Had Chuck Noland taken the tram tour at the Maui Tropical Plantation, he’d have realized he wasn’t really at the end of his rope. The "Castaway" character, marooned for four years on a deserted island, had plenty of material available. Recognizing that rope can be made by rolling the protective fibers of the coconut together is only one of the survival skills taught during the 45 minute plantation tour and coconut cracking demonstration.
While slowly riding through groves of mango, banana, papaya and star fruit trees, a native Hawaiian guide enthusiastically describes the crops of her homeland while sharing amusing and fascinating information. Did you know that macadamia nuts were brought to Hawaii from Queensland, Australia, or that ti leaves were used for everything from hula skirts to raincoats? You will learn that sugarcane, a crop essential to the Hawaiians for 1,500 years, was used to clean teeth and sweeten herbal medicines. Although the arabica coffee of Kona typically only grows at higher elevations, you will see the beans on the trees planted at the plantation in Waikapu, Maui. Orchids, heliconia, multi-hued ti plants and taro all thrive on the 30,000 acre working plantation in Maui’s fertile valley and visitors view them on the vine in their full splendor with the misty West Maui mountains providing the enchanting backdrop.
Half-way through the tour there is a stop at a demonstration platform where the guide cracks a coconut using only a scraper and pick. Did you know that coconuts have more water than any other fruit or vegetable? Sixteen ounces of the mildly sweet, nourishing liquid is housed inside each coconut and provided the elixir of life to the ancient Polynesians as they made their way across the ocean in search of Hawaii. Today, one needs only to tap the "mouth" to find instant refreshment in the clear, pure water. If you find instead a chalky or milky fluid, beware! That’s considered bad water resulting from insect infestation.
After the guide sings an unabashed, heartfelt rendition of "Aloha Oi" and leaves you on your own, wander over to the "village" with it’s peaceful gardens, koi pond and windmill. The collection of clapboard, vine-covered buildings is really a self-guided informational museum about the major crops of Maui’s plantation days. If you’ve had enough facts for one day, meander toward the pond to feed the ducks and koi. Don’t neglect the monkeys. They have little to do all day but to watch your antics!
The plantation gift shop is chocked with Hawaiian products, including superior Maui Gold pineapples, coffee and sugar cane sticks. Lei makers, glass blowers and musicians add a tourist-trap touch at the end of the tour. But don’t let the trinket hawkers and busses dissuade you from a visit. You will develop a greater appreciation for the many crops and their uses, and gain insights into the cultures of the plantation workers who made Maui what it is today. Bonus - you may learn some essential survival skills.