items to be shipped in by boat. Should
shipping cease, many retailers would
be out of food within a couple of
weeks. By supporting local farmers,
ranchers and fishermen, we reduce our
dependency on imported goods.”
With that, we push on to Hawaii Sea
Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery in
lower Kula. Set atop 32 scenic hectares
of fertile volcanic soil, the family-
owned facility is the only distillery in
the world to use organic sugarcane
and ocean water to produce OCEAN
organic vodka and Deep Island
Hawaiian Rum. The distillery is also
nearly 100 percent self-sufficient,
thanks to 240 rooftop solar panels.
An hour later, we’re making a
twisty, stomach-churning descent
back down the volcano toward our
final stop: the Kihei Tasting Room
at Maui Brewing Company. Opened
in 2005, the business has grown
from a single brewpub to an award-
winning, 400-employee operation
that surpassed $15 million USD in
sales in 2016.
“The company is big on ohana,”
our guide Sarah explains of the
Hawaiian sense of extended family.
36
W
a ii
CONDO
RENTALS
yo U r
Winter 2018
Wildly popular with
snowbirds, families
and locals alike, rentals
allow visitors to really
immerse themselves
in island life. condos
are particularly
appealing to groups
looking for multiple
bedrooms and full
AMA insider
kitchens. rentals are
also perfect for the
curious traveller: they
provide an affordable
home base to unwind
after a day of hiking in
Waimea or sampling
craft beer in Kihei.
it’s best to book with
an ama travel agent,
who works with island
condo providers—
many have even
stayed in the rentals
themselves. your
agent can confirm
key info like proximity
to the beach, house-
keeping options and
check-in details.
AMATravel.ca/
Appointment
i yoUr W
ai
Volcanic craters in
Haleakala National Park