Maui Upcountry Tour – Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Maui, one of the most popular Hawaiian Islands for visitors, offers more than just beaches. I discovered the beauty of Maui’s Upcountry by taking a day tour to Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, in Kula. This lavender farm and garden is located about 4,000 feet above sea level and offers more than 55,000 lavender plants, as well as olive trees, hydrangea, and protea blooming on more than 10 acres. This beautiful land’s curator is Mr. Ali’i Chang, and he is more of a guardian than gardener of this spiritual land. If you’re looking to experience the true beauty of Maui, then you can’t go wrong with this wonderful stop along your route.
Daily walking tours are available throughout the day at specified times and are currently $12 per person. If you make your reservation in advanced, you can save $2 on your admission. I took the walking tour, set up by the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau, and honestly didn’t know what to expect. At first, my travel companion and I thought we might be lost, because we went from paved road to dirt road. Finally we realized we were at AKL Maui, and our journey of relaxation in lavender had begun.
We arrived a little early for the tour, but that was quite okay with me. I enjoyed a lavender scone, with lavender lilikoi jell (delicious), and lavender tea. Just smelling all the goodies and fresh lavender put me in a calming and chilled-out mood. And did I mention the view? It was wonderful to sit and enjoy the lavender treats from such a high point on Maui.
Cookie was our tour leader and we were joined by a family with the cutest twin girls. As we walked along, Cookie pointed out plants of interest and handed out cuttings of each as we walked along the path. The girls really enjoyed the adventure, and I could see how this lavender farm walking tour would be a fantastic choice for families, friends, or couples to experience. At the end of the walking tour, we each had our own fresh lavender bouquet!
After the tour, I had to step into the gift shop and wish that I had more room in my luggage to bring home lavender food and bath items for my entire extended family. I especially loved their dragonfly logo. Should you decide to visit the lavender garden and farm, here are some directions from the AKL website:
From Kahului, take Hana Hwy 36 towards Haleakala. Turn right on to Haleakala Hwy (Hwy 37 South); you will stay on this highway for 30 minutes or so, entering into Kula, you will pass Kula Elementary School on the right. You will soon approach Rice Memorial Park on the left. Slow down after Rice Park and take a left turn up onto Junction 377 East. Drive about 1/4 mile, rounding a bend, taking a quick right up Waipoli Road. There is a Warrior sign at the bottom of Waipoli road with our name on it. Proceed to the top of the road, going up about 1 mile, pass over the cattle guard and through the open yellow gate. Follow the signs to the Garden parking area. Please park where indicated. If necessary, call 808-878-3004 to receive automated direction information at any time. Mahalo! 1100 Waipoli Road, Kula, Maui Hawai’i 96790 phone 808-878-3004 Fax: 808-878-2645 Reservations: 808-878-3004 If you need assistance call 878-3004.
great pictures and nice write up.
I am absolutely passionate about Lavender and use only organic lavender soap, so no doubt I would absolutely love touring this farm. And I am so jealous: lavender scone, with lavender lilikoi jell (delicious), and lavender tea! Yummm!
We visited Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm with our kids last April and loved it. It was such a beautiful and serene place with some of the best views. I wish I had tried the lavender tea and scone. It sounds delicious. I loved their gift shop too. They have a treasure hunt activity called Lavender Treasures for the kids and kept ours occupied throughout our visit with a lavender cookie reward in the end.