Leilani Farm Sanctuary

260 E. Kuiaha Road, Haiku, Maui, HI 96708

Website

54 visitor photos

Ranked #1 of 4 attractions in Haiku

10 Reviews

Type: Farms

Owner description: Reservations required. Home to goats, rabbits, donkeys, cats, peahens, pigs, ducks, deer and chickens, Leilani Farm Sanctuary is located on a lush...... more » Owner description: Reservations required. Home to goats, rabbits, donkeys, cats, peahens, pigs, ducks, deer and chickens, Leilani Farm Sanctuary is located on a lush 8-acre farm in Haiku, Maui. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization created to provide shelter and care for abused animals, and humane education to the community. On the outer, most visible level, Leilani Farm Sanctuary lives and breathes upon a unique piece of rolling land, eight volcanic acres on a green Pacific island. But its superb location and jaw-dropping natural beauty are but reflections of its lush inner essence. The sanctuary is a refuge for animals, a safe haven for those fortunate enough to have found their way here. Each rescued animal has his or her story. Lehua, the donkey, had lived her life under the dark crawl space of a house, unable to graze and completely isolated from other animals. One goat was spared the butcher's knife through a near-miraculous change of heart by a worker at a meat ranch. Some of the sanctuary's young residents, including one very endearing deer and several goats were orphaned when hunters shot their mothers. Others, such as rabbits and chickens, had been given to children as holiday presents, then later discarded when they became too cumbersome to care for. Some of the roosters were liberated from cockfighting compounds. (We continue to work actively to put an end to this cruel, inhumane practice that passes in some cultures as "sport."). The sanctuary is an idyllic meld where many droll surprises are seen: a piglet bonds and plays with pug dogs the same size as she, a rooster "falls in love" with a goat and takes rides on her back, a young goat befriends a donkey. Cats live peacefully among chickens, stretching out on their backs in the warmth of the sun; rabbits become obsessed with tunnel-digging, their paws scratching the earth in accelerated motion, red dirt flying everywhere. In fact, all the animals at the sanctuary have unique personalities that showcase their individual characters. Here, the operative word is "community." Animals live in harmony with each other, as their deeply-ingrained cooperative ethic, based on survival, shapes their world-and informs ours, too. Leilani Farm Sanctuary provides a healthy, happy home for all these animals. It offers caring humans an opportunity to engage them in a natural setting where they're all loved, and where all their basic needs are attended to. Many visitors who have come here to meet the animals have been touched, each in his or her special way, by the "humanity" of these amazing and lovable beings. They've had a sample of compassion-in-action and have glimpsed the real possibility that all living beings might be treated with deep caring and respect. These human-animal encounters have proved over and again to be nothing less than genuine healing--on both sides of the equation. All are enriched by the love that is shared here. Our hope is that Leilani Farm Sanctuary will continue to serve as an ever-widening beacon of love and light for our ailing planet. We envision a world in which people everywhere have an abundance of good food to eat and without sacrificing the lives of innocent animals, in the process. We consider adopting a vegan diet, as one key aspect of living lightly on the earth, the best path to realizing that dream. May we all thrive, in peace and in a spirit of oneness! And may we always act responsibly, in ways that will benefit all sentient beings.

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10 reviews from our community

Jennifer A

Honolulu, Hawaii

Reviewer

5 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

3 helpful votes

“A Maui eco-tour with Heart -- you will fall in love with the many animals at this verdant Haiku rescue farm!”

Reviewed February 23, 2012

people found this review helpful

We live on Oahu and learned about Leilani Farm Sanctuary through Vegetarian Society of Hawaii. An upcoming escape to Maui coincided with an article featuring the farm along with a story and photo of Ned, a friendly Nubian goat and farm resident. After reading his heart rending story, the prospect of meeting friendly Ned was tops on our list for... More

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Aloharitch

Reviewer

5 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

2 helpful votes

“They are closer to the source!”

Reviewed February 23, 2012

person found this review helpful

Lauralee has accepted some of those who were truly the least of the animals who were castoffs, mal treated, at deaths door and with love and true selfless care, she has redeemed us. Getting to know their personalities, she has individually found their strengths and needs and brought them to clearly enjoy their new lives at the sanctuary. Every one... More

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BijouBichon

Vancouver, BC

Reviewer

3 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

5 helpful votes

“GREATSpot for tame animals”

Reviewed February 17, 2012

people found this review helpful

Lauralee provided a great tour of the sanctuary with a mention of the importance of vegetarianism but was not at all pushy. I would say you could sense how important it was to them, but as a meat eater I didn't find it at all uncomfortable. The animals are so tame even my 1 1/2 year old was interested in... More

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Bill H

traverse city, mi

Senior Contributor

41 reviews

Reviews in 21 cities

11 helpful votes

“Very enjoyable for animal lovers”

Reviewed February 5, 2012

person found this review helpful

Call for tour reservations on Wed afternoon or Saturday morning. The owner will walk you thru an 8 acre compound with rescued goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, chickens, ducks and a fawn that is like a puppy. This is a private attempt to better the existance of unfortunate animals. Dontions appreciated but not demanded. More

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aaydogan

San Francisco, California

Senior Reviewer

9 reviews

Reviews in 8 cities

6 helpful votes

“Fun, educational vacation activity with a purpose”

Reviewed January 16, 2012

Lauralee Blanchard, founder and director of Leilani Farm Sanctuary, is someone who lives exactly the life she espouses. At the lovely grounds of this sanctuary near Haiku on the north shore of Maui, one can find donkeys, rabbits, goats, pigs, cats, chickens, tortoises and even a deer all roaming freely, enjoying life without the threat of abuse or extermination. Blanchard,... More

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NEYankee

1 review

“If you love animals don't miss visiting.”

Reviewed January 14, 2012

Great place to visit! Animals are well cared for and are very friendly. Nice to be around people who love what they do. More

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SuzannahMelbourne

Melbourne

Reviewer

3 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

2 helpful votes

“The most wonderfully joyful up close and personal farm animal experience it is possible to have-”

Reviewed November 24, 2011

person found this review helpful

In November this year my husband and myself were in Maui with my sister and brother in law. Knowing how much we love animals and the countryside, my sister suggested we might enjoy a visit to Haiku to the Leilani Farm Sanctuary. So we drove up there for a pre-booked close up and personal tour. Laurelee, who runs the farm... More

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bijan613

Los Angeles, California

1 review

2 helpful votes

“If you love the 4 legged people, you'll be in heaven...”

Reviewed August 5, 2011

people found this review helpful

Dear Laurelee, Visiting your farm was one of the loveliest part of my trip...like a kid, I keep looking at my photos with your sweet chicken and smile... Many thanks for taking the time and sending her photo to me.., I hope to be back in Maui soon, your farm will be my first stop... Blessing, Bijan - S Los... More

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LaureleeBlanchard

Haiku

1 review

1 helpful vote

“An Ec-Gem in Upcountry Haiku”

Reviewed June 21, 2011

person found this review helpful

A real hands-on once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beautiful grounds and friendly, engaging animals. very suitable for families, even young children. Chance to see a rural side of Maui that visitors usually miss. A highlight of our trip. Be sure to book in advance. More

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AdventureTravellers

Seattle

Senior Reviewer

10 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

12 helpful votes

“An amazing respite from the touristy side of Maui - an oasis unknown to most!”

Reviewed June 21, 2011

people found this review helpful

Leilani Farm Sanctuary is such a great place to visit, yet most tourists never find it! It's located on a gorgeous, peaceful property in Haiku, about 15 miles down the Hana Highway from the airport. As the wind rustles through the bamboo, goats come to meet you and a deer will tuck her head under your hand, enticing you to... More