About

Mauimist Gardens is a research farm and experimental garden. Its mission is to develop methods for growing food in a tropical environment, particularly Hawaii. Hawaii presents numerous challenges to home and commercial crop production due to its many pests and diseases, winds, soil types, water availability, and short day length. Production in an organic environment adds many additional challenges.

Mauimist Gardens researches and develops, in its experimental gardens, strategies for solving problems unique to Hawaii and enabling reliable organic food production, and publishes these strategies for home and commercial growers’ access.

Mauimist also produces “Dirt to Bar” chocolate, which means, Maui Mist propagated the cacao trees from seed in its nursery, grows the mature trees on its farm, and harvests and produces its estate grown organic chocolate on site! Thus, every aspect of quality is controlled in the production of its delectable and healthy chocolate by our resident “Chocolatier” Ann Pistillo. The best part is Maui Mist chocolate is VEGAN and low glycemic! Probably the healthiest and best tasting chocolate on planet earth.

Its special Ceremonial Chocolate begins with (non-GMO)  heirloom cacao seeds propagated on site; trees are grown in a completely organic environment and harvested by hand at the peak of their maturity. The volcanic soil, ocean breeze mellowing, and 22 degree latitude of Maui creates the ideal cacao growing environment. This environment also fosters a unique fermentation model and sun-drying and a gentle roasting process create the ideal flavor and nutrition profiles resulting in the ultimate in sacred ceremonial cacao.

Mauimist is located in the hills of Launiupoko near Lahaina Town on the island of Maui, Hawaii and also hosts a  Bonsai Nursery, a lovely Botanical Garden, and the impressionist artist studio of Ann Pistillo Fine Art. 

We may be contacted at: mauimistgardens@gmail.com