Today I ventured out to Maui’s Lavender Farm, Ali’i Kula Lavender. I’ve been hearing a lot about it over the years and see their pop-up booths at various markets (such as the annual Made in Maui County Festival and Seabury Hall Craft Fair). I’ve heard it’s a popular place with young moms, looking for someplace to go with their kids. But honestly, I had no idea where this place was.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is located up by Poli Poli, a large meadow popular with paragliders and locals for upcountry sunsets and bonfires. The gate is at about 4000 ft elevation.
I actually started my upcountry adventure at Kula Country Farms. Today is the third Saturday of the month, which means they are hosting their monthly Kula Country Market from 10am-2pm. The farm has the best farm stand on island with show-stopping bicoastal views. Today there were about 20-25 vendors set up with tents, along with six or so food vendors serving everything from poke nachos to coffee and juices. Parking is limited.
How to get to Ali’i Kula Lavender
After poking around a bit, I got back in my car and turned up the mountain on State Hwy 377 (a windy two-lane road heading up Haleakala) and right on Waipoli Road (an even narrower road). Eventually, I got to a gate (complete with cattle gate), then a second gate, and was then at Poli Poli, a large steep meadow. You’ll see the lavender farm pretty soon after the gates.
The Farm
The farm is located 13.5 acres on the slope of Haleakala. It’s a somewhat steep area so be prepared with good walking shoes. Admission is currently $3/person or one food item per person (donation to Maui Foodbank). You park and then walk around at leisure. There is some lavender to see at the top half of the field, next to the parking lot. Below the parking lot area there is a gift shop and a garden area. This is the site of an old protea farm, so there are many proteas shrubs in the gardens.
Today the weather was a bit overcast. I arrived during a lull, as I was leaving there were many cars arriving. Make sure you pull over so oncoming traffic can pass.
