Alpaca Ohana
Tour a growing alpaca farm
By Savy Janssen
Nestled in the lush, green hills of Upcountry Maui lies a serene sanctuary where the gentle hum of nature mingles with the murmurs of contented alpacas. Not unlike their native mountains of Peru, here the alpaca graze and strut happily in pastures on the slopes of Haleakalā.
Founded in 2020 by Janet Baldwin, the Maui Alpaca Farm began as a modest venture with just three female alpacas. Her initial foray into alpaca farming was driven by curiosity and a touch of naiveté. “I knew nothing about alpacas,” she said. “When I saw them laying down flat, at first, I thought they had died. They were just sleeping!”
Today, Maui Alpaca Farm serves as a thriving haven for these sweet, intuitive animals, each with their own distinct personality. “I thought I was only going to get one, and now we have 13,” Baldwin said.
From the ever-watchful Kala, the herd’s self-appointed guardian, Anna, the wise matriarch, the playful Sassy, the farm’s resident ham, to even the gentle Cria, or the baby alpaca, each animal adds a unique charm to the farm. Baldwin’s affection for her herd is palpable. “They are just part of my family now,” she said.
A visit to Maui Alpaca Farm delights guests of all ages. Tours, which range from $39 to $200, begin with feeding and photo sessions with the alpacas in their pasture. Then, guests are led to the Bunny Village, where they interact with the farm’s resident fluffy Angora rabbits. The tour includes a demonstration of fiber processing, showcasing how the alpaca’s raw fleece is turned into soft yarn. For those seeking a more immersive experience, additional options include a picnic lunch, walking the alpacas or even participating in a lifestyle tour focused on the yarn-making process.
The farm’s small-group tours, limited to 10 people or fewer, ensure a more personal and educational experience. The knowledgeable staff enrich each visit with detailed insights about alpaca care and history. Having started during the pandemic, the farm’s success is partly due to its alignment with the trend of families and visitors seeking outdoor, small-group activities. As the farm continues to grow, Baldwin envisions expanding their offerings to include classes on fiber arts and programs for school-age children.
Baldwin’s passion for the process is evident in her daily routine – knitting every night with yarn from her own alpacas. She sells her wears at the farm’s store, offering sweaters, scarfs and hats of the softest Maui-raised fiber. For those interested in knitting themselves, visitors can buy alpaca yarn as well.
For Baldwin, the farm is more than just a business – it’s a source of immense personal fulfillment. Maui Alpaca Farm invites locals and visitors alike to partake in this joy, sharing a slice of rural bliss and educational family fun. To learn more or reserve a tour, visit mauialpaca.com.
