What makes the Maui Kula Onion unique? It’s sweetness.
Maui Kula Onions are grown in Kula – in the deep red, volcanic earth on the upper slopes of Haleakala, Maui’s world famous dormant volcano. The high elevation and temperature are perfect for growing sweet onions. The cooler temperature enhance the onions size and sweetness. The soil in Kula is also low in sulfur which makes the onions sweet.
To restrain replica from other farm regions taking advantage of the popularity of the Maui-grown onion, “Maui” and “Kula” Onions are trademarks owned by the Maui Onion Growers Association.
Every year, Maui Onion Festival is celebrated at the Whaler’s Village. This festival has been a signature event at the Whaler’s Village since 1990. It’s dedicated to the cultivation and promotion of the world-famous Maui Kula Onion – it’s like Taste of Kula in Kaanapali.
It is a fun event for the whole family. Kids love the face painting booth and Lei making is a very popular activity at the festival. Various top Maui chefs present cooking demonstration using Maui Kula Onions. Raw eating contest of Maui Kula Onion is also one of the highlights of the festival. There are lots of other vendors that offer local goods and food that’s a must see and taste.
The featured food vendor of course is the Maui onion Growers Association. Their Fried Maui Kula Onion Rings are the most sought after food item at the festival. They bring about 800 to 900 pounds of onions and slice, batter and deep fry them in large industrial woks. It’s delicious, ONO / No Ka Oi.
The Maui Onion Festival is surely a signature event one should not miss. Sweet Maui Kula Onions are among the best and most flavorful onions in the world.
