The great thing about a 4 hour time change is that you wake up at 3:30AM...and then lay there. Needless to say, the day started early, but that's not such a bad thing when it's 60 degrees out and you can open your double doors and start your day with coffee and the waves under the glow of the moon.
Today was incredible! A long sunrise walk on the beach and breakfast on the porch meant it was time to drive into Kula - the mountains in the Eastern part of Maui - for a day at O'o Farms. My parents did this a few years back when they were here and recommended the farm tour and farm-to-table lunch so I knew it was a 'can't miss.' Good news, they were spot on with their recommendation (thanks, Thomas and Susan Oare!)
Our tour guide for the day was Todd. He was a farmer outside of Ashville, NC for most of his life until he traveled to Maui in 2009 and thought, 'this wouldn't suck to farm here' (his words, not mine), so he moved his family here and worked as the produce buyer for Whole Foods for the last 12 years. He started working at O'o farms a few weeks ago, but his short tenure wasn't a reflection of his knowledge of the 8 acres of farmland. They grow everything from various leafy greens, to citrus, to stone-fruit, to turmeric and reinforced their sustainable practices throughout the tour. Lots of composting. Lots of crop rotations. Lots of creating their own mulch from the downed trees after December's crazy storms. I had Ireland vibes the entire time I was driving up and walking around - beautiful ocean views, cool climate, lush landscape...goats...everywhere.
A 5-course lunch was to follow; almost everything from their farm:
Homemade sourdough with a mixed greens salad (the sourdough starter has been on the island for 16 years)
Seared tofu with a wild black rice and quinoa blend
Local Ono fish with greens
Local chicken with roasted root vegetables
Homemade truffles with a pineapple and orange salad...plus coffee..right from the farm.
I would 10/10 pass on the recommendation to visit when you're in town. I feel more connected to the things that keep this island booming and the people behind the mission.
Stopped by Maui Brewing Company on my way back into town for a local brew. Spent the golden hours on the beach and in the hot tub. Sunset on the porch. I'm not sure which I love more - the anticipation of the sunset, the actual sunset or the hour after. I'm thinking more and more it's the latter.
Tomorrow is a beach day exploring Kihei. More to come.
Aloha!
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