Maui Butterfly Farm: Private Tour & Hawaiian Species

Summary

Butterflies raised by hand in Maui’s quiet Olowalu Village

You’ll feed live Hawaiian butterflies by hand in Maui’s only private butterfly farm, hear stories from local guides about conservation efforts, spot tiny eggs on milkweed, and feel the hush of wings around you in the flight house. It’s a gentle kind of magic that stays with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a slice of orange, sticky and bright, and said to hold it steady — “they’ll come if you’re patient.” I didn’t expect the first butterfly to be so light; it barely felt like anything when it landed on my finger. Our guide, Keahi, grinned and told us about the Monarchs they raise here at the Maui Butterfly Farm, right off Olowalu Village Road. You can hear the soft buzz of wings over the kids’ laughter (and honestly, some adults too) as we all tried to stay still enough for the next one to land.

The farm isn’t big or showy — more like a backyard where someone really loves what they do. Keahi pointed out how every butterfly here is home-bred, not shipped in from somewhere else. There’s this faint smell of damp leaves in the flight house, mixed with something sweet from all the fruit. She showed us tiny eggs tucked under milkweed leaves and explained how they’re a certified Monarch Waystation. I tried saying “Kamehameha” (the native butterfly) and probably butchered it; Keahi just laughed and said most people do.

It’s not far from Lahaina — maybe fifteen minutes? — but it feels quieter out here near Olowalu General Store. The whole tour is hands-on, which means you’re not just looking through glass. At one point I caught myself holding my breath so I wouldn’t scare off a particularly bold butterfly that landed on my wrist. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by things so fragile but alive. I still think about that moment when everything went kind of still except for wings fluttering past my ear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Maui Butterfly Farm and Learn

• Arrive at butterfly farm location
• Visit butterfly production facility
• See different types of Hawaiian butterflies
• Feed butterflies in flight house
• Learn about butterfly propagation and research

Top questions

Where is Maui Butterfly Farm located?

The farm is at 820 Olowalu Village Rd, next to Olowalu General Store on the way to Lahaina.

Are all butterflies at the farm native to Hawaii?

Yes, all butterflies are home-bred and endemic to Hawaii; none are shipped in from abroad.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, Maui Butterfly Farm offers private tours—the only ones like this in Hawaii.

What will I do during the tour?

You’ll visit their production facility, feed butterflies in the flight house, and learn about propagation and research efforts.

Is it suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your visit includes a hands-on guided tour of Hawaii’s only private butterfly farm where you’ll feed live butterflies inside their walk-in flight house and learn directly from local experts about conservation work—all just a short drive from Lahaina.