Kula Botanical Garden

The dream garden of a professional landscaper, this mountainside oasis is a great road-trip in the making. At 3,300 feet of elevation, taking a drive to the country to experience the abundance flowers at the Kula Botanical Garden is a great escape from the heat of the coastline. The peace and quiet of the area called "Upcountry" is evident while exploring the 9 acres of walking paths, layered in flowers and exotic foliage. A hand drawn map provided upon entry shows the way to a Koi fishpond, covered bridge, a small natural cave, and picturesque pavilions.

Highlights:
Beautiful scenery abounds throughout the Kula Botanical Garden, the easy to follow trails lead to grottos, ponds, and scenic pavilions showcasing some of the most exotic flowers you will see on Maui.

Hours:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Features:
Map guided garden with many paved trails, a gift shop, and picnic areas

Fees:

• $10 per person adult
•  $3 children 6 to 12 years of age

"Kula" is a great word in the Hawaiian language, it represent the middle fertile lands between the mountain summit and the sea. The region given that name on Maui, is a lush green and cool terrain sloped with good drainage and regular gentle rains. This is the perfect place to create a garden, thought Helen and Warren McCord who purchased the original 13 acres in 1968. Originally created as a living showroom of plant possibilities for the McCord's landscape business, eventually the Kula Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1971. Expanded by another 10 acres, the property is now a total of 23 acres, showcasing the many kinds of plants that thrive at this cool temperate climate and elevation.

Hundreds of plant varieties are labeled along the easy to follow pathways. There is an especially large collection of the Protea flowers, which are native to South Africa. These flowering bushes create flowers that are exotic, like firework displays at every branch tip. Other highlights are the plentiful orchids, bromeliads, and antherium flowers that are featured in their own display areas with shaded seating.

Local's Tip:
A great place to spend the hot part of the day, bring a picnic lunch and your camera for lots of photo opportunities can be found through out the garden. Upcountry Maui is one of the coolest parts of the island, literally. By driving up the Mount Haleakala you gain altitude and the temperature drops, and the scenery changes to lush green and mountainous.

638 Kekaulike Avenue (HI-route 377)
Kula, Maui, Hawaii 96790

From Central Maui, take Hana Highway (HI-route 36) to Haleakala Highway (HI-route 37).  Turn onto Haleakala Highway heading up the mountain for 14 miles, stay on 37 all the way until you pass a grassy park on the left, and the Kula Produce Market on the right. Slow down and prepare to turn on Kekaulike Avenue aka HI-route 377. Follow Kekaulike Avenue for approximately 0.6 tenths of a mile and look for garden entry on the right side.