Maui Alpaca owner Janet Baldwin said her farm helps connect visitors with the joy of animals. MEGAN MOSELEY/THE MAUI NEWS

Maui is home to many farms and farm animals — even alpacas.

Located in the island’s Upcountry area is one such farm known as Maui Alpaca, an 8 acre area specifically for visitors and residents looking to connect with the fun-loving and furry animals.

Janet Baldwin, owner of Maui Alpaca, said her journey with alpacas started in 2020, and her love for the animal continues to grow.

“I have always been involved in the healing arts in some way, and working with such amazing animals has taught me that healing with animals is one of the purest forms of healing,” she said.

When she first started her farm, Baldwin said, she bought a few alpacas from an owner in Kula, and has since expanded her pack bringing in alpacas from as far away as Nevada.

Now she has several on her farm with names such as Sassie, Kalama, Cedar and more.

“You have to start with three or more, because you can’t just get one or else they would die of loneliness,” she said. “They need their flatmates.”

Alpacas are originally from Peru. They are part of the Camelidae family, which includes llamas, guanacos and vicunas from South America and Bactrian and dromedary camels from Asia and Africa.They have long necks and a furry coat, which is often used for fiber.

“Primarily, alpacas are used for their fleece for yarn,” she explained.

Erin Nakata, farm manager at Maui Alpaca, demonstrates how the farm creates yarn from the animals by using a spinning wheel. The Maui News/Megan Moseley

Erin Nakata, farm manager at Maui Alpaca, demonstrates how the farm creates yarn from the animals by using a spinning wheel. The Maui News/Megan Moseley

Baldwin said that, on her farm, they shear the animals every March, and their fleece is sent to a fiber mill where it is processed into yarn.

It’s these facts and more that guests at Maui Alpaca get to learn about during their time on the property. With tour options that range from a one-hour farm tour to a one-and-a-half hour paniolo picnic where you can get up close and personal while feeding the animals treats, Maui Alpaca has a little something for everyone.

Baldwin said they’ve had guests hire them for wedding proposals and ceremonies, and the alpacas are able to engage with a wide range of individuals from children to grandparents and everyone in between.

Erin Nakata, the farm manager at Maui Alpaca, said seeing visitors interact with the animals is one of the reasons her job is so much fun.

“We have amazing guests that are so excited to meet alpacas for the first time and learn about them,” she said. “They’re very quirky and they are very intelligent.”

Maui Alpaca also grows artichoke, asparagus, olives and other produce, and the farm also has its own Bunny Village where guests can sit, play and pet angora bunny rabbits.

Maui Alpaca offers guests a chance to interact with alpaca, rabbits and the great outdoors in Maui’s Upcountry area. The Maui News/Megan Moseley

Maui Alpaca offers guests a chance to interact with alpaca, rabbits and the great outdoors in Maui’s Upcountry area. The Maui News/Megan Moseley

After playing with the rabbits, Nakata or one of the other farm workers show guests how their fur can be used to make yarn using an old-school spinning wheel.

So whether you’re looking for an adventure, a way to connect with nature, or just an escape on Maui, Baldwin said a visit to Maui Alpaca will leave you filled with joy.

“There is something magical about them that just puts a smile on my face by just being around them,” Baldwin said.

For more information, visit mauialpaca.com.