Hawaiian Vanilla Company, Hawaii, United States

5Regina T 5:00 PM Apr 14, 2022

Very interesting and unusual farm tour
Farm is up in the hills which gives a wonderful opportunity to get out of the city and experience the countryside. The vanilla tea and ice cream are included in the basic tour or you can go for the complete experience and eat a lunch with vanilla inspired recipes on the patio of a delightful little restaurant. My whole family loved this one, even our jaded teenager. Highly recommend!

4Rick E 5:00 PM Mar 22, 2022

Unique Big Island opportunity
Its not everyday that you get the opportunity to see a unique agricultural pursuit on an island paradise. This family business, located 3.5 miles off the main highway on the north coast of the Big Island, has developed their own methods for growing, harvesting, preparing and marketing the seemingly finicky vanilla bean, while also marketing their extract and several other value added related products locally and on the internet. Our vanilla infused lunch items and farm tour of one of their greenhouses, was expertly directed by one of the sons who had learned the business from the ground up. It would have been interesting to see a bit more of the process (very few beans on the vines they chose to show us and no set up to view the bean handling and curing process). While the tour presentation will likely not turn you into budding vanilla bean farmers (they are the only commercial producers in the USA) you will pick up useful tips on how to manage your own vanilla bean-derived extract. You will also have the opportunity to purchase their beans for~ 3 for $39 as well as extracts and other vanilla infused/flavored products. Alot approximately a full 2 hours for lunch and tour. Consider combining the trip with other north shore/Hilo activities. Not quite a "5" but definitely something to do once while heading to other traditional Big Island activities..