When it comes to staying somewhere funky and off the map, I’m all in—and this time, on a family vacation to the north shore of Kauai, HI, it paid off! We spent three nights and four days staying at, and exploring around, North Country Farms in Kilauea. North Country Farms is a family owned and operated organic farm with three acres of planting beds, orchards, and even a pineapple field. There are two cottages on the property, both equipped with a kitchenette and plenty of room to sleep 4-6 people (and even more, if you have someone in a pack and play). Children are warmly welcomed, and encouraged to explore the grounds and even pick their own fruit. We stayed in the Orchard Cottage, and in the morning, our three-year-old went out and foraged for oranges, grapefruit, and plenty of avocados for the baby!
The cottage was an oasis—the trade winds blowing through the big windows kept the room cool, with no need for a noisy air conditioner. The abundant geckos kept the bugs away, even on a pesticide-free farm (and provided endless entertainment for our toddler). The owner of North Country Farms, Lee Roversi, is friendly and efficient—available if you need her, but not at all intrusive. (My husband has a phobia of B&Bs; just the thought of making awkward small talk with a stranger sends him running for the hills. But even he admitted that North Country Farms was a great fit for us!) All in all, I can’t say enough good things about North Country Farms. After our stay, we spent a few days at a mega-resort. Don’t get me wrong, it had its perks, but I found myself homesick for our little cottage on this beautiful tropical farm.
Date last visited: September 17-20th, 2011
Room/cabin rates: $150/night, including taxes and cleaning fees. Learn more by contacting North Country Farms via email or phone: [email protected] or 808-828-1513.
Food services: You’ll get some granola, yogurt, and coffee upon check-in, and throughout your stay you’re welcome to pick fruit in the orchards. For a more substantial meal, there are some good take-out options in the area, specifically the Kilauea Fish Market, just a minute down the road (4270 Kilauea Rd, Ste F, Kilauea).
Website: http://www.northcountryfarms.com/index.htm
Directions: It’s somewhat off the beaten path, but Lee will send you good directions when you book your stay!
