If you want to know anything about farming on Maui, Cole is the person to ask. “I’ve worked at nearly every farm on the east side,” he says, including a stint at Ono Organic Farms, where Hike Maui obtains the delicious apple bananas served on tour.
But after nine years of living and working on Maui’s east side, during which time he nearly exclusively “hung out with Hawaiians,” Cole decided, given the shortage of available rentals, it was time to give up his dwelling so a local person could live there. “I didn’t need to be in Hana like those who were born and raised there,” he explains. So he moved to Kahului, and ultimately became a Hike Maui guide.
Cole believes his farming background—in addition to his long-term association with local residents while living in the Hana area—translates well to guiding tours on Maui. “While working on farms I learned so many uses for plants that most people don’t know. And being around old-school kanaka [Hawaiian natives] taught me how to be a good guest. I enjoy helping my own guests learn to be travelers, not simply tourists, by fully experiencing the people and the culture here.”
Guest quote: Cole was our guide, and he is so well versed in the various trees, flowers, and vegetation in the rainforest. He has a deep passion for what he does and is full of energy! He was happy to answer my many questions.
