Private Tour: Big Island Organic Farms & Merriman

Go behind the scenes at Merriman's Restaurant, one of the innovators of Hawaii's regional cuisine. On this unique culinary guided tour, you'll visit two farms in the South Kohala district of the Big Island. This small group epicurean adventure culminates with a dinner featuring fresh ingredients from the farms visited earlier in the day.

First, you'll visit Honopua Farm, where owners Ken and Roen Hufford offer a personal tour and samplings from the farm. This family-run farm is renowned for its organic vegetables, lavender and cut flowers. Continue to Kahua Ranch at the 3,000-foot (915 meters) elevation in the Kohala Mountains, on the same lands where many years earlier, King Kamehameha trained his warriors to conquer the island chain. Today, these historic Kohala grasslands are home to one of the most respected range-fed sheep and cattle ranches in Hawaii. This is a beautiful spot with breathtaking coastal views.

Return to award-winning Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea for a special four-course dinner prepared by world-class chefs highlighting the products and produce from the farms visited. The knowledgeable and professional servers will offer insight into the creative interpretation for the evening's menu and assist with choosing wines from Merriman's award-winning cellar. A culinary learning adventure for all the senses!

Sample Menu (subject to change):

Salad:
Honopua Farm Spinach and Roast Beet Salad with Maui onions, warm macadamia nut, pear vinegar and ginger dressing

Fish Course:
Grilled Fresh Big Island Mahi Mahi with lemon and sorrel pesto baste, Nakano Farms vineripe tomato and olive salsa and jasmine rice

Meat Course:
Braised Kahua Ranch Lamb with Hamakua Alii oyster mushroom pasta and sweet onion parsley salad

Dessert:
Long Ears Coffee Cheesecake with tea and coffee