To book an upcoming tour, please visit our Farm & Food Experience Page.
Common Ground’s Farm Tour is more than just a walk around the farm—it’s a full sensory experience. Beyond the sights and sounds, the tour engages your sense of smell, touch, and introspection. Picture the sound of rushing water at the historic Stone Dam, built in 1880, as you embark on a scavenger hunt across Kauai’s agricultural landscape for canoe crops first propagated by Polynesian explorers hundreds of years ago. It’s an opportunity to observe the harmony between plants, animals, and fungi and savor a freshly prepared farm-to-table meal. The Common Ground Farm Tour is a journey that immerses your mind and body in the interconnectedness of nature.
A Journey Through Kauai’s Sustainable Farming Practices
Led by Common Ground’s Farm Education Team, the tour starts with a discussion on the urgent need to shift from the destructive practices of industrial agriculture to regenerative solutions. This first step introduces visitors to the principles of sustainable farming, emphasizing methods that heal the land and support biodiversity. As the tour continues, you’ll explore a multi-layered agroforestry system that incorporates multi-species grazing and diverse crops.
Exploring the Agroforestry Design
The walk through Common Ground’s food forest reveals a vibrant ecosystem that brings together Hawaiian favorites such as ʻulu, kava, and taro, alongside Amazon rainforest specimens, annual vegetables, and edible mushrooms. The farm is also home to egg-laying chickens and dairy cows, all integrated into a resilient agricultural ecosystem that demonstrates what the farm of the future could look like. Each layer of the food forest, from canopy to root, is meticulously planned to support soil health and create a self-sustaining environment.
The Importance of Canoe Crops
Hawaiian canoe crops, including ʻuala (sweet potato), ʻulu (breadfruit), and kalo (taro), play a crucial role in traditional Hawaiian agriculture and cuisine. These crops were first brought to the islands by Polynesian explorers and have since become essential to the local culture and diet. At Common Ground, these crops are cultivated using regenerative practices that respect the land’s history and contribute to its ongoing health. Guests will gain a deeper appreciation for these plants and their cultural significance during the tour.
A Farm-to-Table Culinary Experience
After the exploration of the food forest, the tour transitions to the kitchen lanai for a discussion about Kauai’s local food system and how visitors can support sustainable practices on the island. This is followed by a farm-to-table buffet meal featuring the fresh bounty of Hawaii, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and meats harvested from our farm and neighboring farms on Kauai. Each dish is crafted with local ingredients, from the cooking oil to the seasoning, ensuring an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Discovering the History of Stone Dam
Arrive early for the tour and take a moment to walk to the Stone Dam, located just beyond the gates of the Common Ground campus. This historic dam, built in 1880, is a relic of Kauai’s Plantation-era and the sugar industry that shaped the island’s development. As you reach the dam, pause to take a collective breath and honor the practice of entering a space with reverence. The area is also home to thriving Hawaiian canoe crops and native plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world due to Hawaii’s extreme isolation.
Supporting the Local Food System on Kauai
The tour concludes with a conversation about the importance of supporting the local food system. Visitors are encouraged to think critically about their role in sustainable tourism and how their choices can help bolster the regenerative efforts on the island. By purchasing locally grown foods and supporting eco-friendly businesses, tourists can contribute to a healthier ecosystem and a more resilient food system.
Why Choose Common Ground’s Farm Tours?
Unlike other tours that focus on a single crop, such as popular Kauai chocolate tours, Common Ground’s farm tours offer a more holistic view of the island’s ecosystem. The experience extends beyond agriculture to encompass a broader vision of interconnectedness between humans, the land, and our global environment. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the insights gained during this tour will inspire a deeper connection with nature and a greater understanding of sustainable living.
Book Your Farm Tour Today
For those looking to connect deeply with Kauai and experience the island in a truly unique way, book a farm tour at Common Ground Kauai. This immersive journey offers more than just stunning views—it provides a meaningful look into regenerative agriculture, local culture, and the future of sustainable farming.
Visit our Farm & Food Experience Page to book your tour today and discover the beauty and sustainability practices that make Common Ground a leading example of regenerative agriculture on Kauai.
