pacific'O, I'o and O'o Farm
pacific'O
Sunset dining at its best! pacific'O is located on Lahaina's most beautiful white sand beach with panoramic views of three neighboring islands. This was the chosen residence and "playground" for Hawaiian royalty; here ancient kings and queens feasted and made merry. Today, enjoy the same pleasures in pacific'O's open air dining room or on the romantic beachside patio. Long recognized as a leader in local, organic dining; pacific'O was the first to establish their very own island farm. Each day the table is set with just harvested macrobiotic vegetables and fruit; and local fishermen deliver fresh fish still dripping from the sea. pacific'O is a local favorite since opening in 1993. Serving lunch and dinner. Located in The Shops at 505 Front Street., Lahaina. (808) 667-4341. www.pacificomaui.com
I'o
I'o (pronounced ee-oh), is Maui's original "farm to fork" restaurant serving Hawaiian regional cuisine in a contemporary beachfront setting. Acclaimed chef and partner James McDonald combines organic produce from the restaurant's very own O'o Farm with meat from upcountry ranches and fresh local fish. I'o is Maui's only DiRona Award recipient, and has achieved many accolades for innovative and sustainable cuisine. For wine aficionados there is an extensive and varied wine list, which has earned Wine Spectators' "Award of Excellence" consecutively for over a decade. I'o is one of Maui's true eclectic culinary gems! Open for dinner only, reservations are recommended. I'o is also available for intimate and exclusive private parties. Located in The Shops at 505 Front Street., Lahaina. (808) 661-8422. www.iomaui.com
O'o Farm
Enrich your soul with a trip to the stunning O'o Farm in Upcountry Maui. O'o is a diverse 8.5 acre farm located on the rolling hills of Haleakala, Maui's dormant volcano. This pristine land is organically and biodynamically cultivated. In 2000 the owners of pacific'O and I'o restaurants purchased the land and transformed the over-grown plot into a beautifully sculpted and functional organic farm, specifically for the purpose of providing their restaurants with the freshest produce possible. The restaurant group is the first and only in the state to embark on such a venture, and was featured in Gourmet Magazine, awarded a Governor's Commendation in 2007 for their farm-to-table commitment, and again in 2009 for their continued innovation.
Recognizing the visitors' love for locally produced foods and the beauty of Maui, O'o Farm began offering gourmet organic lunch tours. Guests are invited to partake in a farm-to-table culinary journey, from the gardens and orchards to the kitchen.
Each tour begins with a warm Upcountry greeting that includes 100% Maui coffee, pastries and an informative narration and overview. The farm guide discusses composting, crop rotation, cover crops and other gardening tips. Guests then stroll through the grounds gathering ripe exotic fruits, heirloom vegetables, and salad greens that will be incorporated into their lunch. Along the way guests can sample what Mother Nature has gently enriched with her fertile volcanic soil and warm tropical sunshine.
At the culmination of the tour guests are invited to mingle with the chef in the open-air kitchen, enjoy the sweet country air and even wash a few vegetables if so inclined. Enjoy alfresco dining at the communal table with friends, new and old. You will be hard pressed not to agree that you're at the best table on the island as you view the Maui coastlines from above.
The O'o Farm experience is truly unique and unforgettable. Recent guests Hal and Roberta Davis described the tour as, "An outstanding blend of education, superb ingredients…combined with the setting, Napa Valley has no equal."
The farm crew invites you to indulge your senses on an O'o Farm lunch tour. Tours are offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:30am to 1:00pm by reservation. Private, customized, and seasonal tours are also available. Please call (808) 667-4341 for more information or to book your tour.
Waipoli Road, Kula