It was a really great experience and the view of the coastline absolutely beautiful. We recommend this experience very much!