When Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama was just 2 years old, she was already spending time in fields of taro, a traditional Polynesian food source. By the age of 6, the Hawaii native was driving tractors on her family’s taro farm on Kauai. Now, she continues her connection with the historic site, its memories and traditions by leading weekly, reservation-only tours of Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill, her family’s rice mill and taro farm.
“My parents, Rodney and Karol Haraguchi, are the fourth generation of the family farm that started the nonprofit, historic Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill, which includes artifacts dating back to the 1800s,” Haraguchi-Nakayama said. “Family recipes have also been passed down through the generations that are served on tour and at Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.”
Family Dynasty
Built by Chinese immigrants and dating back to the 1800s, Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill was purchased by Haraguchi-Nakayama’s family in 1924. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill is the last remaining rice mill in Hawaii. It is nestled amongst the working wetland taro fields of Hanalei Valley on Kauai’s lush north shore. It is also located within a National Wildlife Refuge, offering tour-goers the opportunity to see endangered waterbirds such as Hawaiian stilts and Java sparrows.
The mill has been restored three times by the Haraguchi family: after a fire in 1930; after Hurricane Iwa in 1982; and after Hurricane Iniki in 1992. When Kauai’s rice industry collapsed in 1960, the rice mill stopped operating, and the family preserved it as a nonprofit historic landmark. Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill is now home to an extensive collection of artifacts and has received thousands of visitors over the past three decades.
“The tour is an insightful glimpse into the past agricultural history of Hanalei Valley, as well as present farming challenges,” Haraguchi-Nakayama said. “Guests get to hear some of the stories of growing up on the farm. For our family, it’s a humble way to share the food, tradition and culture of the family farm, as well as to sustain nonprofit educational programs.”
The Tour
Visitors are served a taro smoothie as they walk through taro patches that have been cultivated for multiple generations. They learn how the crop is harvested and processed via modern and traditional farming techniques. Hands-on activities such as poi pounding and apple-snail picking and egg eradication offer the opportunity to play a part in the family’s longstanding agricultural tradition.
Back at the rice mill, Haraguchi-Nakayama provides an in-depth explanation of the unique architecture and special machinery from Japan while sharing personal stories and family history.
Along with the sample produce tastings provided throughout the tour, visitors are treated to a complimentary farm-to-table lunch and dessert at the end. The menu features authentic Hawaiian dishes that source fresh taro, fruits and vegetables from Haraguchi Farms and meat from Kauai ranchers. Some of the dishes served include traditional “lau lau” (pork wrapped in steamed taro leaves), taro veggie burgers and taro mochi cake.
“I always knew in my heart that I would return to the farm and continue the family farming tradition even while leaving the island for undergraduate and graduate school,” Haraguchi-Nakayama said. “I love educating guests about the agricultural history and endangered bird species, sharing family stories and interacting with each guest as I welcome them into the family farm.”
Fast Facts
Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill’s guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and last approximately four hours.
The Details
Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.
www.hanaleitaro.com
Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill
www.haraguchiricemill.org
