Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kula is Maui's gardenland. The very name 'Kula' is synonymous with the fresh veggies
on the best Maui menus, and the region, with its rich vocanic soil, produces most of the
onions, lettuce and strawberries grown in Hawaii. Even Oprah is set to get in on the ac-
tion, with plans to start her own line of Kula-grown produce, 'Oprah's Organics.' The
key to these bountiful harvests is the elevation. At 3000ft, Kula's cool nights and sunny
days are ideal for growing all sorts of crops.
Kula's farmers first gained fame during the California gold rush of the 1850s, when
they shipped so many potatoes to West Coast miners that Kula became known as ʻNu
Kaleponi,' the Hawaiian pronunciation for New California. In the late 19th century Por-
tuguese and Chinese immigrants who had worked off their contracts on the sugar planta-
tions also moved up to Kula and started small farms, giving Kula the multicultural face it
wears today.
Sights
Stop and smell the roses…and the lavender and all those other sweet-scented blossoms.
No two gardens in Kula are alike, and each has its own special charms.
Aliʻi Kula Lavender
GARDENS
MAP
(
878-3004;
www.aklmaui.com
; 1100 Waipoli Rd; adult/12yr and under $3/free; 9am-4pm)
Immerse yourself in a sea of purple. Start by strolling along the garden paths where
dozens of varieties of these fragrant plants blanket the hillside. Then sit on the veranda
with its sweeping views and enjoy a lavender scone with a cup of lavender tea. Browse
the gift shop, sample the lavender-scented oils and lotions. To really dig in, take the 30
minute garden tour ($12 per person).
Kula Botanical Garden
GARDENS
MAP
(
878-1715;
www.kulabotanticalgarden.com
;
638 Kekaulike Ave; adult/child 6-12yr $10/3;
9am-4pm)
Pleasantly overgrown and shady, this mature garden has walking paths that
wind through acres of theme plantings, including native Hawaiian specimens and a ʻta-
boo garden' of poisonous plants. Because a stream runs through it, the garden supports
water-thirsty plants that you won't find in other Kula gardens. When the rain gods have
been generous the whole place is an explosion of color.
Holy Ghost Church
CHURCH
