Surfing Goat Dairy
Surfing Goat Dairy
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Our Dairy Farm is located on the beautiful slopes of Maui's Haleakala Crater in lower Kula and has been producing award winning “Maui Gourmet Goat Cheeses” for over 6 years. Come and take a tour of one of the Islands top Ag-Tourism venues and learn more about our goats and cheeses and what we have to offer.We hope you enjoy your visit to Surfing Goat Dairy. …and as they say in Hawaii... “Da' Feta Mo' Betta!”“Winner of 16 National Awards”“Best Goat Cheese spread in North America 2004, 2005 & 2006”
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,724 reviews
Excellent
875
Very good
478
Average
217
Poor
93
Terrible
61
Sebastian S
Kahl am Main, Germany8 contributions
Apr 2022
Goats are the best, and baby goats are even better! We had a blast seeing and playing with them. The short tour was informative and the kids had lots of fun feeding the goats. Stay close to the tour guide, the speakerphone they use is hard to understand.
We really liked the cheese tasting on the pation in the shade, such a relaxed experience. The cheeses are really great and all can be bought to bring home with you. There is also a small gift shop.
The whole team is really nice and knowledgeable.
A great little getaway in Maui. We had a great time and would recommend it to anyone who likes goats or cheese or both. :-) Especially with kids!
We really liked the cheese tasting on the pation in the shade, such a relaxed experience. The cheeses are really great and all can be bought to bring home with you. There is also a small gift shop.
The whole team is really nice and knowledgeable.
A great little getaway in Maui. We had a great time and would recommend it to anyone who likes goats or cheese or both. :-) Especially with kids!
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elise C
14 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
After spending many days swimming and snorkeling at the beautiful beaches, we decided to take in some of the sights up the mountains in Kula. Surfing Goats was one of our favorite destinations. We did the 1/2 hour tour which included petting and feeding the adorable goats, learning about the humane farming practices, and how the cheese is made. For $15 we shared a flight of various cheeses, which were excellent and for another $6 we split a piece of the most scrumptious cheesecake I’ve ever tasted in my life. Book online ahead of time as tours fill up fast and if you’re interested in a tasting of vodka and rum at the Ocean Vodka farm next door, book that for right after.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Blanca L
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We chose this as an experience during our family Maui adventure. Our two boys (under 10 years old) were not thrilled that I picked this out, but we ended up having an awesome time. It was hot when we got there but there was a nice breeze most the time. Highly recommend following their instruction on wearing bug spray and a hat. Our tour guide was awesome and super knowledgeable. There was a gal that showed us how to milk the goats and she was working so hard all over the farm, but still had a smile on her face and was helping with the tour. The cheese tasting at the end was so fun. There were nice tables in the shade that had a nice breeze going through. The boys really enjoyed trying the different flavors. (They were all delicious.)
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
b_sonny
5 contributions
Jun 2022
Hello,
well we visited this the surfing Goat Diary cause it was recommended in our travel guide. Honestly if it was not mentioned I would nto have visited it.
You see some babygoats in a 10x6m place where they have sme surfbaords in.
Then you can look into a glas window into the dairy.
That's all.
If you want to spent more time you can book a farm tour. starting 39$
If it is worth paying nearly 40$ per pax
I am not sure. her ein Germany you can visit the dairy normally for free and ask the farmer . They are happy explaining it.
Worst thing was: I was at the shop and could not find any price on the screen.
I know why.
Paying 15$ for about/estimated 125ml or nearly 4oz . It is very expensive.
But I believe this is the HAwaii Extra special price.
After spending 20 minutes there we left the place.
Taste was okay. NOthing extra ordinary special.
well we visited this the surfing Goat Diary cause it was recommended in our travel guide. Honestly if it was not mentioned I would nto have visited it.
You see some babygoats in a 10x6m place where they have sme surfbaords in.
Then you can look into a glas window into the dairy.
That's all.
If you want to spent more time you can book a farm tour. starting 39$
If it is worth paying nearly 40$ per pax
I am not sure. her ein Germany you can visit the dairy normally for free and ask the farmer . They are happy explaining it.
Worst thing was: I was at the shop and could not find any price on the screen.
I know why.
Paying 15$ for about/estimated 125ml or nearly 4oz . It is very expensive.
But I believe this is the HAwaii Extra special price.
After spending 20 minutes there we left the place.
Taste was okay. NOthing extra ordinary special.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
twins3152003
Haslet, TX2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Visited Surfing goat with my husband and mom. Tour guide takes you to the side of pasture to feed goats. You then walk back and see how goats are milked, first being offered to try it by hand first. You can then look in the window to see where they make cheese. Informative tour, would have been nice to have been some kind of sample given out at the end (since the tour was $25), however you have to pay for that.
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ajayworldwide
San Jose, CA8 contributions
Feb 2021
I tagged along with my wife and a friend without really expecting much. I was thinking it would be akin to a petting area at children's zoo. Cute baby goats (kids) a handful of hay and a few corny pics. Boy was I wrong. This is a working goat dairy with impeccable environmental, humanitarian and culinary standards.
We started with a tour from our expert guide. I am sure she's done hundreds of these, but she was engaged and thoughtful, and had such an obvious bond with the animals it was just fascinating to watch. After touring the fields, petting and feeding some of the older goats, we were taken back to the dairy part to watch the goats being milked. For a city dude, this was pretty interesting, especially watching the goats walk over with military precision to their milking stalls, single file line, no slot left vacant!
We ended the tour with a tasting of the various goat cheeses. These are generously portioned along with a big bowl of crackers. There's a very distinct difference in taste with fresh goat cheese vs not so fresh. It's like night and day, and that alone would be worth the trip.
You'll finish the tour with a much better appreciation for goats, the milk from their cheeses and the people who care for them.
We started with a tour from our expert guide. I am sure she's done hundreds of these, but she was engaged and thoughtful, and had such an obvious bond with the animals it was just fascinating to watch. After touring the fields, petting and feeding some of the older goats, we were taken back to the dairy part to watch the goats being milked. For a city dude, this was pretty interesting, especially watching the goats walk over with military precision to their milking stalls, single file line, no slot left vacant!
We ended the tour with a tasting of the various goat cheeses. These are generously portioned along with a big bowl of crackers. There's a very distinct difference in taste with fresh goat cheese vs not so fresh. It's like night and day, and that alone would be worth the trip.
You'll finish the tour with a much better appreciation for goats, the milk from their cheeses and the people who care for them.
Written February 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ken L
33 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
You can pay $18 to feed a bunch of pregnant goats. I've been to petting zoos before where the price to feed the goats with less than a dollar. A much more compelling visit is just down the road at the distillery where you can get 6 half ounce samples and a really beautiful view of maui at a lower price. The grounds of the goat farm are quite worn down That makes you wonder where they're investing all their tourist money.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darcie M
Huntsville, AL69 contributions
May 2021 • Family
I feel completely ripped off.
My family of 3 paid $52 when we booked a tour in advance. The “tour” consisted of a very uninformed lady leading us into a field where goats were kept and pointing them out by name and telling us we could pet them if we wanted. There is an are of the farm where guests can let the baby goats even without paying for the tour. After the goat field, we were led to the area where the goats are milked and she basically pointed to it and gave a very general icier view of the procedure. No goats actually were being milked so it was really just a somewhat closer view of equipment than what you get when you use the restroom, which is located nearby.
Not so much as a spoonful of goat cheese was included in the tour, which lasted fifteen minutes, tops.
Do not waste your money on this tour. Opt instead for the distillery tour next door which offers a MUCH better value and experience.
My family of 3 paid $52 when we booked a tour in advance. The “tour” consisted of a very uninformed lady leading us into a field where goats were kept and pointing them out by name and telling us we could pet them if we wanted. There is an are of the farm where guests can let the baby goats even without paying for the tour. After the goat field, we were led to the area where the goats are milked and she basically pointed to it and gave a very general icier view of the procedure. No goats actually were being milked so it was really just a somewhat closer view of equipment than what you get when you use the restroom, which is located nearby.
Not so much as a spoonful of goat cheese was included in the tour, which lasted fifteen minutes, tops.
Do not waste your money on this tour. Opt instead for the distillery tour next door which offers a MUCH better value and experience.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lesliemW4006VA
Los Angeles, CA5 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This activity was part of a perfect day in Maui. We stopped here on our way to see sunset on Haleakala. We took the 3 o’clock tour. We were given a short introduction, fed the goats, and then sampled the cheeses and lilikoi cheesecake (these cost extra). Everything was delicious. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and clearly loved goats.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth
1 contribution
Jan 2020
January 7, 2020 10 am 30 minute tour.
We visited the farm this morning with our 3 year old twins. The tour started late even though the participants were all ready. The guide never once smiled and was more concerned about completing the tour on time than making space for questions or enjoyment. The twins were very well behaved, but the farm should let guests know that children under 5 are not appreciated on the tour. Not all the cheese samples are even kid friendly. During the cheese tasting we asked if one of the twins could have a sample other than the spicy jalapeño cheese and our guide refused to give a sample our kids could eat even though we had paid for the children. That pretty much ended the experience for us. And no, we did not purchase any cheese.
If we had just visited on our own it would have been much more fun as the guide made the experience pretty negative. We all enjoyed seeing the goats, especially the newborn goats. If you are there with kids just visit, don’t pay for the tour.
We visited the farm this morning with our 3 year old twins. The tour started late even though the participants were all ready. The guide never once smiled and was more concerned about completing the tour on time than making space for questions or enjoyment. The twins were very well behaved, but the farm should let guests know that children under 5 are not appreciated on the tour. Not all the cheese samples are even kid friendly. During the cheese tasting we asked if one of the twins could have a sample other than the spicy jalapeño cheese and our guide refused to give a sample our kids could eat even though we had paid for the children. That pretty much ended the experience for us. And no, we did not purchase any cheese.
If we had just visited on our own it would have been much more fun as the guide made the experience pretty negative. We all enjoyed seeing the goats, especially the newborn goats. If you are there with kids just visit, don’t pay for the tour.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are wondering if cheese tasting is included with the price of the $12 basic tour. It seems some people say it is, and others say they had to pay another $15 for a cheese sampler? Thanks!
HeidiWills
Seattle, WA250 contributions
You need to pay additionally for the cheese sample. It’s worth it.
John Larsen
Seattle, WA222 contributions
How can I book for 1 adult? It only gives me option for 2 people or more on the website. I’m solo traveling in Hawaii and wanted to see the goats
Carissa T
Los Angeles, CA25 contributions
Which tours gives you the option to milk a goat and have cheese tasting? We have a 4 year old and 6.5 year old, will they be better suited for the evening chores or grand tour? Thank you!
50Beatrizy
Potomac, MD173 contributions
When we were there it was pouring rain so I don’t have an complete answer. I would choose daytime, all goats were awake and alert.
Enjoy!
Michelle K
New Jersey124 contributions
I love goats and this looks like a lot of fun. Is it possible to milk the goats as well? If so, when is milking time? Do they have any cheeses that are rennet free? Mahalo!
Dawn R
Harrisville, RI30 contributions
No, I don't believe there is goat milking available. They have a highly mechanized method to milking goats, and I don't believe any milking is done by hand. Also, they have a set recipe for the goat cheese, so, I doubt they have any that is minus the rennet...they talked about this during the tour ("This is the room where the milk comes in, rennet is added...").
Kmartin87
Oregon108 contributions
Do you have to pay for a tour to see,pet and feed the goats? We have a toddler that would love the goats but won't be interested in a tour or eating the cheese.
georgechadderton
San Ramon, CA3 contributions
Yes there is a a fee for the tours. You do not have to take the tour(s). You see the goats as you drive up to the main building. You can also feed and pet the baby goats. Hope this helps.
Snuggs99
Narangba, Australia38 contributions
Hi. Will be visiting with family inc retired & kids / so all ages. Just wondering what the drive from Lahina is like out to the farm??? Will have a mini van.
Cincin2100
San Francisco, CA304 contributions
It is an easy drive but a long way to go to just see the Goat Farm, try to stop at some other places along the way or further out. I believe Ocean Vodka is nearby too.
How long are newborn kids allowed to be with their moms?
surfinggoatdairy
1 contribution
The babies are taken away from their moms right after birth. The reason for this is as follows:
We did used to leave them with their mommies all the time in previous years. With our Hawaiian weather and plenty pasture allow our goats to stay day and night outside. What a life!
When the does are with kids this also means, feisty kids sucking from which teat they can get hold of, spreading bacteria and parasites from doe to doe, from kid to kid. We ended up with a lot of sick kids and does. We even lost milking does each kidding season.
Kids also got sick, because they drank from dirty udders, just getting up from the dust or worse.
So, after 8 years we decided to go the way of all commercial dairies and hand raise our kids with heat treated colostrum and pasteurized milk.
And?...,
No doe died in her nursing time.
We do not have outbreaks of diseases any more.
We can make sure, that each kid gets, what it needs.
We are sure all kids have shelter in the wind or rain.
We can check in minimum three times daily, how they are doing.
And they are doing great!
Surfing Goat Dairy (Kula) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Surfing Goat Dairy
- Surfing Goat Dairy is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Surfing Goat Dairy tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Surfing Goat Dairy tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Surfing Goat Dairy:
- (6.19 mi) Ocean Breeze Hideaway
- (6.73 mi) Kihei Sands Beachfront Condominiums
- (5.63 mi) Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat
- (4.17 mi) Hale Ho'okipa Inn Makawao
- (6.78 mi) Sugar Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Surfing Goat Dairy:
- (4.11 mi) Kula Bistro
- (7.60 mi) South Maui Fish Company
- (6.54 mi) Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
- (7.79 mi) Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
- (7.52 mi) Mana Foods
- Attractions near Surfing Goat Dairy:
- (0.25 mi) Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
- (0.24 mi) The Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery
- (1.78 mi) Shoreline Snuba
- (4.19 mi) Epic Experience Adventure tours
- (4.56 mi) 808 PICTURES