What it is
The Vanillerie is a small, family-owned vanilla farm located on the west side of Hawaii's Big Island, near Kailua-Kona. It offers guided tours that provide insight into the cultivation, harvesting, and curing of vanilla beans. The farm also features an on-site gift shop selling a variety of vanilla-infused food and body products made from their homegrown vanilla.
Visitor experience
Visitors to The Vanillerie embark on an informative and sensory journey, learning about the history of vanilla and the intricate, labor-intensive process of growing this valuable spice. Tours typically last about an hour and cover the vanilla orchard and unique "shade houses" where the vanilla orchids thrive. Guides share details on hand-pollination, the nine-month growth period of the beans, and the subsequent curing process. A highlight of the tour is a complimentary tasting of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. After the tour, guests can browse the gift shop for vanilla beans, extracts, baking ingredients, bath and body products, and DIY extract kits.
Logistics
- Area: The Vanillerie is situated in Kailua-Kona, approximately a five-minute drive from the Kona International Airport.
- Access: The address is 73-4301 Laui St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA.
- Reservations: Advance booking for tours is highly recommended due to limited availability and select operating days.
- Timing: The farm is generally open for tours Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Tour times are typically 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays, and 10:00 AM on Saturdays. Visitors should check the official website or call for the most current schedule as hours can change.
- Parking: On-site parking is available.
- Permits: No special permits are required for visitors.
- Likely duration: The guided tour itself takes about an hour. It is recommended to allot about an hour and a half to include time for browsing the gift shop.
- Activity type: This is best suited as a quick stop or a half-day activity, offering an educational and engaging experience without consuming a full day.
Safety and cautions
- Uneven terrain: The Vanillerie is a working farm and is not paved throughout the tour, meaning visitors should expect unpaved and potentially uneven walking surfaces.
- Allergies: The farm grows various types of nuts and uses macadamia nut husks and shells in different areas, which is a consideration for visitors with nut allergies.
- Sun exposure: As it's an outdoor farm experience, bringing sunscreen is advisable.
- Comfort: A light sweater or jacket might be useful, especially on cooler or windier days.
Editorial take
The Vanillerie is a highly recommended activity for travelers seeking a unique, educational, and sensory experience on the Big Island. It's particularly well-suited for food enthusiasts, those interested in agriculture, and families looking for an engaging activity that offers a different perspective on Hawaiian farming beyond coffee or macadamia nuts. The tour is informative yet entertaining, making it accessible for various age groups, including children (with discounted rates for those 14 and under).
Travelers who might skip this activity include those with limited time who prefer more active adventures, or individuals with no particular interest in agricultural tours or the origins of spices.
It should not be confused with other vanilla farms that may exist on different islands or regions of the Big Island, such as the Hawaiian Vanilla Company which is located on the Hamakua Coast (Hilo side) and offers a different type of experience, including luncheons. The Vanillerie specifically focuses on its vanilla farm tour and related products in the Kona area.
Source notes
- The Vanillerie Official Website: http://www.thevanillerie.com/
- HawaiianIslands.com: https://www.hawaiianislands.com/the-vanillerie-kona-hawaii-big-island-review
- Earth by Foot: https://www.earthbyfoot.com/the-vanillerie-big-island-vanilla-farm-tour/
- The Vanillerie About Page: https://www.thevanillerie.com/about
