Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery sits on 80 acres of certified organic farmland in upcountry Maui, at 4,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Haleakala volcano. Founded in 2005 by Shay Smith, this operation started as Hawaii’s first certified organic vodka distillery and remains one of the most unique spirits operations in the state. Smith, who previously worked in technology, wanted to create something that truly captured the essence of Hawaii using local ingredients and traditional farming methods. The distillery produces Ocean Vodka using organic sugar cane grown right on the property, combined with deep ocean mineral water sourced from 3,000 feet below the Pacific’s surface off the Big Island. What began as a small agricultural experiment has grown into a full-scale organic farm and distillery that processes everything from field to bottle on-site. The property includes the production facility, tasting room, and expansive organic gardens where visitors can see sugar cane, tropical fruits, and vegetables growing in Maui’s rich volcanic soil. Beyond vodka, they’ve expanded to produce rum and other spirits, all maintaining their commitment to organic certification and local sourcing. The farm-to-bottle approach means everything from the base ingredients to the final product happens within view of the Pacific Ocean, making this as much an agricultural experience as a distillery visit.