What it is
Ancient Leaf Tea is a family-owned and operated tea farm located in the rainforests of Papaikou, Hawaiʻi, on the Big Island. It specializes in organically grown tea and botanicals, using regenerative farming methods. The farm offers guided tours and tea tastings, providing visitors with an educational experience about tea cultivation, sustainable agriculture, and the tea-making process. In addition to tours, Ancient Leaf Tea sells its loose-leaf teas, farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and cold drinks at a farmstand located along the four-mile scenic route near Onomea Bay.
Visitor experience
Visitors to Ancient Leaf Tea can choose from different experiences, typically involving a walking tour of the working farm and often concluding with a guided tea tasting. The walking tours, led by trained docents, explore diverse market gardens, teach about the history of the land and crops, and demonstrate how tea is cultivated and picked. The farm is noted for its sweeping ocean views, with the possibility of seeing whales during certain times of the year.
For those interested in a deeper dive, the "Tour & Tastings" option extends the walking tour with a guided tasting session led by farm owner Susan Schultz on a covered lanai. This includes sampling several different teas, multiple steeps, and seasonal food pairings. Reviewers often highlight the owner's passion, extensive knowledge, and storytelling ability, which enhance the educational aspect of the tour. The farm focuses on growing true tea (Camellia sinensis), including white, green, black, and oolong varieties, alongside other fruits, vegetables, and botanicals like hibiscus and lilikoi, which are sometimes used in their creative tea blends. The experience emphasizes sustainable and traditional hand-picking and crafting methods.
Logistics
Ancient Leaf Tea is situated at 27-598 Alakahi Pl, Papaikou, HI 96781, USA, approximately 8 miles outside of Hilo, overlooking Onomea Bay. Tours and tastings are available by appointment. Visitors can book through the company's website. They offer different tour durations: a one-hour walking tour and a two-and-a-half-hour "Tour & Tastings" experience. Private experiences are also available for those seeking a more intimate visit. Parking is available on-site. The farm also operates a farmstand on the four-mile scenic route for drop-in visitors interested in purchasing products. This activity is best approached as a half-day or anchor activity, especially the longer tour and tasting option, allowing ample time for the educational component and tea sampling.
Safety and cautions
As a working farm, visitors should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. The location is in a rainforest climate, so expect the possibility of rain and humidity. No specific safety advisories beyond general farm environment awareness were noted. Visitors should respect the farm's commitment to organic and regenerative practices.
Editorial take
Ancient Leaf Tea is an excellent choice for travelers with an interest in sustainable agriculture, tea cultivation, and unique local experiences on the Big Island. It's particularly well-suited for tea enthusiasts, those seeking an educational and relaxing activity, or visitors looking to support small, family-owned businesses. The "Tour & Tastings" option offers a comprehensive and engaging experience that many reviewers praise for its depth and the owner's expertise. This activity would fit well into an itinerary focusing on the Hilo side of the island and cultural or agricultural exploration.
Travelers seeking high-octane adventure, a very quick stop, or an experience not involving walking and tasting might consider other options. This experience is distinct from larger, commercialized agricultural tours, emphasizing a more personal and intimate connection to the farm and its practices. It should not be confused with other tea farms on the Big Island, such as Hawaii Forest Farms, which specializes in Māmaki tea and is located closer to Volcano Village. Ancient Leaf Tea focuses on Camellia sinensis (true tea) and other botanicals in the Hilo area.
Source notes
- Ancient Leaf Tea - Farm Tours & Tastings: https://ancientleaftea.com/pages/tea-farm-tours-tastings
- Ancient Leaf Tea - About Us: https://ancientleaftea.com/pages/about-us
- Ancient Leaf Tea - Types of Tours: https://ancientleaftea.com/pages/types-of-tours
- Ancient Leaf Tea - Visit Us: https://ancientleaftea.com/pages/visit-us
- Hawaii News Now - Ancient Leaf Tea's new ag tours take root in regenerative 'āina stewardship (YouTube): https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGXJ05rUEkJRJ_u9SvJ4_bFovsVQonDnYRxPbnxiAkZ3X3PmELzo7lTYwh2hiWxAg8Y2RJdk1qjkEs70ss2cPTNzNOGBJ65yV5bPdwnVAxZQ3XFG-w_r-zG1b8sL78xladfAzKRI= (February 25, 2025)
- Google Maps - Ancient Leaf Tea: https://maps.google.com/?cid=7906531258352605211
