Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens

September 17th, 2007

Filed Under Hawaii Activities | 5 Comments

park1.jpgEveryone is always in such a hurry to get to the ‘Iao Valley Park that they usually miss a hidden treasure on the way.  Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens is located in the greenery laden ’Iao Valley on Maui.  Established in 1952, Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens was built as a way to showcase Maui’s diverse cultural heritage with various props such as native gardens and structures representing the Hawaiian, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino and Caucasian cultures.

In 1994 a group of volunteers restored the gardens to its original beauty and it is still maintained to this day.park2.jpg  There was a lot of damage to the structures that needed to be fixed and a ton of overgrowth but the community pulled together and made a real difference for this park.  The business donations and value of donated labor for the project was estimated to be about $600,000. President Clinton even awarded the group with a certificate for people working together.  To get a true idea of the restoration that took place from then to now, go to this website.

park3.jpgWhether you’re looking for a spot to get out and stretch your legs, picnic in a peaceful spot or learn a little about the cultures that make up Hawaii’s diverse background, then this is the spot on Maui to do it.  The ‘Iao Stream runs beside the park and is the water source for the constructed waterfalls in the park.  It makes for a soothing background when you’re BBQing or walking the grounds.  Need more incentive?  It’s free!  How many things are free these days?

Located just before the end of the road on the left on Iao Valley Road (Highway 32)


Comments

5 Comments so far

  1. skeet on November 5, 2007 4:37 pm

    Now see – these are the things I want to see as I travel in-state. So many people come to Oahu, go to Sea Life Park and The Polynesian Cultural Center and think they’ve seen Hawaii. Um, no – you’ve missed the people, the real history, the community. The restoration efforts by that dedicated group of volunteers – that’s aloha! That’s our state motto brought to life.

  2. Sheila on November 5, 2007 11:49 pm

    Hi Angie – Thanks for sharing this lovely place. I’d love to check it out next time I’m on Maui.

  3. Melody on January 5, 2008 8:46 pm

    Last April, we were on Maui squeezing in every popular sight-seeing experience we could. As we were leaving Iao Valley, we were intrigued as we passed the Gardens. We turned around and stopped to walk through the Gardens. What a hidden treasure! It’s too bad more people don’t know about it. On the other hand, it was extremely peaceful without all the other tourists. Thank you to the volunteers who worked to restore the buildings and the grounds.

  4. Jennifer on April 13, 2008 11:45 am

    I was fortunate enough to have our bus driver suggest that we stop at the gardens for our Wedding! This hidden gem was the impromptu location that we ended up at. It was a beautiful start that some people only dream of! Thank you for sharing….we will definitely be back.

  5. Sandy Duldulao on February 18, 2009 7:00 pm

    On March 21, 2009, the Kapolei Chorale will be performing among other groups. I consider it a privilege coming from Oahu to perform on Maui, how exciting. I’m looking forward to being blessed by the beautiful hands of the volunteers who took part in constructing it as we will see then and to experience all that others who have gone on before us have.

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