Maui Animal Farm

From a young age, I loved talking to people, learning who they are and hearing their stories.  I feel honored when someone shares a piece of themselves with me. Connection is something that is lacking in our world and it is so powerful.  Feeling someone’s energy and emotion through conversation makes me feel alive and not alone in this world. I am always grateful to walk away with something new, a gift from a new friend, whether it is a new perspective,  a sense of appreciation, or just a good feeling, I am grateful.  

This past summer on our family vacation to Maui, Caden - my middle son - and I spent a morning at the Maui Animal Farm.  (My other two boys wanted to go Parasailing and Caden is afraid of heights.) I had read about this wonderful farm and thought it could be something fun for us to do together.

We drove along the water and turned up a road that looked like it went straight to the top of the mountain.  We pulled into the long dirt driveway and arrived at a tiny trailer. Caden and I stepped out of the car, and when I turned around, my breath was taken away.  The view was something I had never seen, we were truly on top of the mountain with the most magical view of the water. My heaven.  

Caden ran around the corner and that is when we met Heidi.  We were welcomed to Maui Animal Farm by a woman who was larger than life both in height and bubbly personality, her eyes full of life.  With her cowboy boots and hat, she asked if we would like to feel the animals and have a private tour.  

Caden was so excited to see the giant turkey, pigs, and donkeys.  I was soaking up every ounce of beauty as I watched Caden engage with Heidi and the animals.  I still couldn’t get over the view, if I had binoculars, I probably could have seen my other two kids parasailing from where we stood.  As I started talking to Heidi, I quickly learned the real purpose why we went to the farm that day. 

Heidi Denecke is such a special human.  As we walked and talked, she shared with me her visions for the farm.  She told me that she had worked in the Hotel industry for years, and when things shifted in the business, she decided it was time for a change.  She worked on a friends farm for awhile until the opportunity to purchase this amazing piece of property presented itself. Heidi tackled purchasing and building Maui Animal Farm on her own, living her life on the farm and caring for these animals, educating and bring smiles to kids every single day.  

What I learned next was what blew me away.  Heidi recently was approved as a non-profit 501c3, and is raising money to open a therapeutic horseback riding area for kids with Autism. 

Ummm hello, are you kidding me. I said, “well, here you go, there is my Caden.” I told her about our experience with therapeutic riding and what an amazing gift she is going to bring to so many.  I shared with her about my blog and what I do, and that I wanted to tell everyone I knew about this magical place.  

Heidi is such an inspiration.  She has a heart bigger than most and is changing people’s lives.  She is following her passion and living out her dreams. I feel so grateful to have met her, and to have been witness to her story.  Heidi embodies the true meaning of Aloha. She is living her best life, sharing her gifts with others, allowing them to experience love while learning from her animal family at the Maui Farm.  What she has created is truly a piece of heaven.   

Please visit their site to find out all the amazing things you can discover at the farm.  

Follow them on Facebook and IG, and share with your friends! 

https://www.facebook.com/mauianimalfarm/  @mauianimalfarmofficial 

Heidi’s non-profit is called Tiny Hoof Animal Therapy of West Maui.  Follow them on facebook and donate to help support an amazing cause.  

https://www.facebook.com/Tiny-Hoof-Animal-Therapy-of-West-Maui-110788650266682/