Is Visiting the Surfing Goat Dairy on Maui Worth It?
A Multi-Time Visitor Review
Maui is often called a paradise, and for good reason, there’s something for everyone between its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. But amid all the classic tropical activities, there’s a hidden gem that promises a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Enter Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, a charming goat farm located in Kula, nestled in the gorgeous upcountry region of Maui.
When we first heard about this place, we weren’t sure what to expect. A goat farm in Maui? Is it worth your precious vacation time? Well, after visiting multiple times (and falling in love with their unforgettable cheeses, chocolate truffles, and adorable goats), we’re here to share everything you need to know to decide if this stop deserves a spot on your Maui itinerary.
What Is Surfing Goat Dairy?
Surfing Goat Dairy is a working goat farm that combines sustainability and local charm. It’s been a staple attraction in Kula since 1999, offering award-winning goat cheese, educational farm tours, and hands-on experiences. It’s one of the only certified humane goat dairies in the United States, and they pride themselves on treating their goats like royalty.
With more than 150 goats on the property, a variety of fresh products for purchase, and an interactive farm tour, the dairy has become a favorite destination for visitors who want a slice of Maui’s agricultural life.
Our Personal Experience
When we visited Surfing Goat Dairy last month, we were instantly charmed by the idyllic setting. Tucked away in the cooler upcountry Maui, the farm is surrounded by rolling hills and stunning views. The air feels fresher here, and the vibe is refreshingly relaxed compared to Maui’s busier tourist spots.
The first thing that greeted us was the happy bleating of baby goats! (Pro tip: If you visit during kidding season, there could be over 100 playful baby goats hopping around—we were lucky enough to experience this!). After checking out the goats, we dove into a cheese-tasting session and tried their famous chocolate goat cheese truffles. Spoiler alert—they are fabulous. Toasted Coconut and Maretto Cherries were our favorites!
Whether it was watching the feeding of the goats, learning about cheese-making, or enjoying the serene environment, every part of the visit felt personal, interactive, and fun.
TIP: Surfing Goat Dairy is located next door to the Ocean Vodka Distillery, also worth a visit for a tasting, lunch, or just to enjoy the views.
What to Expect When Visiting Surfing Goat Dairy
Guided Tours
One of the main draws of Surfing Goat Dairy is its guided tours, which offer a deeper look into how the small farm operates. You can choose from a variety of tours depending on your interests and time constraints.
Most tours last between 30 minutes to an hour, making it a flexible activity that can fit into any schedule.
Goat Cheese Tasting
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s the goat cheese tasting flight. Surfing Goat Dairy has won over 18 national awards for its innovative, flavorful cheeses—and after one bite, you’ll understand why. Combined with lavender (or other spices/flavors) and olive oil you can’t go wrong trying this artisanal goat cheese.
Don’t forget to try their chocolate goat cheese truffles. Creamy, rich, and slightly tangy, they’re a truly unforgettable treat. We always take a few to go, but they never make if off of Maui because we eat them pretty quickly!
Hands-on Experiences
One of the highlights of our visit was interacting with the goats. During feeding time, we got to watch the caretakers bottle-feed adorable baby goats as they eagerly nudged their way forward. Beyond the cuteness overload, the experience was surprisingly educational!
The staff walked us through the ins and outs of dairy farming, the milking process, and how cheese is made—all in an approachable, easy-to-understand way.
Is Visiting Surfing Goat Dairy Worth the Cost?
Here’s how the pricing breaks down:
- Daily Casual Tour: $33 for adults, $24 for kids
- Evening Chore Tour: $41.50 for adults, $33 for kids
- Baby Goat Interaction Experience: $41.50 for adults, $33 for kids
- Golden Girl Experience: Adult $41.50
- Try a Cheese Flight starting at $27
- Stop by and see the goats and shop at their gift shop for free!
Compared to other Maui attractions, Surfing Goat Dairy is relatively affordable. A visit here won’t take up your whole day; most are a 30-minute experience, so it’s easy to pair it with other nearby activities like the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm or Haleakalā National Park.
For what you get—gorgeous scenery, hands-on experiences, and absolutely world-class cheese—we’d say it’s worth every penny.
Why Surfing Goat Dairy Is Great for the Whole Family
Traveling with kids? This place should be on your radar. Children of all ages will love:
- Feeding and petting the friendly goats.
- Exploring the farm’s open spaces.
- Tasting unique and delicious cheese (even picky eaters might surprise you!).
It’s an educational and entertaining experience that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Tips for Visiting Surfing Goat Dairy
- The Best Time to Visit: Mornings tend to be quieter, and the cooler weather makes exploring more comfortable.
- Reservations: While walk-ins are welcome, some of the tours—especially the Grand Dairy Tour—require reservations, so book ahead. And please note it is closed on Sunday & Monday (we found out the hard way on our last trip)
- What to Bring: Wear comfy shoes, bring sunscreen, and don’t forget your camera for those goat selfies!
Nearby Attractions
Surfing Goat Dairy’s upcountry location makes it a fantastic pitstop on your way to explore other places:
- Ali’i Kula Lavender Farms – Take in relaxing views and the scent of lavender.
- Haleakalā National Park – Experience the awe-inspiring sunrise or sunset from Maui’s tallest peak.
- Ocean Vodka – Tour the distillery and sample locally made vodka.
- Makawao Town – Explore this charming cowboy town with its unique galleries and boutiques.
Make sure to check out these nearby attractions while you’re in the area! Each one offers a unique experience that will complement your visit to Surfing Goat Dairy.
For those interested in more outdoor activities, there are also plenty of hiking trails and beaches in the surrounding areas. The stunning views from these locations are not to be missed.
You can easily plan an upcountry day trip around your visit to the dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Surfing Goat Dairy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are a great way to learn more about Surfing Goat Dairy and plan your visit. Here are some common questions visitors often have before visiting the dairy.
No, there is no admission fee for visiting Surfing Goat Dairy. However, donations are appreciated and help support the care of the goats.
Absolutely! Their on-site store offers a variety of cheeses, jams, and truffles. Some items may even ship to the mainland.
Yes, the farm is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
No, to protect the goats, visitors are kindly asked to leave pets at home.
The Wrap-Up: Why Surfing Goat Dairy Is a Must-Visit Stop
Surfing Goat Dairy is more than just a farm—it’s an unforgettable experience that combines delicious food, adorable animals, and a beautiful setting. It’s the perfect blend of education and entertainment, with something for everyone to enjoy.
First-time visitors to Maui? This should absolutely make your must-visit list, especially if you’re an animal lover or a foodie. Between the award-winning goat cheese and the chance to interact with playful (and plentiful) goats, this spot is a refreshing break from Maui’s typical tourist attractions.
Book a tour today—you’ll leave with a full heart, a happy belly, and maybe even a box of chocolate goat cheese truffles in hand.
