“If I could talk to the animals, just imagine it … chatting with a chimp in chimpanzee.” This classic line from Doctor Doolittle reminds us of how spending time with animals sparks the imagination and opens us up to compassion and care. Here are our favorite ways to commune with creatures big and small on our island home.
Befriend the Butterflies
Explore the full life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly at The Maui Butterfly Farm and learn how important they are for our ecosystem and ways that you and your ohana can make a difference.
Daily 9:30am – 1pm • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • themauibutterflyfarm.com
Frolic on the Farm
Feed and get to know the quirky personalities of miniature versions of your favorite farm animals plus sheep, pot-bellied pig, ducks, chickens, and rabbits at the Lahaina Animal Farm.
Mon-Sat 9:30-11am • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • Lahainaanimalfarm.com
Into the Blue
At the Maui Ocean Center, opportunities abound for keiki of all ages to learn and become more connected to the living system that surrounds our islands. They launched Ocean Aloha to share the wisdom of marine conservation through the lens of Hawaiian culture and practices.
Daily 9am-5pm • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • mauioceancenter.com
Love and Learn
Explore, learn about, and interact with a wide range of animals at The Maui Animal Farm then try to memorize all their cute names.
Mon-Sun 9:30-11am Tues-Thurs 4:30-6pm • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • mauianimalfarm.com
Mighty Minis
Ohana Ranch of Maui is a 19 acre miniature horse ranch located on the slopes of Haleakala. In addition to their unique horse programs available, they plan on opening a petting zoo sometime in 2022.
Visit their website for availability • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • ohanaranchmaui.com
A Second Chance
Visit Leilani Farm Sanctuary to learn about the animals they’ve taken in that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, sponsor an animal, or support one of their special programs.
Visit their website for hours • Book online. Kama’aina rates available. • leilanifarmsanctuary.org
Amid the Alpaca
Smaller than a llama, these soft creatures at Maui Alpaca will hang out with you during meditation, yoga, or possibly a picnic.
Visit their website to see what kind of visit works for your family • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • mauialpaca.com
Baaa-nish stress
Enjoy a miniature goat companion alongside, (or on top of!) your asana at Maui Goat Yoga. They also offer virtual visits and “goat grams.”
Visit their website for details on classes • Book online. Kama’aina rates available • mauigoatyoga.com
