Edible Maui
From the 'Aina to the Diner

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Maui’s Winery

The famous Hawaiian pineapple is also a key element in the winemaking process of Maui's Winery in Upcountry Maui. In 1974, Emil Tedeschi established Maui’s first commercial winery on a few acres at 'Ulupalakua Ranch on the slopes of Haleakala. Expanding its operation, Tedeschi Vineyards now grows over six different varietals and includes a tasting room, retail store and history room in The King Kalakaua Guest Cottage. The cottage was built in 1874 for David Kalakaua, Hawaii's last reigning king, and his queen Kapi'olani, who were frequent visitors to the Ranch. Visitors can sample wines (some made from the juice of pineapples) at an eighteen-foot-long bar made from a single mango tree, purchase Hawaii-made products and specialty foods, and examine remnants of 'Ulupalakua's past, which features both Hawaiian royalty and paniolo (cowboys). Guided tours are offered daily. Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and enjoy the breathtaking views and spectacular scenery at Maui's Winery. Visit www.mauiwine.com for more information.

If your interest lies in seeing a small, family operation, Casey Shim's working coffee and protea farm is a good place to start. A descendant of a Chinese family that settled in the Keokea area of Kula at the turn of the 20th century, Casey also has fruit trees and lots of flowers, not to mention a million-dollar view "downcountry." For complete details, visit www.shimfarmtour.com.

Coffees of Hawaii on Molokai, which markets the Muleskinner, Malulani and Molokai Island Princess brands and also offers a 100 percent Kona coffee, is run by Mike Atherton, who also operates a coffee plantation in Nicaragua. A gift shop and espresso bar and café are available for visitors, and plantation tours are also offered. For complete details, visit www.coffeesofhawaii.com.

Kumu Farms, also on Molokai, was one of the first to supply locally grown, gourmet produce to Maui restaurants. And it's still going strong. These farmers specialize in fresh herbs, papayas and their own specialty sauces such as a popular Macadamia Nut Pesto.

The folks of Molokai Meli

Here's a little known fact: Molokai was once the world's largest producer of honey. During the 1930s, a bee epidemic wiped out the entire island industry. Today, Denny and Brenda Kaneshiro are returning to the success of the past with Molokai Meli. ("Meli" is the Hawaiian word for honey.) Aided by federal economic development grants, they have established productive hives at various locations around the island, and they have begun selling their product on the island, from candy "honey sticks" to an organic Hawaii kiawe honey. Watch for Molokai Meli honey, though, throughout the state. This is one of Maui Nui’s new "rising stars" of small-scale agriculture. Find out more at www.realhawaiihoney.com.

Nothing says "a gourmet taste of Hawaii" like the rich, delicious flavor of macadamia nuts. Kammie and Tuddy Purdy of Ho'olehua, Molokai, offer tours of their 70-year-old macadamia nut farm. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about mac nuts, from growth to harvesting and shelling. And the nuts and nut products they produce are, arguably, the best you'll ever taste. For more information, visit www.molokai-aloha.com/macnuts.

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