On eight beautiful acres on Maui’s picturesque North Shore, more than three-hundred happy rescued animals live in harmony. There’s nowhere else quite like it. Visitors find it “magical,” “amazing,” and “inspiring.”

They’re referring to Leilani Farm Sanctuary, the sixteen-year-old nonprofit refuge that has become one of Maui’s cherished treasures. One-hour tours are offered several days a week, and visitors are invited to spend more time at the sanctuary following the tour. More information about what to expect on a tour is available here.

“We booked a visit on a whim for our last full day in Maui, and I'm so glad we did,” recalls Lauren, a visitor from Connecticut. “From the moment you walk up you are greeted by the cutest chickens and then the cats. These animals are so very sweet, and you can tell how happy they are to be there. Our tour was amazing, and I loved hearing each animal’s story. It's a beautiful thing to see these sweet babies safe and happy.”

Daniel, another recent visitor, found that “seeing how well all the animals were cared for was amazing. The property was very well maintained and beautiful. The animals also seem very happy to see us. Greg, the turkey, ran down the driveway to greet us.”

“Tours are a therapeutic experience for both the visitors and some of the residents, who need TLC after enduring a painful experience before arriving here,” explains tour guide Melani Ellis.

Lehua, for example, is a peaceful donkey who was living under a dark crawl space of a house with no sunlight or other animals. Gregory, an affectionate turkey, was confined to a small cage and slated to be butchered for Thanksgiving. Dorothy, a gentle cow, was to be slaughtered when a compassionate ranch worker intervened and arranged for her rescue.

And then there’s Jazz, the cat clandestinely abandoned at the sanctuary by a man moving to Arizona.

“Jazz loves nothing more than to be held in someone’s arms for the whole tour,” recalls Melani. “The other day a young girl held him for the first tour, and a young boy held him for the second tour. Both children had a sweet, tender connection with him, and he was blissing out the whole time.”

“We love to welcome visitors from all over the world with a very special aloha,” notes Leilani Farm Sanctuary founder and director Laurelee Blanchard. “When you tour the property and enjoy the animals, you are also supporting the sanctuary by helping us pay for food, veterinary care and humane education programs for at-risk youth.”

When your visit is over, chances are you will feel like Jean, who toured the sanctuary last summer. “I like that we got to be hands-on with the animals. It was a fun experience and a great way to experience Maui, support a good cause, and make lasting memories.”

Tours are offered several days a week and last approximately one hour. You may schedule a tour or obtain more information here.