Peterson's Upland Egg Farm in Wahiawa, Hawaii

Like Bubba from the movie Forrest Gump loved shrimp, I love eggs. Eggs deviled, eggs boiled, eggs fried, eggs over easy. In every shape and form and fashioned in a plethora of recipes and cooking styles, I love eggs. Probably always will. And I love fresh locally hatched and locally marketed eggs.

For me, the best choice is Peterson's Upland Farm located in Wahiawa (Hawaii). Peterson's has been in business since 1910, surviving and thriving despite stricter governmental regulations and increased competition from mainland sources.

For me, it's a long way from my home in Kaneohe (28 miles one-way, about a 40-minute drive), but the eggs are fresh. I haven't had any better. And I also have a chance to support a small business and our local economy.

Whether a visitor to or resident of Oahu, I recommend taking the drive out to Wahiawa to purchase some eggs from Peterson's. Think of it as an adventure in dining.

How to Get There

If you drive from downtown Honolulu, plan on a half hour trip (if no traffic) of 22 miles to get to the farm. Take H-1 westbound passing the Pearl City and Waipahu offramps en route. Exit H-1 and head north on H-2 for eight miles toward Wahiawa. Exit H-2 at exit 8 Wahiawa. Merge onto Kamehameha Hwy. Turn right onto California Avenue and after driving gradually uphill for two miles and passing numerous churches, turn left onto Dole Road. The farm is located on the left about halfway down the block. A sign marks the entrance.

If you plan to travel by bus from downtown Honolulu, plan on a trip of 90 minutes that will cost you $2 for one-way fare (compared to $11 for the gas in your car for the drive). Board bus #62 (Wahiawa Heights). Exit on California Avenue adjacent to Dole Road. Walk 2 minutes down the road to the egg farm

Continue on a dirt and gravel road into the farm property. Enter the last building on the right, right where the road makes a sharp right turn. If you drive here, pull off to the side of the road by the last building.

What Else To Know

The farm is open every day except Sunday from 7am to 4pm. The folks who work there are friendly and courteous. Just plain good people.

Go early to have a better chance to get the quantity and size you want, especially if you plan to order more than a few dozen. On my most recent visit, my wife and I picked up 16 dozen super jumbo eggs. On other occasions, all the super jumbos were sold out as were the jumbos. Other sizes include extra-large, large, and medium.

As of my last visit to the farm in early August 2007, prices for eggs range from $1.60 per dozen for medium eggs to $2.20 per dozen for super jumbo. Peterson's also sells brown eggs. Add a nickel more per dozen than the price of white eggs (i.e. a dozen medium brown eggs cost $1.65, a dozen super jumbo browns cost $2.25.

And if you are into organic gardening, you can purchase a bag of chicken manure for $2. No lack of manure at Peterson's.

Like Bubba enjoyed his shrimp, enjoy your eggs.