Local food/farms

Question

Hello! We will be traveling to Kauai this Sunday for 1 week from Washington state. We are a family of 4 - myself, husband, two daughters 3 and 8 yo. We are staying in a condo on Poipu. We have a small herd of dairy goats for cheese and soap, as well as grow a large variety of berries and soft fruits for direct to consumer sale as well. We are very interested in exploring the local food scene on Kauai! I would love recommendations for local farmstands, farm tours, farmers markets, cafes etc. I am less fond of farmers markets that have a majority crafts/trinkets for sale and fewer farmers with produce. Thanks so much!

Answer

It’s wonderful that you’re interested in exploring the local food scene on Kauai! The island offers a lot of great opportunities to experience fresh, farm-to-table produce and connect with local farmers. Since you’re staying in Poipu and have an interest in agriculture, there are plenty of options for you to check out, from farm tours to markets with a true focus on local produce. Here’s a breakdown of some great spots to explore:

1. Kauai Farm Tours If you’re looking to get an inside look at Kauai’s agricultural scene, taking a farm tour is a great way to experience the island’s diverse crops and food production. Here are a few tours you might find interesting:

Allerton Garden Tour – Located in Lawai Valley, this historic botanical garden is also an agricultural farm that offers tours showcasing the island's food production history. You can explore tropical fruit trees, plants used for traditional Hawaiian medicine, and more.
Kauai Coffee Company Tour – Kauai Coffee, the largest coffee grower in the U.S., offers tours where you can walk through the coffee orchards and learn about the coffee-growing process, from planting to harvesting to roasting.
Wai Koa Plantation Tour – This tour takes you through one of the island’s largest working farms, focusing on sustainable agriculture, the cultivation of taro, bananas, and other local crops.

2. Farmers Markets While you mentioned not being fond of markets that focus on crafts, Kauai has a few farmers markets that prioritize produce, local food, and farm products. These markets are the perfect spot to sample fresh fruits and vegetables grown on the island and to support local growers:

Koloa Farmers Market – This market is located not too far from Poipu and focuses on local produce, fresh flowers, honey, and even some artisan goods. It’s a great place to pick up fresh ingredients for your meals or to get a taste of local treats like taro chips or fresh coconut water.
Hanalei Farmers Market – Located on the North Shore, this is one of the best markets for local produce. You’ll find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, along with organic meats, cheeses, and other locally produced goods. The market has a strong focus on real farmers and food producers, with fewer craft items.
Kapaa Farmers Market – On the East Side, this market offers an abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade jams, sauces, and fresh bread. It’s another market that has a large focus on farm-fresh products.

3. Local Cafes and Restaurants with Farm-to-Table Menus In addition to farm tours and markets, Kauai has a vibrant food scene that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Here are some cafes and restaurants where you can taste the island’s freshest flavors:

The Greenery Cafe – Located in Kapaa, this cafe offers a fantastic farm-to-table menu with local produce and a focus on organic ingredients. They offer great options for families and have kid-friendly meals too.
The Beach House – In Poipu, this restaurant is known for its seafood and farm-fresh offerings. It overlooks the ocean, providing a beautiful setting for enjoying local cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Java Kai – A casual cafe in Kapaa offering a great selection of smoothies, coffee, and light meals made with locally sourced ingredients. They also have gluten-free and vegan options.
Mark’s Place – Located in Lihue, Mark’s Place is known for offering delicious and affordable local Hawaiian plates using fresh, local ingredients. It’s a great place for a casual meal.

4. Local Farmstands and Specialty Food If you’re looking for more direct-to-consumer options where you can buy local fruits and other food items, Kauai has several farmstands that sell fresh produce and more:

Garden Island Farmers Market – A great farmstand in Lihue that sells fresh fruits and vegetables, including local tropical fruits like papayas, pineapples, and lychee. They also offer a selection of Hawaiian coffee and other local products.
Kauai Cattle Company – If you’re interested in locally raised meats, Kauai Cattle Company sells high-quality beef that’s raised on Kauai’s lush pastures. They’re known for their grass-fed beef and offer products like steaks, burgers, and sausages.
Poipu Beach Produce – A small farmstand near Poipu that offers a variety of local, organic fruits and vegetables. They sell everything from avocados to tomatoes, papayas, and bananas.

5. Family-Friendly Activities Since you’re traveling with children, it’s important to note that Kauai has a lot of family-friendly activities tied to food and nature. You can take a guided tour of the farms, visit local fruit orchards, or even try your hand at farming during a short farmstay or day visit.

Opaekaa Falls – While not a food activity, it’s a family-friendly spot to take a break, enjoy the outdoors, and see one of Kauai’s most beautiful waterfalls. It’s a great spot for a picnic after exploring a farm.
Fruit Orchard Tours – Look for local farms offering fruit picking experiences, where your kids can pick fresh fruit right off the trees.

Final Thoughts: With your interest in food production, you’re going to love Kauai’s local food scene! Be sure to check out the farmers markets for fresh produce, take a farm tour or two, and explore the delicious farm-to-table dining options. You’ll get to experience everything from tropical fruit to locally raised meats, all while supporting the island’s sustainable agriculture and farm-to-consumer community. Enjoy your time on Kauai!

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