Discover the fascinating world of abalone farming on the Big Island with a guided tour of the largest abalone farm in the United States. Located just outside of Kailua-Kona, this unique experience offers an in-depth look at the farm’s organic and sustainable practices. Guests will have the chance to interact with the abalones and learn about the intricacies of cultivating this prized seafood. But the highlight of the tour? The delightful tasting of grilled and canned abalone that’s sure to delight the senses. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable creature and its role in the island’s culinary heritage.
Key Points
- The guided tour at the largest abalone farm in the US, located in Kailua-Kona, offers an interactive experience with demonstrations and opportunities to touch and hold abalones.
- The tour lasts one hour, led by an English-speaking guide, and focuses on the farm’s history and organic, sustainable practices.
- The tasting experience includes grilled abalone in the shell and canned abalone, along with an introduction to the nutritious superfood, dulse seaweed.
- The tour is conveniently located near the Kona coast, with scenic views and a serene setting to enhance the learning experience.
- Visitors receive a 10% discount at the farm’s shop and can explore the abalone production process, from growth stages to sustainable practices.
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Tour Overview
The guided tour of the largest abalone farm in the US provides visitors with a one-hour immersive experience.
It starts at the 73-357 Makako Bay Dr, Kailua-Kona location, and an English-speaking live guide leads the tour.
Guests can expect to learn about the farm’s history and organic, sustainable practices.
They’ll witness demonstrations of the abalone’s growth stages, which can last up to 10 years.
The tour also includes the opportunity to interact with the abalones by touching and holding them.
It’s an engaging activity that offers a glimpse into the world of abalone production.
Booking Details
Booking the guided tour of the largest abalone farm in the US is flexible and convenient. The tour costs from $26.18 per person and doesn’t require an upfront payment.
Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later. The tour also offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides guests with the flexibility to plan their visit without worrying about penalties.
The meeting point is the farm office, a blue building after the entrance, where visitors will check in with the tour guide. Overall, booking the abalone farm tour is straightforward and hassle-free.
Highlights of the Tour
During the one-hour guided tour, visitors can enjoy the fascinating world of abalone production and history.
The tour explores the farm’s facilities, where guests can learn about the organic and sustainable practices used. Demonstrations showcase the various growth stages of the abalones, which can take up to 10 years to fully mature.
Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the abalones, touching and holding them during the tour.
The experience also includes a tasting of grilled abalone in the shell and canned abalone, as well as an introduction to the superfood dulse seaweed, which is fed to the abalones and is also nutritious for humans.
Tasting Experience
Visitors can enjoy a tasting of grilled abalone in the shell and canned abalone as part of the tour experience. The tasting allows guests to learn about the unique flavor and texture of this delicacy. Plus, they will discover the benefits of dulse seaweed, a superfood fed to the abalones, which is also nutritious for humans.
| Tasting Item | Flavor | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Abalone | Savory, slightly sweet | Firm, tender |
| Canned Abalone | Umami, briny | Soft, delicate |
| Dulse Seaweed | Earthy, salty | Chewy, crisp |
The tasting experience provides a well-rounded understanding of abalone and the sustainable practices employed at the farm.
Farm Location
Located just outside Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, the abalone farm is situated in the Makako Bay area.
Visitors can find the farm by following the directions to 73-357 Makako Bay Drive. The starting location is a blue building after the entrance, where guests check in for the guided tour.
The farm’s convenient location makes it easily accessible for those exploring the Kona coast.
With sweeping ocean views and a serene setting, the abalone farm provides a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of abalone production in a picturesque Hawaiian environment.
Meeting Point
The farm’s check-in point is a blue building that visitors will find after entering the abalone farm’s entrance. This is where guests should go to check-in and meet their tour guide.
The tour begins at this location, so it’s important for guests to arrive on time and head straight to the blue building. Visitors will receive their tour instructions and any necessary materials at the check-in area.
The tour guide will then lead the group from the blue building to explore the various facilities and learn about the abalone production process. Guests should follow the guide’s lead and be ready to embark on an educational and interactive tour of the largest abalone farm in the United States.
What’s Included
The tour includes a variety of experiences that immerse visitors in the world of abalone farming. Guests can explore the facilities and learn about the organic, sustainable practices used to cultivate these sea snails.
They’ll witness demonstrations of the abalone’s growth stages, which can take up to 10 years. The highlight is the opportunity to interact with the abalones themselves, touching and holding them during the tour.
Visitors will also enjoy grilled abalone in the shell and canned abalone as part of the tasting experience. They’ll even learn about the superfood dulse seaweed that’s fed to the abalones, which is also a nutritious vegetable for humans.
The tour, guide, abalone tasting, and a 10% shopping discount are all included.
Important Notes
One important note is that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
The meeting point for the tour is at the farm office, a blue building located just after the entrance. Visitors should check in at this location to begin the guided experience.
The tour lasts approximately one hour and is conducted in English by a live guide. Guests can enjoy a tasting of grilled abalone in the shell as well as canned abalone during the tour.
Plus, visitors will learn about the superfood dulse seaweed that’s fed to the abalones. The tour includes a 10% discount at the farm’s shop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are allowed to take photos during the guided tour. The tour focuses on educating visitors about the abalone farming process, so photos can capture the unique experience and demonstrations.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children. The tour involves handling live abalone, and the long duration may be challenging for them. Parents should exercise discretion and consider the child’s age and interest level before booking the tour.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. Visitors with dietary needs should notify the tour operator in advance, and the staff will make reasonable accommodations to ensure everyone can enjoy the tasting experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is required for the tour. Guests should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and be prepared for walking. The tour provides all necessary equipment and supplies for the abalone tasting experience.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
There’s no minimum group size required for this tour. Individuals can book their own spot, and the tour will proceed even if there’s only one participant.
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Recap
The Big Island’s abalone farm tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of sustainable seafood production. Visitors can learn about the farm’s organic practices, interact with the abalones, and savor a delightful tasting of this delicacy. With a knowledgeable guide and a serene coastal setting, this tour provides a memorable and educational experience for those interested in the sustainable future of seafood.