Merriman's Culinary & Farm Adventure

A Distinctive Dining Experience

Go behind the scenes of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. We'll visit local farms dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices in and around Waimea. The Big Island's unique geology and variety of climate zones mean that an incredible range of produce can be grown all season long. After the farm visits, we return to award-winning Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea for a special gourmet dinner prepared by chefs using fresh, local ingredients

Schedule: Afternoon trips departing Monday through Thursday. 5 hours round trip, departs from Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea (Kamuela).

Rated: Easy to Moderate; ages 8 and over.

Included in the Tour: Four course dinner at Merriman’s Restaurant, featuring Kahua Ranch lamb, fresh local fish, and Waimea grown salad.

Gear Provided: Umbrellas.

Prices: Adult/Child (8-12): $169.00, plus tax.

Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 12 guests.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to walk over some uneven terrain. No children under eight years old allowed.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket.

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

First, we 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.

Then we visit Kahua Ranch at the 3,000-foot 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 breath-taking coastal views.

We then 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.

  • Pickups: Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea
  • Destination: Merriman's Farms
  • Route: HFT HQ North on 19 to Waikoloa Rd (runs between 19 and 190 at Waikoloa), 190 to Merriman's Culinary and Farm Adventure

FAQs

  1. How much hiking do we do? We'll stop a couple times throughout the adventure for short walks of less than ½ a mile.
  2. Is there elevation gain? The trails at Honopua are mostly level. At Kahua, we'll drive to the most scenic location, weather permitting.