Soothing sights and smells await you in Upcountry Maui

March 27th, 2008

As you drive up the Kula Highway (37) into Maui’s Upcountry area, many serene surprises await you from the rural lifestyle to the sweeping views of the coastline to the quiet that you just can’t get closer to the coast. What you’d also get is a tucked away little secret oasis that many people pass without even knowing it. This little piece of eden is called Ali’i Kula Lavender and if you turn left onto 377 from 37 and turn right onto Waipoli Rd, you too can experience this amazing “scentual” spot! One of the last things you expect to smell in Hawaii is lavender. As you’re driving Waipoli Road the scent of the lavender mixes with the scent of the wood in the area making an intoxicating smell that you are tempted to pull off the side of the road and breathe in. As you pull into the gardens, you see that it is the most relaxing place you can find. Perched on the lower portion of what becomes Haleakala, it overlooks all of central Maui and the West Maui Mountains.

A small store with a cheery staff awaits you as you meander in. You soon realize you could easily go broke with all of the wonderful products that are in Ali’i Kula Lavender. The one product I can’t live without is the Lavender Organic Body Butter Creme. It is absolutely luxurious and a little goes a long way so the $17 price tag is worth it. I also have the shampoo and conditioner and the bath salts. The shampoo washes clean and makes your hair squeaky. The condition is a little too heavy for all of my hair so I use it on the ends to keep them healthy. The bath salts are great for getting rid of that dead skin on your legs, feet and elbows. They can get gummy if you leave them by or in the shower so I would suggest storing them in your vanity until you need them. I am anxious to try a lot more of their products too. They even have culinary items for the adventurous!

Not only are the products a source of relaxation as you browse and take in the smells but the surrounding gardens are a sight to see as well. From tightly closed proteas to hydrangeas to wildflowers and of course lavender, there’s a feast for the eyes. Its quite possibly one of the nicest surprises we’ve stumbled upon in our multi-island treks over the past 12 years. There are afternoon teas, tours, workshops and people are even married there if you’re looking for unique, structured experiences. Can’t get to Maui anytime soon? You can shop online and get these great smelling goodies delivered right to your door! We hope you make this beautiful botanical delight a part of your trip to Maui! You’ll be glad you did!

Ali’i Kula Lavender
1100 Waipoli Road
Kula, Maui Hawai’i 96790
phone 808-878-3004
Website: http://www.aliikulalavender.com/default.aspx

Comments

4 Comments so far

HawaiiVacationGifts on May 5, 2008 8:19 am
Some of our family lives upcountry and I love it there. My sister-in-law sent me the lavender tea which is quite nice.

Visiting you via Homespun Honolulu’s blog carnival which we are both a part of:)
Bobbie on May 6, 2008 12:27 am
Aloha from another blog carnival participant. Lavender is one of my favorite fragrances. I used to have a patch of lavender near the edge of my garden here on the Big Island. Your article has inspired me to plant some again.
Sheila on May 6, 2008 9:55 am
I love the Maui Upcountry, too. I know I’d enjoy a visit to this farm. It sounds lovely!
Pua on May 6, 2008 9:03 pm
I love the eye cover filled with lavender blossoms. It’s extremely soothing and gets even visitors from the Mainland relaxed and in the island mood…Pua