Maui Vanilla Farm, LLC

“You will never look at a bottle of pure vanilla the same way again. Some experiences teach you something new. Others leave you with a whole new appreciation for the passion, dedication, and hard work behind what we often take for granted. Our visit to Maui Vanilla Company did exactly that. We did the 90-minute farm tour yesterday with Candace and Clay and all I can say is WOW. Their passion, warmth, and knowledge shine through in absolutely everything they do. The tour was relaxed, engaging, and incredibly informative. Honestly, I had no idea what goes into growing real vanilla. This is not a simple “plant it and wait” process. Learning about the hand pollination of every individual flower gave us a completely new appreciation for why high-quality pure vanilla is so valuable. It is truly a labour of love requiring patience, dedication, and an incredible amount of work. And then there’s the liliko’i! They also grow their own liliko’i and Candace makes homemade jelly and butter that were absolutely unbelievable. Such a treat. We also added the dinner package at Hali’imaile General Store and it was the perfect way to finish the afternoon. Outstanding food and an amazing overall experience from start to finish. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Maui. You leave not only having learned something fascinating, but with a real appreciation for the people behind it all. Thank you so much.”

“Everyone at Maui Vanilla Farm is extremely knowledgeable and generous with everything they know about “vanilla”. I booked this tour weeks out BUT had an unexpected injury that caused me to rethink my participation. Candace at Maui Vanilla Farm pivoted, rescheduled me for a more convenient day/time, and provided her golf cart and to help me get around the farm. The tour felt far from commercial…the group was small which felt like more of a “visit with a friend” than a generic rehearsed tour. I learned so much and now understand that growing and processing vanilla is a labor of love. It takes about 3 to 4 years for the vines to flower, and because the flowers only open for one day, every single one must be hand-pollinated with a tiny wooden needle (and the process does not end there). We were lucky enough to observe and participate in the process and let me tell you that I now understand the price behind vanilla!! Totally recommend the tour…by the way did I mention there was vanilla cheesecake and vanilla ice-cream at the end of the tour!?!”

“Can’t recommend this tour and farm visit enough. See our YouTube Video on our tour and tasting (search Tonya Alexis and Pete - Maui Vanilla farm Tour) We booked it at the last minute and Clay greeted us as we got out of our rental car. He served us a vanilla powder limeade that was very refreshing. He then let us an hour tour of the grounds and explained the vanilla bean growing and curing process. At the end we were served some heavenly homemade cheesecake with their vanilla and some Lillikoi purée (passion fruit) and Lilikoi butter that was incredibly delicious. We bought some of the butter and really enjoyed our tour. Clay and Candace were so welcoming and helpful, giving us recommendation on where to go and what to see while visiting Maui. Highly recommend!”

“This was one of the absolute best things we did in Maui! After a beautiful upcountry drive and being warmly welcomed on arrival, we learned so much about what goes into producing organic vanilla and all of its uses. I’ve always loved biology and science so it was so cool to learn just how many variables intersect for vanilla production. Their family even makes home made vanilla limeade and lilikoi butter and jelly that we got to try. Candace, Clay, and Alina are so friendly and knowledgeable- we even hung out for a bit just to chat after our tour. I can’t recommend this farm enough- definitely a must see”

“Carmen & Clay have a wonderful small operation that is clearly run with so much dedication and care to create the very best products. The vanilla cheesecake, ice cream, and lilikoi (passion fruit) jam and butter are to die for! We enjoyed a very short tour of the vanilla plants, but we did not purchase a tour experience. The owners were extremely friendly and their staff was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend a visit even if it is just a quick stop for a piece of fresh, delicious home made cheese cake or ice cream-- or my personal favorite: both!”

“Highly recommend. Went to Maui Vanilla Farm yesterday and had a wonderful time with my wife. Clay and Candace have so much passion for what they do and you can see it in the care they provide the land and their tour. Delicious treats made from their vanilla are served at the beginning and end of tour. And of course, they even sell various vanilla products at end of tour :). Will definitely return someday.”

“Information and tasting of everything vanilla and more. Includes vanilla lemonade, and the best ever onsite made vanilla ice cream and cheese cake. Deserves a Michelin star. The tour demonstrated how involved the pollination and growing process is. Super informative and fun.”

“Of food tours, ag food tours rate topnotch, and Maui Vanilla Farm gets the best rating! Personal touches and accommodations of treats, perfect explanation of the growing and caring for the plants. Knowledgeable and excellent hosts/growers! Just go!”