We Tried It: Summer Sunflower Event at Waimānalo Country Farms

Editor’s Note: This post originally ran in 2021 but was updated in May 2023 to reflect this year’s opening dates and times.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

What: Waimānalo Country Farms 2023 spring and summer sunflower event

Who: A mom, her 4 year-old son and his “mimi” (grandmother)

Where: Waimānalo Country Farms

When: Saturday at 11 a.m.

We’ve taken Duke to select a pumpkin at Waimānalo Country Farms every year since he was born, so I was excited for an excuse to return to the stunning family-run farm at the base of the Koʻolau Mountains. During our visit to the sunflower event, summer was in full swing: sunny skies, hot temperatures, bright sunflowers, refreshing Nalo-made lemonade and some whining.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

As we drove in during our assigned time slot, we were welcomed by a greeter and instructed to stay in our car and follow the road to the sunflower field. A short way past the drive-thru sunflower sign, beyond the chicken coop, we were invited to park and get out to explore.

The sunflower patch stretches far and is impeccably cared for. Each bloom is stunning, and sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains, you can’t dream of a more beautiful spot for photos. And there are plenty of places to snap a few, with thoughtfully placed photo op areas, complete with props, dispersed throughout the field.

The backdrop is so beautiful, but do note that professional photoshoots are not allowed during public hours (though you can schedule one with the in-house photographer here). Also note, cutting and picking your own flowers is not allowed. However, sunflowers can be purchased at the Country Market Stand for $3 per flower.

See also: 🚜 4 Family-Friendly Farms to Check Out Next Time You Island-Hop in Hawai‘i

Photo: Laura Dornbush

I was snapping pics on my iPhone like crazy. Of course, my son Duke didn’t want to cooperate and wouldn’t look at the camera. However, as soon as he eyed the bathtub prop, his curiosity got the best of him: He dove in and managed to smile for a photo. He also loved climbing on an old tractor and pretending to drive and shift gears.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Duke enjoyed running the rows of sunflowers and measuring up against them to see which blooms were taller than him. Pretty soon though, he was whining about the heat and asking for the lemonade that I had promised, so we piled back into my SUV and drove up to the farm animal area. We purchased pig feed ($3) and Duke hesitantly fed the eager hogs. We said hi to the goats and cows and even spotted an adorable baby goat and two calves!

SEE ALSO: 6 Places Where You Can Meet Baby Animals on O‘ahu

The last stop was to drive through the lemonade stand at the exit. Duke had a hard time deciding between the fun flavors like mango, li hing and pineapple lemonade. There were no picnic tables as we exited the farm, so we took our lemonade and lunch across the street to Waimānalo Beach Park for an oceanfront picnic to end our excursion. Make sure to stop at the bathroom before driving home after all that delicious lemonade!

Picnic time! Photo: Laura Dornbush

Tips

1. Bring sun protection. There is zero shade at the farm, so wear hats, sunscreen and long sleeves. An earlier morning visit would be coolest. Also, earlier and later time slots will provide more flattering lighting. The midday sun can create harsh shadows.
2. Bee prepared. Bees love the sunflower blossoms, and we spotted many. If you or your keiki are allergic to stings, bring your prescribed epinephrine.
3. Wheel out the wagon. The terrain is too rough for strollers, so if you have small keiki, a wagon is a better option.
4. Look out for turkeys. The farm’s two resident turkeys roam freely around the property. Their feathers are beautiful, and the birds make for a fun keiki encounter.
5. Ration the lemonade. Twenty ounces of a sweet beverage is a lot for a little one. You may want to split it between kids to avoid a sugar crash.
6. Book a private picnic. Waimānalo Country Farms is now offering private picnics in the sunflower fields—and there’s even a keiki picnic package! The package, produced by Ever After Moments, is for up to 5 guests ($35 per additional guest) to enjoy one hour on the farm. It includes the full setup, breakdown and cleanup service, hot dogs, chips and lemonade or sweet tea in the sunflower picnic area. Full details and a list of other packages can be found here.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

The summer sunflower event is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last car in at 4 p.m., the fields close at 4:30 p.m. and the market stands close at 5 p.m.) May 24th through June 20, pending bloom. Reservations are only required for photography sessions, private picnics or special events. General admission is $12.84 per person, including tax and processing fees, or $12 cash at the door. Kama‘āina and military admission is $10.84 per person, including tax and processing fees, or $10 cash at the door. Keiki 2 years old and under are free. 41-225 Lupe St., Waimānalo, (808) 306-4381, waimanalocountryfarms.com, @waimanalocountryfarms