Maui Vanilla Farm originated from an idea that sparked during Pau Hana at my brother's house. Having spent too many years away from Hawaii, we decided to close our existing businesses, sell our home, and make the move back to Maui. As avid entrepreneurs, we were on the lookout for our next venture.

During our casual gathering, the conversation shifted to cooking, and we pondered the essential spice one couldn't live without. I emphatically declared vanilla as my top choice. That moment served as a catalyst for a new endeavor. Freshly retired from my 30-year career as a kitchen and bath designer, I was eager to pursue my passion for working with the land and embarking on something novel.

Following extensive research and meticulous business planning, Maui Vanilla Farm came to fruition.

Maui Vanilla Farm is currently in its initial stages, with the first plants taking root in 2019. Presently, we have some vanilla beans in the growth phase, and our inaugural product is expected to hit the market by mid-2024. Anticipate full production by 2025. The intricate process of cultivating and harvesting vanilla requires time and patience. Recognizing that our vanilla wouldn't reach peak production for several years, we decided on lilikoi as our second major crop—a fruit cherished by our family and widely used in Hawaii.

Our family resides on Maui Vanilla Farm, a space where we practice organic farming. While our primary focus is on vanilla and lilikoi, the farm boasts a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Bananas, avocados, mangos, lemons, limes, tangerines, oranges, and a vegetable garden featuring Molokai purple potatoes, herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes make up our diverse harvest, with seasonal rotations of other vegetables.

Our daily routine mirrors that of any working farm. Mornings commence with tending to our animals—dogs, cats, and egg-producing chickens—under the early sun. Following a light breakfast, often featuring a touch of fresh vanilla in my coffee and lilikoi jelly or butter on toast, I dive into farm work. As a young farm, my focus often involves planting new crops and maintaining a weed-free environment for existing ones.

While my husband dedicates full-time hours outside the farm, I manage the farm full-time, approximately six hours outdoors and additional time spent juicing, canning, or working in the office. Although we don't experience traditional days off as farmers, we prioritize enjoying the ocean, mountains, and waterfalls on this stunning island. Surfing and outrigger canoeing bring balance to our busy lives, allowing us to relish the beauty of Maui every day.

How we run our farm

Our jelly making process