What’s the Tea on Maui?

Like the Islands themselves, tea culture encourages a slower pace, inviting us to savor the present. On Maui, the herbal traditions of Hawaiʻi are woven into a variety of tea experiences, from walking tours of misty farmlands to traditional ceremonies in cozy teahouses. In these places you witness firsthand tea’s journey, from leaf to cup.

Maui Dragon Fruit Farm

With the West Maui Mountains as its backdrop, this 27-acre USDA-certified organic farm is growing more than just dragon fruit. Knowledgeable guides lead walking tours of the property, highlighting herbal and medicinal teas like the indigenous māmaki and ʻuhaloa along with their healing properties. End the tour in the teahouse with a tasting of tropical blends accompanied by light snacks. The one-hour tour and tasting costs $35 for keiki 5 and older and $45 for adults; children 4 and under are free. After, shop for teas like soursop leaf, māmaki and roselle hibiscus, or shell ginger and butterfly pea flower—both with beautiful hues that change color when citrus is added.

833 Punakea Loop, Lahaina, (808) 264-6127, mauidragonfruit.com.

Padma’s Tea House & Healing Haven

In the heart of Wailuku is a cozy sanctuary where tea is poured mindfully by the cup ($5) or pot ($20). While nestled on cushy floor pillows beneath soft ambient lighting, visitors choose from a variety of teas, including Chinese classics and fragrant floral infusions. The organic herbal blends support a happy gut and can enlighten the mood; they also serve as beauty and sleep tonics. Alongside them are specialty offerings like a Love Potion and zodiac-inspired teas. Additional experiences include a guided Chinese tea ceremony and tasting ($50), a 90-minute energy healing session ($120) and spiritual or emotional counseling ($50 an hour).

24 N. Market Street, Wailuku, (808) 463-2541, @padmateahousemaui.

Maui Team Farm

High up the slopes of Haleakalā, in the cold, pure air of Upcountry Maui, mist frequently blankets this organic tea farm. A walking tour of the grounds introduces visitors to the growth and production of award-winning loose-leaf teas as well as specialty tisanes like māmaki, an endemic Hawaiian plant in the nettle family. Along the way, you’ll learn not only about the tea plants and tisane herbs but also about the vegetation that surrounds them, including native trees like koa, ʻōhiʻa lehua and māmane. The tour concludes with a tasting of two teas. The one-hour experience costs $18 for keiki and $36 for adults. Before leaving, stop by the tea and gift shop to take home your own herbal tea or loose-leaf infusion—my personal favorite is the hibiscus and citrus.

18-303 Haleakalā Highway, Kula, (855) 766-6808, mauiteafarm.com.

Silk Sky Tea House

This teahouse and private club in Upcountry’s paniolo town of Makawao is devoted to the art of tea. It offers two memberships: one in the Puerh Club and another in the Oolong Club. Both are designed for lovers of their namesake teas, and club members enjoy curated tastings each month. Members also gain access to exclusive gatherings like sound baths and meditations featuring top-shelf teas, advanced tea classes and samples of rare teas. The space hosts public events, as well, including live music, poetry meetups, dance parties, art exhibitions and film nights—all with tea service included. Visitors can also reserve seats at the bar for guided gong fu tea experiences, where rare pours may include teas aged up to 60 years.

1043 Makawao Ave., Makawao, (808) 633-1171, silkskytea.com.

Dragon’s Den Herb Shop

For nearly 40 years, this retail shop in the heart of Makawao has been one of Maui’s premier purveyors of fine teas, herbs and spices, known for its high-quality holistic health offerings. The extensive selection ranges from organic classics like sencha green and Earl Grey to handcrafted medicinal blends like , PMS Ease and Joyful Heart. Knowledgeable employees draw on backgrounds in various health-oriented disciplines to help guide customers. The space also hosts health and wellness events like herbal education workshops, tea tastings and more.

3681 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, (808) 572-2424, dragonsdenhawaii.com.

Ashley Probst is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.