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Maui Tropical Plantation Review

Tropical Plants, Hilarious Tour Guide, Wooden Art, Oh My!

My Dear Polite Travelers,

Traveling around an island might lead to questioning the types of exotic vegetation one might see.  As an avid—and sometimes irritating—questioner, I always have tons of questions.  So, a visit to the Maui Tropical Plantation was a perfect fit for me. 

The Maui Tropical Plantation is part farm, part shops/market, and offers unique activities and dining options.  The best part, in my opinion, is the tour. 

The Plantation Tour

The Tropical Express Tour is a 40-minute tram ride through the plantation grounds.  Throughout the tour, guests are introduced to the farm’s vegetation: trees, plants, fruit, and their uses.  We’re also treated to some great humor.  Our guide was hilarious and educational. 

Along the ride, we stopped for a coconut husking demonstration.  It was particularly interesting.  Of course, our guide interjected humor at just the right moments.  I think she’s done this before.  Adjacent to the husking demonstration is a sizeable exhibition of carved wood art.   Every piece was exceptional.   Check out the slideshow. 

Bottom line, this was an enjoyable and educational activity. 

Note: the tram was accessible and comfortable, even for seniors.

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Roam The Grounds

Besides the plantation tour, one can peruse the main area, which includes a duck pond, small shops, and the country market—the landscaping is stunning.   We came across dozens of ducks!   The market sells duck food, people feed the ducks, and the result is extraordinarily tame fowl.   The baby ducks are precious. 

The Country Market

The Kumu Farms and Maui Oma Coffee Roasting Company’s “The Country Market” features farm-fresh produce and various other unique items.  Because it’s also a coffee roaster (or was in the past) we also found a variety of coffee and tea-related items.  The fresh fruit was excellent.

Dining Options

Directly outside, in front of the market, is the Kumu Cafe and Farm Bar, which is a small kiosk-type affair.  They serve fresh fruit-related delights.  We chose to share a cup of chocolate macadamia nut ice cream.   Great choice.  So delish!  Luckily, there are several tables in a covered area adjacent to the café. 

Not that we had the time or appetite, there is a finer dining option on the grounds.  Not far from the market, you’ll find Cafe O‘Lei in the old Mill House.  It’s a quaint setting that serves simple to finer dining choices.  Check out their menus. 

Really?  A Zipline?

Yikes!  Yep, there’s also a zip-line operator on the property, but I chose to stay grounded…like literally on the ground.  Others, though, flew happily over the entire plantation.  Maui Zipline boasts five zip lines that vary in length (300 to 900 feet), and their mountainside adventure is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours long.   Impressive.  Still, I’ll stay right here.  On the ground.  I’ll wave, but you have fun.

 

Tropical Express Tour: Tue - Sun 9 AM - 3 PM

Cafe O‘Lei in the old Mill House: Tue - Fri, 11 AM - 8 PM; Sat & Sun, 9 AM - 8 PM

The Country Market: Tue – Sun, 9 AM - 4 PM; Mon, 9 AM - 2 PM

Kumu Cafe and Farm Bar: Tue - Sun, 9 AM - 4 PM; Mon, 9 AM - 2 PM

Maui Zipline: Mon - Sat 9 AM - 4 PM

Eat and Drink in Central Maui — Maui Tropical Plantation | Tour, shop, explore and dine 

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Location: Maui, Hawaii, USA

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