Perhaps the most popular activity while visitng the island of Maui is embarking on the breathtaking drive that is The Road To Hana. A favorite stop along the drive, just after mile marker 31 on the right hand side visitors can find Hana Farms. Expanding across 7 cares, Hana Farms features a beautiful farm, roadside stand, bakery and restaurant. Tucked into the rainforest of the Northern Coast, Hana Farms practices the traditional farm to table concept with their fresh goods. Achieving excellent reviews across Google, Yelp and Trip Advisor, the establishment has become beloved by visitors and locals alike.
Founders Martin and Paul met along The Road To Hana in 1994 when Martin picked up Paul as a hitchhiker and purchased the land in 1999. Just four miles outside of Hana Town, the land was completely covered in Banyan trees when Martin and Paul came to own it, and due to much of the land being volcanic rock, the soil brings rich nutrients to growth. In 2006, the farm began selling lemonade and what is now the Hana Farms famous banana bread on the side of the road.
In the early days, the banana bread was made fresh daily out of a toaster oven, and still today Hana Farms features four kinds of delicious banana breads. The owners of Hana Farms take no short cuts, doing all farming and harvesting by hand and using no large equipment. Located in one of the rainiest areas of Maui, the farmers have their fair share of challenges while practicing the organic and natural farming techniques.
The roadside stand at Hana Farms features edible goods and gifts all sourced locally from the island and the farm itself. From hot sauces and BBQ sauce to coffee and baked goods, this stop along the highway promises perfect mid day snacks and ideal treasures to bring home from vacation. Being open 7 days a week, Hana Farms’ road side stand offers all guests local flavors and true Hawaiian culture.
The bakery of the farm bakes fresh goods daily, like the pizza dough for the restaurant, which took over two months to perfect, and all of the bread for sandwiches. Honoring the island with unique and local flavors alike, baking manager Ricco often seeks advice and teachings from local “Aunties” to ensure that Hana Farms stays true to Hawaii, often learning things that can’t be taught from a book or a classroom.
The bakery hosts a vegan baker, allowing for a variety of vegan and gluten free treats for visitors. Each season brings new and exciting edible goodies and new treats are constantly being added to the table. The bakery creates everything from cookies and macaroons to brownies, muffins, cakes and bagels. Aside from the banana bread, another fan favorite is the bars, more specifically the exotic Jungle Bars, featuring delectable island ingredients.
The restaurant of Hana Farms, also known as the “Bamboo Hale” (Bamboo House), is entirely made of bamboo, a natural and commonly used material of the islands. Providing open air dining and live music, setting a scene for guests of what it means to dine in the rainforest. The menu features wood fired pizzas and sandwiches, along with many other dishes.
Visitors can taste the islands by ordering a Farm Plate, inspired by traditional Hawaiian meals featuring rice, amazing meats and side dishes. Order a Harvest Salad for the freshest of experiences with a plate full of greens straight from the farm surrounding the eatery. Many of the dishes across the vast menu are made from the ingredients harvested from the land of the farm.
Hana Farms grows it all, making the farm a true testament to “fresh” eating. The farm land grows crops year round, using what grows in the restaurant and bakery, while also selling fresh produce and other goods at the road side stand. From fruits and vegetables, to spices and herbs, to nuts and seeds. Along with using the harvested ingredients for cooking and baking, Hana Farms also makes their own hot sauces and BBQ sauces from the crops. The farm also features a garden of flowers and decorative plants which guests can have the opportunity to purchase at the road side stand.
Hana Farms is the perfect destination for fresh and local product. Stop along The Road To Hana for lunch in the Bamboo Hale or for fresh bread straight from the bakery. Visit the farm for the tastiest of fresh produce or for a bouquet of exotic island flowers. With over 15 local suppliers in the network, Hana Farms helps to provide a culture rich experience for every visitor.
Hana Farms also has a massive online store offering many of the same goods available at the road side stand, along with merchandise featuring the farms logo. No trek down The Road To Hana is complete with out stopping along the way to experience the locals and their goods, and Hana Farms is a perfect example of true island spirit. Go Rent A Car Maui has trucks, vans, suv’s and sedans ready for every trip along The Road To Hana!