Farm to Table Big Island

Tasting the Terroir: Big Island Farm Tours

Before you sit down for a memorable farm-to-table meal, how about immersing yourself in the origins of the ingredients? The Big Island has some genuinely fantastic farm tours where you can meet passionate farmers, learn about their sustainable practices, and often even taste the fruits (literally) of their labor. Here are a few places worth visiting:

• Pali Nana Farms: Pali Nana Farms is a true hidden gem on the Hamakua Coast. What makes this 22-acre farm special is its commitment to off-grid living. During their tours, you can learn about their innovative techniques for sustainable farming without relying on traditional power sources, such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. It's farm-to-table with a strong emphasis on ecological consciousness.
• Starseed Ranch: Located about 15 minutes from the charming town of Hawi, this homestead and farm embody a connection to both land and culture. The Starseed Ranch offers tours focused on sustainability and traditional Hawaiian agriculture. In the ranch's delicious dinners, you can discover unique canoe crops, heirloom taro varieties, and methods for cultivating exotic fruits.
• Big Island Farms: Spread across a scenic 60-acre property on the Hamakua Coast, Big Island Farms combines a focus on food, education, and sustainability. It's more than just a farm; it's a place for hands-on learning and community building.
• OK Farms: Perched above the cascading Rainbow Falls near Hilo, OK Farms offers tours that allow you to discover the diversity of tropical agriculture on the Big Island. You will also get a glimpse into the lush world of lychee, longan, rambutan, cinnamon, cacao, coffee, and heart of palm, to name a few.

From Bean to Cup: Big Island Coffee Farm Adventures

Coffee lovers flock to the Big Island to taste that world-famous Kona coffee. What better way to experience this island specialty than visiting a coffee farm?

Two coffee farms offering informative tours and the chance to savor those aromatic brews are Rooster Farms and Greenwell Farms. Located in South Kona, Rooster Farms boasts a long tradition of cultivating Kona coffee, going back generations. On the other hand, the Greenwell Farms spans over 150 years and offers glimpses into historical and modern methods for growing Kona's prized beans. You'll learn how these farms, deeply committed to quality, cultivate, roast, and produce those cup-of-joe moments that coffee aficionados travel miles for.

Beyond the Buzz: Sweet Treats and Macadamia Nuts

While coffee might reign supreme, the Big Island's farm-to-table delights extend beyond beverages. Are you craving something a bit sweeter? Then, be sure to explore some of the locally grown options.

Cacao, the ingredient behind our beloved chocolate, thrives in the island's climate. Bean-to-bar chocolate makers and farms offer tours to learn about every step of chocolate creation, from tree to bar. Hamakua Chocolate, in Papaikou, invites you to their tasting room and farm, specializing in handcrafted chocolates infused with island flavors. Further north, in the town of Honoka'a, the Honoka'a Chocolate Company shares the history of chocolate in Hawai'i and their passion for ethically sourced beans.

And let's not forget about those crunchy macadamia nuts that seem to be everywhere in Hawai'i.  While not originally native to the islands, macadamia nuts have found a perfect home on the Big Island's fertile volcanic slopes.  If you're intrigued by this popular nut's journey, consider visiting the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company north of Kona in Kawaihae. It offers tours, tastings, and even cooking classes. You can also discover more about macadamia nut history and cultivation at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation near Hilo.

Savoring the Bounty: Big Island Restaurants Embracing Farm-to-Table

Now comes the exciting part. The Big Island boasts an inspiring selection of restaurants where chefs let fresh, locally sourced ingredients take center stage. The dining experiences they create are as unique as the island, showcasing the abundance and flavors of the Big Island's diverse agriculture.

One pioneer of the modern farm-to-table experience and an authentic island legend is Merriman’s in Waimea. With a commitment to serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine for over three decades, Merriman sources around 90% of its ingredients locally. Imagine enjoying their famous upcountry lamb, raised right on the slopes of Mauna Kea, while gazing out at the sweeping pasturelands. You'll taste the freshness in every bite. It's a perfect example of how a commitment to sustainability also results in incredibly flavorful, memorable meals.

Established in 2003, Hilo Bay Cafe champions seasonal and organic ingredients, mirroring its "come as you are" laid-back vibes. Its menu changes with the seasons, ensuring every dish reflects the best local farms offer.

Honoring Hawaiian Traditions: Understanding Local Ingredients

As you savor farm-to-table dishes, take the time to appreciate those uniquely Hawaiian ingredients that contribute so much to the Big Island's culinary scene. For instance, poi, a staple food in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, deserves attention. Made from the starchy underground stem of the taro plant, poi represents centuries of cultural significance and a deep connection to the land (taro farming).

Speaking of respecting the land, let's not overlook the contribution of a crucial pollinator for island agriculture: the native bees of Hawai'i. Unfortunately, many bee species worldwide face population declines due to habitat loss and pesticide use. These hardworking creatures are vital for pollination, ensuring the growth of many fruits, vegetables, and other crops we depend on. By choosing farm-to-table options, you can indirectly support those farms committed to responsible practices that protect biodiversity.

A Farm-to-Table Journey Along the Kohala Coast

Now, let's venture to the Kohala Coast, known not only for luxury resorts and pristine beaches but also for its landmark place in Hawaii Regional Cuisine. This region's commitment to showcasing local ingredients is genuinely exceptional. As you explore this part of the Big Island, here's where to immerse yourself in its culinary excellence.

Were you looking for refined elegance paired with oceanfront views and exceptional seafood? Make your way to Napua at the Mauna Lani Beach Club. Chef Keoni Regidor takes the concept of farm-to-table a step further. His Kaunamano Farm on the Hamakua Coast raises a special breed of Berkshire pigs that are eventually served at Napua, bringing fresh flavor directly to the table.

Are you craving the relaxed, casual atmosphere that defines the island vibe? Huggo's on the Rocks is all about seaside breezes, live music, and farm-to-table fare under a thatched roof. Fresh ingredients from local farmers take center stage on their menus, capturing that Kohala Coast feeling.

Recalling the Past: A Glimpse Into Sugar Plantations

The farm-to-table scene on the Big Island celebrates local farmers. But for those interested in diving deeper into the Big Island's agricultural past, consider visiting the Hawaii Plantation Museum in Papaikou. It's located on the grounds of a former sugar plantation, providing a glimpse into how this industry shaped Hawai'i. Until a few decades ago, the island's agriculture relied heavily on sugar cane (read more about the history of sugar plantations). Sadly, today, this chapter in the Big Island's story is only a memory preserved in historical photos and fascinating tales.

Want to delve even further into the Kohala Coast's unique blend of art, culture, and local flavors? Venture a bit north of Waimea and experience the Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery. Situated within the lush botanical garden, this farm-to-table treasure displays island art. It uses a unique, hyperlocal sourcing system, only incorporating what local farms have harvested within a small radius of the restaurant's kitchen.

Beyond Farm and Fork: Connecting the Past and Future

So, you're on the hunt for that farm-to-table Big Island magic, where the essence of aloha fills every bite, the ingredients are as fresh as the morning air, and your senses come alive.  Your dining journey becomes about connecting with a local community.  Embrace it.  Explore, ask questions, support farmers, learn the stories behind each dish, and relish the chance to experience a part of the Big Island beyond beaches and resorts. 

It's farm-to-table on the Big Island, where you savor more than delicious food—it's the authentic taste of aloha.

The vibrant farm-to-table Big Island scene offers more than delicious meals—it's a chance to immerse yourself in a community passionate about honoring traditions, preserving biodiversity, and growing extraordinary flavors. Whether you tour organic farms, sip Kona coffee amidst fragrant orchards, or savor culinary masterpieces crafted with local love, each bite becomes part of a beautiful island story.