Exploring Maui on your own can be daunting. Often, taking a tour is the easiest way to dive into what interests you, or learn a little more about the surroundings. I recently checked out the Maui Pineapple Tour–it’s a taste of paradise straight off of the fields the line the slopes of Haleakala.
To show a different kind of paradise, Carrie and David Adelmann started the Maui Craft Tours. Their tour bus takes you to several stops along the artisanal craft beverage and food highway of Maui.
You catch the Maui Pineapple Tour across the street from the Hali`imaile General Store. In fact, you can package lunch in with your tour, or a stop at the Hali`imaile Distilling Company. This tour is the perfect way to explore this region, but what I really loved was getting to know the behind-the-scenes at the pineapple plantation. This tour has two tour times daily, and runs seven days a week.
“Maui Gold Pineapple Company started from the original Maui Pineapple Company,” says Mary Britton, Director of the Maui Pineapple Tours. “MPC was the United States’ largest grower, processor and shipper of Hawaii pineapples for over 100 years (1909-2009). After Maui Pineapple Company decided to close down, a group of former employees and investors decided to form Maui Gold Pineapple Company to keep the tradition of growing Maui Gold brand pineapples. They officially started in January, 2010. They kept over 1000 acres of fields in Hali`imaile (along with the factory) and focus on mainly local production. Overall, 70 percent of the pineapples are kept locally while 30 percent are for mainland/international consumption. Companies like Maui Winery, Maui Brewing and Hali`imaile Distilling rely on the pineapple for some of their flagship brands.”
There’s nothing sweeter than picking a pineapple in the field and eating right there, a highlight of the tour. Our guide Mike was really knowledgeable about the operations. The plantation also has piles of pineapple compost and pineapple for livestock feed–just ask at the main office. Best of all, they send you off with your very own box of pineapples. For more information on their tours go to Mauipineappletour.com.
The Craft Brew Tour just started in March. The Adelmanns are really excited about sharing the food and drink culture they love on Maui.
“For us, it’s about more than eat/drink/buy local,” Carrie says. “It’s about genuinely connecting with both the people and products that have influenced today’s craft culture on Maui. Our goal is to provide our guests with once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventures that showcase the hand-crafted food and beverages being made here in Maui. So we work to make sure every detail of our guests’ experience falls in line with the philosophies that our craft partners live by–provide only the highest quality products, use sustainable business practices, keep our partners and community at the forefront of every decision, focus on the fine details and share stories in an honest and authentic way. Our hope is that these experiences allow our guests to truly embrace the artistry and passion behind the island’s incredible craft community.”
Maui Craft Tours hit up alcohol purveyors like Maui Wine, Ocean Vodka and Maui Brewing Co., restaurant hot spots and farms in a way you wouldn’t be able to experience on your own. Different days of the week feature different packages, with tours titled “Taste of Maui,” “Ultimate Craft Adventure” and “Field to Glass.” They also do custom private tours. For more information, go to Mauicrafttours.com.
Photos of Maui Craft Tour by Sean Hower of Howerphoto.com
For more of Maui’s top activities in our annual Summer Guide visit https://mauitime.com/tag/mauitime-summer-guide-2017/
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