My parents have always had a summer vegetable garden. In fact they grew, freeze and can almost all of the vegetables that they need for the entire year. Though I hated having to help pull weeds in the garden or string and snap beans when I was a little girl, I think those experiences taught me to appreciate farming, plants and the gardening process. That’s one reason why I like that Hawaii’s Big Island is promoting agricultural tourism, also known as agtourism.
Hawaii’s fertile ground and diverse climates make it an ideal for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts. Here are some examples of the bounty that you’ll find growing on the Big Island:
| Macadamia Nuts | Vanilla | Coffee |
| Papaya | Guava | Honey |
| Orchids | Cacao (Chocolate) | Mushrooms |
| Beef | Fish (Aquaculture) | And lots more! |
So, as you are planning a trip to the Big Island, consider opportunities to discover what Hawaii grows and brings to the table. Here are some ideas for you:
- Treat all your senses at one of the many Hawaii Farmers’ Markets.
- Tour historic Parker Ranch in Waimea.
- Tour Kona’s coffee farms.
- Visit one of the macadamia nut farms and visitor centers.
- See a Hawaiian Vanilla Farm.
- Visit a variety of farms with Hawaii AgVentures guided tours.
Photo above is of macadamia nuts.
Sheila Beal
8 comments
Aloha! Who wrote this article? I’d like to thank them!
Jessica Ferracane
PR for Big Island Visitors Bureau
Hey Sheila,
Check out the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory on the Big Island too…you get to see the whole process of making it…from cacao pods to a brick of the good stuff.
http://www.originalhawaiianchocolatefactory.com/
Aloha,
Michael
H Jessica – I wrote this article. Here’s my about page in case you’re interested: https://govisithawaii.com/about-go-visit-hawaii/
Hey Michael – Thanks so much for adding that idea here in the comments. I’ll definitely have to put that on my list of things to do for the next time I’m on the Big Island. The list keeps growing longer and longer. 🙂
The agtourism idea is really clever!
Nice piece! You might also be interested in checking out my own write-up on Maui agritourism in the New York Post: http://www.nypost.com/seven/09302008/entertainment/travel/pineapple_express_131345.htm.
Hey Sheila,
Thanks for picking up on this idea, GoHawaii has a feature story on the Maui farm to table movement as well…
http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/stories.html?video=10
@ jim – I agree, it is clever and quite interesting.
@ David Paul Appell – thanks for your comment, I’ll check out your article.
@ Patrick – great video! I think I’ll have to feature that in the near future!