Big Island Abalone
Activities (4)
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Farm Tours
Big Island Abalone operates an organic, sustainable abalone farm in Kailua-Kona, and this tour brings visitors inside to see how the whole operation works. Visitors see abalone at different stages of growth and can hold some of them if they choose. The tour also moves through organic Dulse seaweed growing tanks, since that seaweed serves as feed for the abalone and is edible for people as well. Pictures are allowed on the tour. Tastings are included. Each visitor receives a grilled abalone in the shell and a sample of canned abalone, along with a tasting of sea grapes, which are edible seaweeds. Because the tour includes shellfish tastings, anyone with a shellfish allergy should not participate. The farm maintains organic and sustainable practices throughout its operation.
Kona Barbeque
After checking in at the office, guests move to the grill area, where a server brings out the ingredients and walks through a cooking guideline so anyone can get started with confidence. The ingredients come from local sources and include beef, chicken, and seafood such as abalone, shrimp, oysters, and lobster. House-made seasonings and sauces are provided alongside all cookware and utensils, so nothing needs to be brought from outside. Guests cannot bring their own food to grill. Drinks are not included but can be purchased at the office or food truck before heading to the site. This experience suits families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to handle the cooking themselves rather than sit in a restaurant. A waiver must be signed, either electronically in advance or on paper at check-in. When the meal is done, guests simply leave the site and the cleanup is handled by the staff.
Farm Tour + DIY BBQ package
Big Island Abalone's Farm Tour + DIY BBQ package combines a guided aquafarm tour with a self-grilling meal, all on the same property in Kailua-Kona. The tour begins at the farm, where a guide walks visitors through the abalone farming process, explaining why the shellfish is valued by chefs and how it is raised. Hands-on handling of abalone and other sea creatures is part of the experience, and sampling takes place after the tour portion ends. From there, guests move to the on-site BBQ area, where servers bring out locally grown beef, chicken, shrimp, lobster, and abalone along with house-made seasonings and sauces. Guests do the grilling themselves using equipment, cookware, and utensils provided on-site. This is not a restaurant setting, so cooking is done by the guests rather than staff. Drinks are not included but can be purchased at the office or food truck before heading to the grill. Wear a cap and comfortable sports shoes, as parts of the tour are in open sun and the farm has active equipment and workers.
Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies
Transportation is provided from and to your location, and professional guides lead the trip throughout. At each stop, guests can feel, touch, and taste locally grown and harvested ingredients, and each venue includes a tasting and a small souvenir to take home. After the farm visits, the tour finishes with a self-grilling yakiniku and hibachi BBQ lunch. Ingredients include marinated sirloin and side skirt beef, locally sourced Kona shrimp, abalone, and sliced vegetables. Comfortable, casual clothing works well for this tour. Sneakers are recommended since the route involves walking through farm areas. The mountain side can see occasional showers, while the coastal side tends to be sunny and warmer, so layering is a good idea. Reservations are required in advance, and walk-ins are not accepted.
About
Big Island Abalone runs farm tours and food experiences at its working abalone facility in Kailua-Kona. Guests can visit the farm on a guided tour that covers the history of deep-water research, the farming process, the types of abalone raised, and how the operation maintains organic and sustainable practices. The tour walks through different stages of abalone growth and includes the chance to hold the shellfish if desired, and photos are welcome.
A separate barbecue option lets guests grill their own meal on the property using locally sourced beef, chicken, and seafood that includes abalone, shrimp, oysters, and lobsters, along with house-made seasonings and sauces. All food, utensils, and cookware are provided. A combined package pairs the guided farm tour with the self-grilling barbecue in a single visit. A van-based food tour is also available, taking guests to farms and aquaculture sites across both the mountain and ocean sides of the Kona region.
Big Island Abalone is based in Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Big Island Activities lists 4 activities from Big Island Abalone.
Categories: Food & Farm Tours and Farm & Garden Tours.
Listings: Kona Barbeque; Farm Tours; Farm Tour + DIY BBQ package; Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies.
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