Maui’s rich, volcanic soil is one reason this tropical island is famous for crops like macadamia nuts, pineapple, and coffee. Combined with generous rainfall and ample sunshine all year long, it’s no wonder that farmland makes up nearly 40 percent of all land in the Aloha State.
Many of the growers on Maui operate small-scale farms using natural methods, which allows them to market fruits and vegetables as ‘certified naturally grown’ or ‘biodynamic’ because they are free of pesticides, genetic modification, and always super fresh.
While USDA-certified organic food can be found in grocery stores and markets on Maui, specific certified items may not be as easy to locate because the USDA certification process is lengthy and might be too expensive for smaller farms. Fortunately, on Maui, you will find an abundance of delectable, sustainably farmed products, grown using organic methods.
Read on to learn more about Organic Food Sources on Maui.
Large Farms (40 – 60 Acres)
Ono Organic Farms
At 50 acres, Ono Organic Farms is one of the largest tropical fruit farms in the state. Ono is the Hawaiian word for ‘delicious’, and year after year the thousands of trees on this family farm deliver a tasty bounty of hand-picked avocados, apple bananas, guavas, and much more! All produce from Ono is certified organic by International Certification Services.
Kumu Farms
Kumu Farms occupies 60 acres of Maui Tropical Plantation – a gorgeous and massive expanse in the Waikapū Valley. Their farm stand at The Country Market was named one of the best in the United States by Rodale’s Organic Life magazine. Here you’ll find a wide range of locally harvested items in their Farm-Fresh Market Boxes, including non-GMO Sunrise Papaya, guava, and Maui Gold pineapple.
Evonuk Farms
Family-owned Evonuk Farms sits on 40 acres of Kula farmland acres in the Upcountry region of Maui. In addition to 25 different herbs, Evonuk grows a range of gourmet greens and seasonal fruits. Find their products at several stores around the island, including Mana Foods, Down to Earth, and Whole Foods.
Small Farms (6 – 12 Acres)
Oko’a Farms
Oko’a Farms in Kula produces 60 varieties of organically grown vegetables, edible flowers, and tropical fruits on 12-acres of farmland. You can find their products at several Maui farmer’s markets or place an online order for pick up at local grocery stores. For even more convenience, they’ve recently added doorstep delivery twice a week.
O’o Farm
Another Upcountry fruit and vegetable grower using sustainably maintained cultivation and organic standards is O’o Farm. Produce grown on this 8-acre farm is provided to several Maui restaurants to deliver a true “farm to table” experience. In addition to fruit trees and garden vegetables, O’o also has a morning coffee and breakfast tour, where you can check out their roastery!
Hāna Fresh
Hāna Fresh is a 7-acre certified organic farm and nutrition center that grows over 100 different kinds of gourmet fruits and vegetables. Their unique Hawaiian food and produce can be found at select specialty markets and restaurants throughout Maui.
Kupa’a Farms
Kupa’a Farms is a 6-acre family farm that sits on the slopes of Hale’akalā. Kupa’a means “to make firm” in Hawaiian, and the owners say they live up to that name every day by using sustainable and regenerative agricultural techniques. In addition to lettuce, kale, bananas, and sugar-cane juice, Kupa’a has fans around the world for their award-winning coffee.
The Land of Milk & Honey
Surfing Goat Dairy
Surfing Goat Dairy has been churning out award-winning gourmet goat cheeses since 2002. This organic farm offers tours and samples of over 30 different kinds of cheeses and other snacks. You’ll find their products in dozens of Maui restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores.
Maui Bees
You’re likely to hear a lot of buzz about Maui Bees while visiting Hawaii. The founders combined their passion for both beekeeping and organically grown food into a local farm, commercial kitchen, and education center. Find their honey in grocery stores and markets all across the Valley Isle.
FARMER’S MARKETS
Upcountry Farmer’s Market
Upcountry Farmer’s Market is a fantastic source for sustainably farmed and organic goods. More than 50 vendors show up every Saturday, rain or shine, from 7-11 am. It’s the perfect setting to experience the funky, home-grown fun that makes the Upcountry region of Maui so unique.
Farmer’s Market Maui
Farmer’s Market Maui is a family business that has been helping local farmers sell organic produce to the Maui community for nearly 50 years. The market has two locations; the outdoor Kīhei market is open 7 days a week, and the Lahaina market is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 7-11 am.
GROCERY STORES
Hawaiian Moons
When Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods opened in 1994 it was the first full-service natural food store in the Kīhei area. They carry a wide selection of organic fruits, vegetables, and prepared food, and have been champions of sustainable farming and environmentally friendly products from day one.
Mana Foods
Mana Foods has been thriving on Maui’s north shore for nearly 40 years. Mana has made respecting the environment and supporting local businesses their top priorities. For example, 50% of their produce is locally sourced and 90% is certified organic or unsprayed.
Down to Earth
Down to Earth is comparable to Whole Foods and has been selling organic food in Hawaii since 1977. That was when they opened their first store in Wailuku with the slogan “Healthy foods at prices that won’t make you sick!”. The business continues to thrive and today they operate six stores across Hawaii. Their 9,000 square foot Kahului grocery store opened in 1997 and is their only Maui location. Down to Earth buys produce from over 100 local farms and offers cooking classes and mini-workshops about the benefits of living a vegetarian lifestyle.
No list of organic food sources on Maui would be complete without mentioning Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods. Originally started in 1994 as the first full-service natural food store in the Kīhei/Wailea area, Hawaiian Moons has been promoting healthy foods, good fitness, and a sustainable lifestyle for more than twenty-five years. You’ll find the shelves stocked with hundreds of items from many of the organic farms listed here. Plus, a coffee bar, juice bar, and delicious sandwiches! If you’re staying at Ali’i Resorts, Hawaiian Moons are located nearby in Kīhei town and are a great place to stock up on healthy snacks.
