Historic Rice Mill & Taro Farm Tour
(808) 651-3399. By reservation.
The tour at the Historic Rice Mill & Taro Farm in Hanalei begins with a lucious little smoothie and a short bus ride to visit the taro fields, where you’ll learn how one dedicated family has worked the fields of this family farm for five generations.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity, if you like, to take in the beautiful jagged-mountain backdrop scenery of the Hanalei Valley and to participate in some hands-on activities among the heart-shaped taro leaves. Farm work here is still done by hand. Five endangered bird species are often spotted in this official wildlife refuge, coexisting with the taro farmers. Birdwatchers are invited to bring their list and binoculars, and the guide will assist, and those with limited mobility will have plenty of opportunities to sit. I was surprised to find how challenging this work is and about the many hardships and difficulties the farmers face.
Later, the bus delivers you to the Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill--an agrarian museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Chinese laborers in the late 1800s, the mill was purchased by the Haraguchi family in 1924 and is the only remaining rice mill in Hawaii. It was rebuilt several times through theyears and ceased operating in 1960, when Kauai’s rice industry collapsed. A nonprofit organization now preserves this historic site. While here, you will view a short educational slide show, followed by a tour of the mill. Finally, you’ll see a poi-pounding demonstration and a coconut husking, and you’ll taste these delicious fresh foods.
The bus then returns to the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. food truck for lunch—a sandwich or plate lunch--which is included. This enterprise makes taro products found nowhere else: taro-coconut mochi, taro hummus, luau rolls, and kalo koolers (taro smoothies).
More things to do in Kauai.
More information about Kauai.
The tour at the Historic Rice Mill & Taro Farm in Hanalei begins with a lucious little smoothie and a short bus ride to visit the taro fields, where you’ll learn how one dedicated family has worked the fields of this family farm for five generations.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity, if you like, to take in the beautiful jagged-mountain backdrop scenery of the Hanalei Valley and to participate in some hands-on activities among the heart-shaped taro leaves. Farm work here is still done by hand. Five endangered bird species are often spotted in this official wildlife refuge, coexisting with the taro farmers. Birdwatchers are invited to bring their list and binoculars, and the guide will assist, and those with limited mobility will have plenty of opportunities to sit. I was surprised to find how challenging this work is and about the many hardships and difficulties the farmers face.
Later, the bus delivers you to the Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill--an agrarian museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Chinese laborers in the late 1800s, the mill was purchased by the Haraguchi family in 1924 and is the only remaining rice mill in Hawaii. It was rebuilt several times through theyears and ceased operating in 1960, when Kauai’s rice industry collapsed. A nonprofit organization now preserves this historic site. While here, you will view a short educational slide show, followed by a tour of the mill. Finally, you’ll see a poi-pounding demonstration and a coconut husking, and you’ll taste these delicious fresh foods.
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| plate lunch at Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. food truck in Kauai, Hawaii |
The bus then returns to the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. food truck for lunch—a sandwich or plate lunch--which is included. This enterprise makes taro products found nowhere else: taro-coconut mochi, taro hummus, luau rolls, and kalo koolers (taro smoothies).
More things to do in Kauai.
More information about Kauai.
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Interesting post, was the food good?
ReplyDeleteYes, indeedy.
ReplyDeleteI don't really understand the video with the field but the food from the picture looks tasty. I would have a bite.
ReplyDeleteThe video demonstrates a "being there" feel to the fields and their beauty.
Delete