Interact with Animals at These 5 Maui Farms
Engage in hands-on encounters with adorable land-dwelling creatures.
When people think of animal encounters in Hawaiʻi, they may envision majestic whales, energetic dolphins, serene sea turtles and vibrant schools of fish. However, there is also a plethora of land animals worthy of attention and affection. Here, we’ve compiled five farms on Maui that offer hands-on opportunities for visitors to interact with their beloved creatures.
Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Rated as one of top things to do in Haʻikū, according to TripAdvisor travelers, the Leilani Farm Sanctuary will give guests a guided tour of nearly eight acres that are used to rehabilitate rescue animals like goats, cats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, geese, sheep, tortoises, ducks, guinea pigs, swans, turkeys and deer as well as a donkey and cow. Tours are available at noon on Mondays and Wednesdays as well as 10 a.m. on Saturdays ($50 per person; $35 for kamaʻāina). Participants must be at least 7 years old. For those who wish to help provide care for these animals, the farm accepts donations and sponsorships for specific animals.
260 E. Kuiaha Road, Haʻikū, (808) 298-8544, leilanifarmsanctuary.org
Maui Alpaca
You can feed the alpaca at Maui Alpaca. Photo credit: Aaron K. Yoshino
Visit with alpacas and Angora bunnies at this Upcountry farm with various daily tours. The most popular attraction is the basic farm visit, which includes feeding the alpacas, fiber and processing education, a spinning wheel demonstration and a hands-on experience at Angora Bunny Village ($49 for children ages 1-18 and $79 for adults). Other all-ages activities include an educational picnic ($99 for children and $139 for adults) and a lifestyle adventure that teaches participants how to work with animal fibers to create luxury products ($229). Keiki (children) ages 7-18 can enjoy the Maui Alpaca Kids Camp ($129 per child; $99 for a parent walkalong) while those 12 and older can take the alpacas for a walk ($175 for children ages 12-18; $199 for adults). Kamaʻāina rates are available.
505 Auliʻi Dr., Makawao, (808) 500-2577, mauialpaca.com
Maui Goat Yoga
Yoga with dwarf Nigerian goats at Maui Goat Yoga. Photo credit: David Croxford
Enjoy a refreshing yoga class Upcountry with stunning views of the Maui coastline, expert instructors and a slight twist: miniature goats. These cuddly creatures don’t shy away from nuzzling up or even climbing on attendees’ backs during certain poses, offering an immersive form of animal-assisted therapy. Classes are held year-round at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays ($49 per person; $39 for kamaʻāina) as well as a seasonal sunset session with live music at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays from April through September ($59 per person; $49 for kamaʻāina). Yoga mat and towel rentals are available for $5.
936 Keanuhea St., Kula, (808) 379-3335, mauigoatyoga.com
Starlight Farms
This 25-acre farm offers hands-on opportunities for Maui’s special needs community, which aims to help people with mental, emotional and/or developmental challenges through animal-assisted activities and therapy. Organizations, therapists and parents or caregivers of special needs individuals are welcome to book an experience that includes interacting with farm animals, getting outside and playing in a pasture or barn. The farm accepts donations and has miniature donkeys for sale, which goes toward expenses for running its free program.
Olinda Road, Makawao, (808) 281-7075, starlightfarmsmaui.com
Surfing Goat Dairy
If you’re not into yoga or looking for a more kid-friendly activity, another goat-centric experience can be found at Surfing Goat Dairy. Maui’s largest commercial dairy offers goat and farm tours that allow visitors to take a casual walking tour of the farm ($22 for children ages 3-11 and $30 for adults), feed and brush senior goats ($35 per person), participate in evening chores and milking ($30 for children and $38 for adults), plus seasonal experiences with baby goats from December to April. Opt to add on a cheese flight to select tours for $24.
3651 Omaopio Road, Kula, (808) 878-2870, surfinggoatdairy.com
Lead photo by Aaron K. Yoshino
