However, these days a majority of travelers desire an educational, nature or cultural experience to complement their beach time. In the past several years, opportunities for visitors to experience Hawaii's nature, culture and history have increased exponentially. As these educational experiences continue to develop and grow in Komohana, we further set ourselves apart from other beach destinations.

Ecotourism is nature- and culture- based tourism that is ecologically sustainable and supports the well-being of local communities. It appeals to visitors who are looking for unique and authentic experiences connecting with nature and local culture. It also evaluates the impact of the visitor industry on environmental, social, cultural and economic facets of the local community.

The Hawaii Ecotourism Association is dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s unique environment and culture through responsible travel. Its goals include promoting communication and education about ecotourism issues. It provides an information and resource network for visitors, residents, tour operators, resource managers, planners, educators, government agencies and other professionals. It promotes a visitor industry that is environmentally and culturally sensitive and community-based economic development that benefits local residents. It enhances visitors' experiences through interpretation and encourages repeat visitations, longer stays and multi-island itineraries. It promotes resource conservation and provides continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s provides a lengthy list of links for information on ecotourism, as well as a guide to ecotravel opportunities. The organization boasts more than 100 members statewide. Membership fees vary, and a membership application can be downloaded from the site.

One facet of ecotourism is agricultural tourism, and Hawaii Island has emerged as a leader. The Hawaii Agricultural Tourism Association is forming and beginning a long-range planning process that will include individual stakeholders, Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, academic interests, commodity advisory groups and more. The organization already has convened and is devising a plan to perpetuate agriculture while overlaying it with the visitor industry. By doing so it will strengthen both industries as well as preserve and share this unique facet of Hawaii's culture and history.

Now in circulation is a series of free agriculture brochures produced by the County of Hawaii that feature an agricultural tourism map of Hawaii Island. The map, produced by Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB) with funding from HTA, highlights many of the opportunities already in place that allow visitors to experience Hawaii’s agriculture industry. The strides that Hawaii Island already has made are helping to lead the state's other islands in promoting and fostering agricultural tourism opportunities. It is the subject of informational testimony during this legislative session, in which agricultural interests are receiving well-deserved attention and support.

A survey conducted by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the state agricultural statistical service, and paid for in part by HTA showed that statewide, the agricultural tourism industry yields approximately $26 million in base revenue, with nearly 250 practitioners on five islands. A relative newcomer to Hawaii's visitor industry, with a concerted effort statewide to develop its offerings, agricultural tourism is predicted to grow by leaps and bounds.

Hawaii Island's public access TV features the Hawaii Business Journal Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 4 p.m. February highlights NASA's NOMISS program. Hawaii Business Forum airs on KPUA Radio AM 670 the second and fourth Wednesdays from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Upcoming guests Bill Stormont from Office of Mauna Kea Management February 13; and Peter Michaud from Gemini Telescope February 27.

Focus on the Economy is written for Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, Roberta Chu, chair / Paula Helfrich, president.

  1. Silver Oaks Ranch
    73-4570 Mamalahoa Hwy • Kailua-Kona
    877-325-2300
    Working horse ranch, small animal farm

  2. Hawaiian Gardens
    Junction of Route 190 and 180 • Kailua-Kona
    888-879-2485 • 329-5702
    Plants, flowers, onsite retail

  3. Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
    73-1944 Hao St • Kailua-Kona • 325-2136
    Tours, onsite retail

  4. Kona Coast Cycling Tours
    74-5588 Pawai Pl • Building N • Kailua-Kona
    877-592-2453

  5. Kailua Village Farmers Market
    Ali'i Dr & Hualalai Rd • Kailua-Kona

  6. Kona Farmers Market
    Kaiwi & Luhia streets • Kailua-Kona

  7. Ali'i Gardens Marketplace
    75-6129 Ali'i Dr • Kailua-Kona

  8. Tropical Exports
    75-390 Nani Kailua Dr • Kailua-Kona
    888-672-4431
    Flowers, onsite retail

  9. Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
    76-6280 Kuakini Hwy • Kailua-Kona • 329-7286

  10. Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
    Kahalu'u Farm area above Walua Rd
    78-6772 Makenawai St • Kailua-Kona • 322-2626
    Candies, onsite retail, tours by appointment

  11. Kona Blue Sky Coffee Company
    76-973 A Hualalai Rd • Ho-lualoa • 877-322-1700
    Coffee, tours, onsite retail

  12. Kona Star Farms
    76-5817 Mamalahoa Hwy • Ho-lualoa
    866-324-1888
    Coffee, tours, onsite retail

  13. Holualoa Kona Coffee Company
    77-6261 Mamalahoa Hwy • Ho-lualoa
    800-334-0348 • 322-9937
    Coffee, tours, onsite retail

  14. Sugai Kona Coffee
    79-7098 Mamalahoa Hwy
    Keauhou Mauka • Ho-lualoa • 800-KONA-4-ME
    Coffee, tours, onsite retail

  15. Vikiwiki Kona Coffee Farm
    Kainaliu • 322-6706
    Coffee, onsite retail

  16. Kona Joe Coffee
    79-7346 Mamalahoa Hwy • Kainaliu
    866-KONA-JOE
    Tours, onsite retail, tasting

  1. Kona Historical Society's
    Kona Coffee Living History Farm
    81-6551 Mamalahoa Hwy • Kealakekua
    323-3222
    Coffee, tours, onsite retail

  2. Amy BH Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
    Mamalahoa Hwy • Captain Cook • 323-3318

  3. Cedar House B&B and Coffee Farm
    Captain Cook • 328-8829
    Accommodations, coffee

  4. Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative
    82-5810 Napo'opo'o Rd • Captain Cook
    328-2411
    Produce, tours, farmer direct bulk, wholesale

  5. Bayview Inn B&B
    83-5565 Middle Ke'ei Rd • Captain Cook
    328-0406
    Accommodations

  6. Konacopia Farms
    83-5575 Middle Ke'ei Rd • Captain Cook
    328-1526
    Tours, plus farmer direct wholesale and retail coffee, onsite or web sales.

  7. Pineapple Park
    Hwy 11 • Captain Cook • 968-8170 • 323-2224
    Accommodations

  8. Lions Gate Kona Coffee Farm and B&B
    Mile Marker 105 • Mamalahoa Hwy • Ho-naunau
    800-955-2332 • 328-1123
    Coffee, mac nuts, accommodations, tours, retail

  9. Kona Coast Macadamia Nut & Candy Factory
    Hwy 11 between 105 and 106 Mile Marker
    Honaunau • 328-8141
    Mac nuts, tours, onsite retail

  10. Lehualani Farm
    Ho-naunau • 328-2045
    Accommodations, tours, onsite retail

  11. Masunaga Farms
    Old Tobacco Rd • Ho-naunau • 328-2521
    Coffee, tours, onsite retail

  12. Bay View Farm
    83-5249 Painted Church Rd • Ho-naunau
    800-662-5880 • 328-9658
    Tours, onsite retail

  13. Dragon's Lair Farm
    84-4987 Mamalahoa Hwy • Ho-naunau
    328-7345
    Tours, onsite retail

  14. Affordable HI at Pomaikai Farm
    83-5465 Mamalahoa Hwy • Captain Cook
    325-6427
    Accommodations, onsite retail, tours, historical site, coffee, mac nuts, fruits and flowers

  15. A Beautiful Edge of the World B&B
    Old Government Road • Captain Cook • 328-7424
    Accommodations, tours, retail

  16. Maluhia Orchids
    82-5895 Napoopoo Road • Captain Cook • 328-2673
    Tours, sales of cut flowers, potted orchids
Tour Listings and Maps Flowers and Foliage Vegetables Orchard Crops Livestock and Aquaculture FirmBit