The new entrance to Maui Tropical Plantation
When my daughter was young, I’d take her over to Maui Tropical Plantation to feed the ducks. The place was getting a bit run down, but you could see new things were starting to happen, beginning with the ziplines. Then my son was born, and apparently I never went back, until a couple weeks ago. I decided it was time to visit the ducks again, plus I heard there was a chocolate factory and a soap factory, so off we went. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the main building and found a completely renovated new gift store. It’s beautifully done, with a really nice selection of gift items and art (and even cold beer for purchase!) Past the first building are the little hales or cottages – which I believe used to be little museums about Maui’s agricultural history, which now house various shops, including the Sweet Paradise Chocolate shop, where they make beautiful little chocolates onsite. Off to the right is also the brand new Moku Pua soap company (more on this start up coming soon!)
Expansion of the pond with sugar mill wheels to be added as a water feature
There are also lots of changes happening with the site, like the extension of the pond, and the renovation of the restaurant. I checked with the staff at the MTP and this is what they reported back:
Completed Improvements
- Redesigned Tram Station and renovated trams.
- Live music on select days. Call to confirm performance dates. Regular performers include Joel Katz, and the Hula Honeys.
- Renovated restrooms throughout the plantation.
- Improved outdoor dining area and tram station seating area.
- Expanded lagoon with historic sugar mill gears, bridges and other photo opportunities.
- Improved Village shops and attractions including: Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, Moku Pua Soap Factory, Ron L Jewelry Designs, The Bailey House History of Waikapu, Maui Zipline, Edible Hawaiian Magazine, Maui Paddler Company, and a Glass Blower kiosk.
Pending Improvements
- A free “guidebook.com” smartphone app for visitors to use. They simply download it to their phone and explore the plantation. It will go live in December.
- Coffees of Hawaii cafe at Tram Station opening in Q1, 2014.
- Plantation bar with historic Claus Spreckels steam engine and Kalakaua Coach Car opening in Q1, 2014.
Have you been to the renovated Plantation yet?
Maui Made 
Comments on: "Turning a New Leaf at Maui Tropical Plantation" (1)
[…] Tropical Plantation has completely renovated (see the complete post here) – and this weekend the circus is coming! So excited to bring my kids (ages 2 and 5) to see […]