If you’ve ever searched for Hawaiian vanilla, you may have come across this page for Maui Island Vanilla. Unfortunately, this page is just an example maintained by a web developer. MauiIslandVanilla.com no longer exists (it’s now a spam site).
I tracked down Mike and Luluk Rich, formerly of Maui Island Vanilla, to find out if anyone was still running the vanilla plantation.
According to Mike, the vanilla business ended in 2002. Land and labor costs in Hawaii made it unfeasible.
Mike suggested Hawaiian Vanilla Company as a source, but they only sell single beans to individuals. I recommend you contact Clare at Huahua Farm on the Big Island — if the timing is right, you might be able to buy some vanilla beans from her.
Luluk and Mike Rich, formerly Maui Island Vanilla:
Used without permission: source, original.
