Travel
The Big Island is the richest source of the state’s produce is grown here, and the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement that is rapidly picking up speed owes to the many farm and ranch products here. From coffee to exotic fruits and tropical flowers, there is an entire bounty to explore.
Farmer’s Markets
Sit Back and Take it In
Photos by USDAgov, fullerya, 4nitsirk via Flickr Creative Commons
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Travel
AgriTraveling - See How It Grows
There are many different reasons to travel: to gain cultural perspective, see beautiful parts of the world, engage in new activities, or just to get away from it all. I’ve taken trips for every reason imaginable, including my most recent series of trips around the country to see what keeps a region sustained. Yes, I’m an agritourist.
Before you think visiting a farm sounds boring, keep in mind that agritourism encompasses much more than just a hay ride through some fields. Overlapping with ecotourism and – my favorite – culinary and wine tourism – agritourism gives you a firsthand experience on how food is grown, how harvests are reaped, how animals are cared for as well as new, sustainable methods being implemented to ensure the longevity of a farm. Above all, agritourism also lets you see what life is like for people who work hard every day to provide for their region.
One of my favorite places to do this is Hawaii. Of course, Hawaii is one of my favorite places to go, period, for so many reasons. From epic hiking on every island to the gorgeous beaches and the fabulous array of dining, shopping and Waikiki hotels, there’s no reason NOT to go there. But, being 2012 and with my growing consciousness towards living locally and understanding what it takes to be a sustainable culture, I felt it was high time I started checking out what Hawaii’s growing.
The Big Island is the richest source of the state’s produce is grown here, and the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement that is rapidly picking up speed owes to the many farm and ranch products here. From coffee to exotic fruits and tropical flowers, there is an entire bounty to explore.
The Big Island’s Best Beans
I fancy myself somewhat of a connoisseur of coffee, and Hawaii’s own brew is no joke. While coffee used to be grown all over the Big Island, Kona has proven to be the region worth saving. The famous region has been gaining notoriety since the 1820s, and one visit will prove why. Due to the rich volcanic soil from Hualalai Volcano, the high, fog-shrouded slopes are the ideal environment for growing truly stellar coffee. Choose from hundreds of farms offering tours and learn about the meticulous process while sipping on some of the best brew in the world.
Farmer’s Markets
Everywhere you go these days, farmer’s markets are popping up, and it’s a beautiful thing. Hawaii’s farmer’s markets are as good as it gets. Not only can you get delectable fruits, veggies and cheeses as you experience a vibrant community, you can see firsthand Hawaii’s move towards zero waste and recycling. The Hale’iwa, Ala Moana and Hawaii Kai markets on Oahu are some of the best places to witness the push to become green. What’s more, the markets aim to create a “business incubator” for small farmers and artisans by creating a nurturing, networking environment.
Go Nuts
While macadamia trees are originally from Australia, Hawaii is credited with cultivating and creating the industry for this rich nut. Purdy’s Farm on Molokai is a small family business that enthusiastically grows without any additives. Purdy encourages visitors to eat them right out of the shell, a method with which I have to agree is the best.
Sit Back and Take it In
Getting a taste for the islands doesn’t mean you have to go out into the middle of nowhere. Sitting at the lounge in the Lotus Honolulu, I leaned back with a specialty cocktail made with locally grown fruits while I waited for my fresh caught seafood dinner to arrive.
Photos by USDAgov, fullerya, 4nitsirk via Flickr Creative Commons
- More On Organic Foods And Farmers' Markets
This morning I received notice of a comment from Steve, regarding an entry from a couple of days ago about buying organic produce from farmers' markets. Since most folks don't go back to a post to read additional comments they might have missed,...
- Following The Wine Routes Of Greece
Wine is an important part of the culture of Greece, both in terms of social traditions and religious significance. Being a Mediterranean country, the climate is perfectly suited to growing a number of varieties of grapes, from which wine is produced....
- Best Of Unpredictable Honolulu
What you’ve come to expect of Hawaii is pristine beaches teeming with vacationers, smiling hula dancers swaying to ukulele music, exotic local cuisine made from the freshest ingredients and did we mention the beaches – they’re consistently ranked...
- Photo Of The Week: Sunrise In Hawaii
December sunrise. Photo by ashmieke Many consider Hawaii to be Heaven on Earth. Hawaii’s natural beauty, warm tropical climate and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists and scientists alike. This photo was taken in Kāhala, Honolulu, one...
- Why Return To Aruba Year After Year?
After having traveled to Aruba over 20 times now, people ask why we return to Aruba year after year. "Why do you go back to the same old thing?", "Why not try something new?", "Where is your sense of adventure?" For us it is difficult to go elsewhere,...