FARM VAN TOUR FOR FOODIES

Explore Kona’s Farms:
A Culinary Tour

Hawaiʻi's Big Island is home to farms and aquaculture facilities that produce unique ingredients driven by local passion. The Kona region, stretching from the mountains (Mauka) to the ocean (Makai), features diverse agricultural sites. Immerse in the island's vibrant produce through sensory exploration that highlights ingredients that define Hawaiʻi.

Tours include:

  • Half-day tours led by professional guides

  • Round-trip transportation from your location

  • Tastings, samples, and small souvenirs at all visited venues

  • Lunch (self-grilling Yakiniku/Hibachi BBQ) 

Mauka & Makai Tour

ʻDoutor Coffee Farm & Big Island Abalone

Your tour starts at ʻDoutor Coffee Farm in Holualoa, nestled in the heart of the "Kona coffee belt." Explore the coffee farm, tropical fruit garden, and native Hawaiian botanical garden while sampling a variety of Kona coffee and enjoying breathtaking views with an infinity pool.

Next, visit Big Island Abalone on the Kona Coast. As the leading abalone aquaculture facility in the US, it oversees every stage of production. A guide will share insights into abalone ecology, characteristics, and culinary uses, concluding with a tasting of freshly steamed abalone.

The tour costs $235 per adult and $210 per child.

This 50-acre farm in the Kona Coffee Belt, stretches along the slopes of Mt. Hualalai at 800-2,500 feet altitude, and produces world-class coffee. Visitors can enjoy 100% Kona coffee, tropical fruits, and stunning panoramic views.

Located along the Kona Coast, the largest abalone aquafarm in the USA spans 10 acres and cultivates over 4 million premium Ezo abalones. These abalone thrive in pure, cold waters of the Pacific sourced from the depths of 3,000 feet. Visitors can tour the farm to learn about this endangered species and taste this renowned delicacy firsthand.

Tour Schedule 

9:20 am - 10:50 am
Big Island Abalone (Tour approx. 45 min)

(6 hours)

1

2

3

8:00 am - 9:00 am
Hotel Pick up 

11:20 am - 1:10 pm
ʻDoutor Coffee Farm (Tour approx. 90 min)

4

5

1:45 pm - 2:45 pm
BBQ Lunch @ Big Island Abalone 

3:20 pm - 4:00 pm
Hotel Returns

NORTH ROUTE
Monday and Wednesday

Pick up Time & Location (@Main entrance)
8:00 Mauna Kea Beach Resort
8:05 Hapuna Beach Resort
8:25 Fairmont Orchid
(@KIOSK in the parking)
8:35 Auberge Resort, Mauna Lani
8:50 Waikoloa Beach Marriot

SOUTH ROUTE
Tuesday and Thursday

Pick up Time & Location(@Main entrance)
8:30 Outrigger Kona Resort
8:50 Royal Kona Resort
9:00 King Kamehameha Kona

Makai Tour

Kona Sea Salt & Big Island Abalone

The tour begins with a visit to Kona Sea Salt, where you'll discover the world's only salt sourced from deep seawater, drawn from 2,200 feet below the ocean's surface. Rich in minerals and bacteria-free, this unique salt has a fascinating story. A dedicated guide will take you through the history of salt in Hawaiʻi, its cultural significance, and the meticulous production methods used at the facility. The tour conclude with a tasting of the natural salt, paired with fresh produce.

Next, the tour continues to Big Island Abalone, home to the largest and most renowned abalone aquaculture site in the United States.

The tour costs $205 per adult and $185 per child.

Along the Kona coastline, Kona Sea Salt is uniquely made from 900-year-old deep ocean water, drawn from 2,200 feet below the surface. Rich in minerals and flavor, this premium sea salt can be sampled while enjoying stunning Kona coast views.

Located along the Kona Coast, the largest abalone aquafarm in the USA  spans 10 acres and cultivates over 4 million premium Ezo abalone. These abalone thrive in pure, cold waters of the Pacific sourced from the depths of 3,000 feet. Visitors can tour the farm to learn about this endangered species and taste this renowned delicacy firsthand.

Tour Schedule 

10:00 am ~10:45 am
Kona Sea Salt (Tour approx. 45 min)

(5 hours)

1

2

3

8:30 am - 9:20 am
Hotel Pick up 

4

5

12:30 pm ~1:30 pm
BBQ Lunch time

2:00 pm ~ 2:45 pm
Hotel returns

11:00 am ~ 12:20 pm
Big Island Abalone (Tour approx. 80 min)

NORTH ROUTE
Friday

Pick up Time & Location (@Main entrance)
8:30 Mauna Kea Beach Resort
8:35 Hapuna Beach Resort
8:55 Fairmont Orchid
(@KIOSK in the parking)
9:05 Auberge Resort, Mauna Lani
9:20 Waikoloa Beach Marriot

Important Information

• Reservation only •

The tour is for reserved customers only; no walk-ins are allowed.

• Reservation timing •

Reservations must be made at least 72 hours before the pickup time. Cancellations are allowed within this period. However, reservations close 48 hours prior to the pickup time, and no refunds are issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of the pickup.

• Guest limit •

The maximum number of guests allowed is 14. If 15 or more reservations are made, the system will automatically stop accepting reservations.

• Minimum guest number •

This tour may be canceled if there are fewer than six (6) participants. The final number of participants will be confirmed within 48 hours of the tour date. If the tour is canceled, you will be notified and receive a full refund..

• Strict pickup schedule •

The pickup time is when the van departs from the pickup location. Guests must arrive at the pickup location before the scheduled time.

• Safety seat for children •

According to traffic laws, children under 10 years old are required to sit in a safety seat when riding a van (children 4 yrs old and under must use a child seat, and children between 5-10 yrs old must use a booster seat). Therefore, we kindly ask that you inform us of the child's age at the time of reservation so that we prepare the appropriate safety seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Kona Agricultural and Aquaculture Tour takes you through the Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii. This immersive tour explores both the mountain (Mauka) and ocean (Makai) sides of the island, offering a unique opportunity to visit local farms and aquaculture facilities. You will learn about and taste the distinctive ingredients grown and produced in the area, from tropical fruits to local seafood, all while experiencing the rich culture and hospitality of the island's people.

  • The tour typically lasts about half a day (approximately 5-6 hours including BBQ lunch at Big Island Abalone), but the duration may vary slightly depending on the specific sites visited on the day of your tour. Please check the itinerary for exact details.

  • Yes, this tour is family-friendly! It’s a great educational experience for children and adults alike, as it provides insight into agriculture, sustainability, and local culture. However, we recommend that children are accompanied by an adult at all times due to the nature of the tour's outdoor and sometimes hands-on activities.

  • Yes! Transportation is provided for the tour, and it typically includes comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. We will pick you up at a designated location or your hotel. Specific details will be provided upon booking.

  • We do our best to accommodate various dietary needs, but please let us know about any allergies or restrictions in advance so we can inform the farm operators and tailor the experience as much as possible. Please note that this tour involves food tastings, so it's important to share any concerns when booking.

  • We strive to make our tours as accessible as possible, but please be aware that some locations may have uneven terrain or limited accessibility due to the nature of farm and aquaculture sites. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us before booking to ensure we can accommodate you appropriately.

  • Absolutely! Many of the farms and aquaculture facilities you’ll visit offer unique, locally produced products such as fresh coffee, tropical fruits, handmade jams, and artisanal goods. This is a wonderful opportunity to take home a piece of the island and support local businesses.

  • Yakiniku (焼肉), literally meaning "grilled meat," is a Japanese term that broadly refers to grilled meat cuisine. Specifically, "yakiniku" commonly describes a style of cooking bite-sized meat (usually beef and offal) and vegetables on gridirons or griddles over a flame. This flame can come from wood charcoals carbonized by dry distillation (sumibi, 炭火) or a gas/electric grill.

    Kona Barbeque offers a unique complement to traditional yakiniku! The set menu features a delicious array of local and premium ingredients, combined with an efficient grilling method. For more details, click here.