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Surfing Goat Dairy - Deep Research Report

Deep Research Report

Last updated: April 22, 2026

What it is

Surfing Goat Dairy is a working goat farm located in Kula, in Upcountry Maui. It is Maui's largest commercial dairy and an agritourism destination, known for producing award-winning gourmet goat cheeses and handmade goat cheese truffles. The farm offers various guided tours and experiences that allow visitors to interact with the goats, learn about the cheese-making process, and sample their products.

Visitor experience

Travelers choose Surfing Goat Dairy for a unique, hands-on farm experience away from Maui's coastal attractions. It appeals to families, animal lovers, and foodies interested in sustainable farming and artisan cheese production. Visitors can meet and feed friendly goats, including playful kids, and learn about the dairy's history and cheese-making process. Many tours include a tasting of their fresh chèvre cheese and a handmade chocolate truffle. Some tours offer opportunities for hands-on milking or helping with evening chores. The farm also has a store where visitors can purchase cheeses, chocolates, and other local products, and a cafe for coffee and muffins. The setting offers scenic farm views on the slopes of Haleakalā.

Logistics

  • Area: Surfing Goat Dairy is located in Kula, within Upcountry Maui.
  • Access: It is accessible by car. It is about a 15-minute drive from Kahului.
  • Reservations: While visitors can stop by to enjoy cheese tasting or shop without a tour, booking tours and experiences online in advance is strongly recommended, as popular tours can sell out quickly.
  • Timing: The dairy is open Tuesday to Saturday, typically from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Morning visits are ideal as temperatures are cooler and goats are more active.
  • Tours: Various guided tours are available, ranging from 30-minute "Daily Casual Tours" to longer "Evening Chore & Milking Tours" (approx. 45-60 minutes) and specialized experiences like the "Golden Girl Experience" (30-40 minutes for adults) or "Baby Goat Interaction Experience". Tour times are scheduled and guests arriving late may miss portions of the experience.
    • Daily Casual Tour: Approximately 30 minutes, includes meeting goats, learning about cheese making, chèvre tasting, and a chocolate truffle. Adults (12+) $33, Children (3-11) $24. An optional cheese flight tasting can be added for $27.
    • Evening Chore & Milking Tour: Approximately 45-60 minutes, includes hands-on milking, feeding goats, behind-the-scenes dairy look, cheese sample, and a chocolate truffle. Adults (12+) $41.50, Children (3-11) $33. This tour starts once daily at 3:00 PM.
    • Golden Girl Experience: 30-40 minutes, for adults 18+, involves treating senior goats to snacks, brushing, and cuddling.
  • Parking: On-site parking is available.
  • Permits: No permits are required for visitors.
  • Likely Duration: A quick stop for shopping and a brief look can be 30 minutes. Engaging in a tour will extend the visit to at least an hour, or up to two hours for more extensive experiences like the Grand Dairy Tour (though current tour offerings emphasize shorter options). It can be a standalone quick stop or a half-day activity when combined with other Upcountry attractions.
  • Activity Type: Better as a quick stop or part of a half-day itinerary exploring Upcountry Maui.

Safety and cautions

  • Animal Interaction: Goats are generally friendly, but visitors, especially children, should be taught to approach them calmly and avoid sudden movements. Close supervision of children is advised.
  • Farm Environment: It is a working farm; guests should be aware of typical farm conditions.
  • Pets: Pets are generally not allowed on the property for the comfort and safety of their animals and guests, with exceptions made for permitted service animals.
  • Weather: Upcountry Maui experiences cooler temperatures and can be dry. The best time to visit is during Maui's dry season (April to October).

Editorial take

Surfing Goat Dairy is a highly recommended activity for families with children, animal lovers, and anyone with an interest in local agriculture and gourmet food products. It's a fantastic educational opportunity to learn about sustainable farming and cheese making while enjoying a hands-on experience with friendly goats. It serves as a refreshing break from typical beach-focused activities and is an excellent addition to an Upcountry Maui itinerary, often combined with other stops like the Ocean Organic Vodka Distillery. Visitors prioritizing beach time or those with no interest in farm animals or goat cheese may choose to skip it.

It should not be confused with a traditional farmers' market (though it offers farm products for sale) or a large-scale industrial agricultural operation. It is an agritourism destination focused on education and interaction.

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