Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies
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Who this tour fits
- Physical intensity
- low
- Group type
- medium
- Max group size
- 14 guests
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- What's included
- Lunch, Guide, Transportation
About this tour
Explore the farms and aquaculture facilities that define Kona's food scene on this half-day guided van tour designed for food lovers. The route visits working farms on both the mountain side (mauka) and ocean side (makai) of the Kona Coast, with tastings, samples, and a small souvenir at each stop. Monday through Thursday, the tour pairs Big Island Abalone's aquaculture farm with Doutor Coffee's plantation; on Fridays, the itinerary swaps in Kona Sea Salt alongside the abalone farm.
The tour includes hotel or condo pickup and drop-off, so transportation is handled for you. After the farm visits, lunch is a hands-on yakiniku-style tabletop BBQ featuring premium sirloin, skirt steak, Kona shrimp, fresh abalone, and grilled vegetables with Japanese-inspired dipping sauces - all grilled by you at the table.
The experience runs approximately five hours and accommodates up to 14 guests. A minimum of six guests is required for the tour to run - if fewer book, you'll be notified within 48 hours and receive a full refund. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Guests with shellfish allergies should note that the tour includes shellfish tasting throughout. Casual attire and sneakers are recommended, and families with children under 10 should provide ages at booking for car seat arrangements.
Why book this operator
- Local operator in Kailua-Kona
- 4.8 out of 5 (462 Google reviews)
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Guide
- Transportation
Not included
- Gratuity
Tour details
- Days Operated
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Difficulty Level
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Food Included
- full_meal
- Free Cancellation Window
- 72 hours
- Group Size
- medium
- Guided
- Yes
- Hotel Pickup
- Yes
- Includes
- Lunch, Guide, Transportation
- Indoor / Outdoor
- both
- Maximum Group Size
- 14 people
- Maximum Passengers
- 14 guests
- Meeting Location
- Outside the main entrance of your hotel (Fairmont Orchid Hotel guests: Kiosk at the parking lot)
- Not Included
- gratuity
- Physical Intensity
- low
- Tasting Included
- Yes
- Total Duration
- 60 minutes
- Transport Included
- hotel_pickup
- What to Bring
- Sunscreen, Camera, Light Jacket
Frequently asked questions
How long is Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies?
Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies lasts about 60.
Where does Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies meet?
Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies meets at Outside the main entrance of your hotel (Fairmont Orchid Hotel guests: Kiosk at the parking lot).
What is included with Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies?
Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies includes Lunch, Guide, and Transportation.
What is the cancellation policy for Mauka & Makai Farms Van Tour for Foodies?
Reservations must be made at least 72 hours before pickup. Cancellable and refundable up to 72 hours before. Reservations close 48 hours prior and no refunds are issued for cancellations within 48 hours of pickup. Tour may be canceled if fewer than 6 participants; full refund given in that case.
What should I wear for the Mauka and Makai Farms Van Tour?
Casual attire works well for this tour, but footwear matters depending on where you walk. Sneakers are recommended since the tour involves walking through farms. Sandals are acceptable, but high heels are not suitable for the terrain. The two sides of the tour have noticeably different climates. The mountain side (Mauka) sees occasional showers with temperatures around 77 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coastal side (Makai) is typically sunny and warmer at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Dressing in comfortable layers that can handle both conditions is a practical approach.
Can I bring young children on the Mauka and Makai Farms Van Tour?
Children are welcome on this tour, but there are age-related requirements you must address before booking. Under Hawaii state traffic law, children aged 0 to 4 must use a child seat, and children aged 5 to 10 must use a booster or junior seat. The tour van will be equipped with appropriate seats. A child fare policy applies to children aged 8 and under. If you are bringing a child of any age under 10, you must notify the operator of the child's age at the time of booking. Failing to do so in advance could create complications on the day of the tour.
What are the cancellation rules for the Mauka and Makai Farms Van Tour?
Reservations are fully cancellable and refundable up until 48 hours before your scheduled pickup time. Once the 48-hour window passes, the reservation is confirmed and no refunds are issued for cancellations made within that period. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. There is also a minimum participant requirement to be aware of. If fewer than six guests are confirmed, the tour may be canceled by the operator. You will be notified of any cancellation within 48 hours of the tour date and will receive a full refund if that happens.
Do I need to worry about food allergies on the Mauka and Makai Farms Van Tour?
Yes, shellfish allergies are a serious concern on this tour because the experience includes tasting at multiple venues and a BBQ lunch featuring shellfish such as abalone and Kona shrimp. The operator explicitly notes that all participants should have no shellfish allergies before joining. The self-grilling BBQ lunch also includes premium beef cuts like sirloin and side skirt, along with sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Dipping sauces provided include a traditional soy-based Japanese BBQ sauce and a sesame oil with sea salt option. If you have concerns beyond shellfish, contacting the operator directly before booking is advisable.
How large are the groups on the Mauka and Makai Farms Van Tour?
Group size on this tour is capped at 14 guests. The booking system automatically closes reservations once 15 or more guests have been added, so spots are limited. On the other end, the tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to run. If the confirmed participant count falls below six, the operator reserves the right to cancel the tour. You will be informed of any cancellation within 48 hours of the scheduled date and will receive a full refund. Because of this minimum requirement, booking early and confirming your spot at least 72 hours ahead is important.
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