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Ali'i Kula Lavender
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Nurseries & Gardening Nurseries & Gardening [Edit]
1100 Waipoli RdKula, HI 96790
(808) 878-3004
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
83 reviews for Ali'i Kula Lavender
Review Highlights
"Yummy lavender scones, lavender tea."
(in 24 reviews)
"This is another must if you're in upcountry."
(in 16 reviews)
"You can roam around without the guided tour for free."
(in 6 reviews)
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83 reviews in English
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Review from Alan Y.
2/1/2012 2 photos
An hour drive takes you from sun and sea into Maui's Upcountry, where the cool mountain air bites gently at your skin. Take a deep breath, and let 46 varieties of lavender wash over you. Walk the outer grounds, and find peace at Buddha's feet.
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm is a nice change of pace from the revelry of Wailua, Kihei or Lahaina. The farm was established by the late Ali'i Chang. As the story goes, Chang, a long time farmer, noticed that a copy of Sunset magazine named lavender as the 1999 herb of the year. He negotiated the purchase of a few acres of the current property, and began planting lavender. The farm opened for business in 2002. Chang was quite smart in his product integration, and found several avenues to market the product, including: ornamental, culinary and as bath and body items. The farm was able to expand to its current 13 acres.
The grounds of the farm are open, and you may take a self-guided tour, however I found that taking the guided tour provides a greater appreciation of Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and allows insight into lavender, protea and other botanicals that I would not have had access to otherwise. The tour is $12, but you can get a $2 discount by calling ahead and making a reservation by phone.
We were guided by Jen, a Maui native, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient with other guests who had questions but were not on our paid tour. I can safely say, that had I visited this farm without taking the tour, it would have felt like a waste of time. Instead, I learned a lot about Ali'i Chang, lavender, and Upcountry Maui. I only wish that we had been able to visit during Chang's life, as I understood he was an excellent storyteller and would often lead these tours himself.
The kind employees in the gift shop also checked the weather cam on Haleakala for us, as that was our ultimate destination. It was refreshing to interact with everyone that worked here, as they all felt like stewards of the Aina. -
Review from Walt B.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
1/14/2012
The aloha spirit is not in bloom at the Ali'i lavender farm.
Driving up with our picnic lunch in the cooler, we were happy to see lavender-colored picnic benches near the parking lot. Not so happy when they told us that food from outside is not permitted on their premises.
The policy would be understandable if they sold anything more substantial for lunch than lavender scones and postage-stamp sized $3.95 lavender brownies. But according to a gift shop attendant, it's just that they can't be bothered with the trash.
Despite the cold shoulder, we did try a few food items. Lavender lemonade works, as do those pricey brownies. Lavender tea and coffee don't.
If you want a friendlier welcome, try the botanical gardens just up the road. We got a warm welcome and an invitation to use the two small tables outside their gift shop. -
Review from Elise C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2011
Who would think that such a beautiful botanical garden could flourish atop Haleakala. The lavender gardens did not disappoint. Make sure to stop here if you're in Kula.
Suggested itinerary: Watch the sun peek its way above the clouds at +10,000 ft elevation atop Haleakala (5-7am). The sunrise is spectacular and a must for anyone on their first visit to Maui. Head on down to Kula Lodge near the base Haleakala for a bite to eat (~7:30-8:45am). Once you recharge yourself with Kula Lodge's excellent pancakes, head on back up the crater about 4 miles to get to Ali'i Kula Lavender (opens at 9am).
At Ali'i Kula Lavender, be sure to go to the gift shop and grab a Treasure Map, which consists of ten landmarks on the farm's grounds. Take your time enjoying the scenery and aroma. As you make your way through the farm, don't forget to stamp your treasure map with the stamp provided at each landmark. Once the map is completed, you can bring it back to the gift shop to receive your prize, aka lavender cookies! The treasure hunt is worth the cookies at the end. Don't forget to get a free sample of lavender infused tea or coffee too!
+1 star: Free entry fee (Other botanical gardens around the area charge a parking/entry fee).
-2 stars since it's a self-guided tour. You're pretty much on your own. -
Review from Cee B.
10/16/2011
This is if you want to kill a day driving around upcountry. It's really beautiful. It's small lavender farm with a beautiful view of the island of Lanai.
First, call the place and make sure its open and everything's good to go before you make the trip out here. I don't know how lavender grows with the seasons and whatnot so make sure you aren't going all the way up here for a bunch of dead lavender plants. Even if that's the case, they have other plants and the view is just so amazingly spectacular it's probably still worth it. Also, go to the bathroom before you come here. There doesn't appear to be anything beyond a disgusting portable.
It's a nice drive upcountry. Kind of steep, so be mindful with your rent-a-car. You can roam around without the guided tour for free. So my family and I walked around and took in the beautiful view of the island of Lanai for free, but again you can pay for a guided tour of the lavender farm. The fresh breeze and smell of lavender is really soothing. This place is probably geared more towards women but even my dad, quite the Blackberry-toting Republican enjoyed the view, fun paths, and overall calming ambiance. They had quirky little sculptures scattered throughout the place. It was just a fun, different thing to do.
They also have cute little (probably exorbitant) shop with lavender-themed chocolates, soaps, shampoos, and cooking stuff. The shop also has teas, cookies, and coffee. I'm not a big tea person, but I enjoyed the lavender tea. I definitely got some good gift items for some people back home.Listed in: MAUI ME KRAZY
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Review from Anita L.
10/4/2011
LAVENDER MAKES ME HAPPY (And relax too)
And of course, I would not skip this chance to visit Maui's Lavender Farm. The Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm is located near the foothills of the Haleakala Summit (where you go to see the sunrise), so it was the perfect spot for me to come visit after coming down from the volcano and enjoy the beauty of Lanai while sipping on my Lavender Tea.
COST: Free to roam around. You can pay for the guided tour.
FLOWERS: A nice variety of lavender in the garden, they have other flowers in the garden, but don't be expecting a botanical garden.
SHOP: Great variety of lavender scented products. Anything ranging from lavender chocolate, shampoo, conditioners, pet shampoo, adult products to cooking spices. They also serve coffee, tea, scones, etc at the shop.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Get the lavender scone and tea, relax at the patio area and enjoy the the view of Lanai. (I personally was not too crazy about the lavender coffee). Wish I had room to try their lavender gelato...
NOTE: They don't really have a bathroom, and the portable toilets were disgusting. -
Review from Logie Z.
Tempe, AZ
10/17/2011 6 photos
Lavender!!!
Without any signs off Hwy 377, it's difficult to find. You turn into Waipoli Road, head towards mountain side. This is also the road to O'o Farms and Poli Poli (Redwood) Forest Park.
Quite a drive and you wonder if you're going the right way! Up ahead you will see rolling hills of French, Grossmon, Sweet kinds of lavender. Everything lavender...I mean...everything! Chocolate lavender, lavender tea, lavender coffee, lavender soap, lavender lotion...okay, we get it, Bubba Lavender.
Besides those aforementioned flowers, there is a tropical garden behind the cafe you can wonder around while you sip your hot lavender tea or lavender lemonade. If you just want to relax, the balcony overlooking the spectacular bicoastal view and the garden is heavenly. I decided to pick up a couple of bars of lavender chocolate. My little cutie pie bit into a small square and gave it back to me. "What? You don't like the chocolate?" My husband asked astonished.
"It tastes like lotion!" My cutie pie answered. I bought some lavender lotion a few months ago. My hubby said I smelled like an old woman and my son started sniffling from the potent aromatherapy (ain't for him). I had to exchange it for an unscented one.
This is another must if you're in upcountry! -
Review from Letie W.
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful farm! The tour is $12.50 + tax/pp. It lasts about 30 min, but well worth it. You'll learn about the farm itself, different types of lavender (English, French, and Spanish), and other plants as well. Taking the tour is optional. You may roam the grounds for free if you choose, but if you're not familiar with horticulture, I recommend the tour.
Their gift shop is nicely stocked with lotions, edibles, and other gift items. I settled for their lavender lemonade and lavender scone while enjoying the magnificent view of the island from their patio.
One other thing...if you're visiting, make sure you bring a light sweater or jacket. Due to the higher elevation, it does get a bit chilly!
Check out my pics!
http://what2eatz.blogs...Listed in: Maui
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Review from melissa n.
Honolulu, HI
12/19/2011
One of my favorite stops on our trip. It was breathtaking! i enjoyed the entire farm though we didnt do the guided tour. We did some strolling and ate at the gift shop. We were somewhat pressed for time so we couldnt really enjoy everything but i must say its an amazing place to just get lost it. Of course the smell was amazing and the food( all lazender infused) was delicious. Only thing that was a minor downer was the port-o-potty but thats bc im a major germaphob. i still loved every min though and cant wait to go back.
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Review from Dennis S.
9/24/2011
Maui's Top Ten list - no. But a neat little place to visit none the less.
It's a nice drive upcountry. The gardens are quite nice - not extensive, but well done. The shop has a limited selection, all lavender based items, of course. A cup of hot tea on the lanai is excellent. Even Patrick Jane from the Mentalist would be impressed with the Lavender tea. The Lavender scones are tasty, and the setting, and view, are as good as it gets. Very relaxing. -
Review from Lindsay Z.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2011
My family has been coming here for years, and we used to really love it. But in my opinion, all of the "improvements" they've done have made the place lose a lot of it's charm. The grounds are still incredibly beautiful, and I love that you can walk around without having to take the tour (though I'm sure it's informative). Looking at all the different varieties of lavender as well as the other plants they have growing is a great time. And the view from the upper gardens is amazing! You can look down into the valley toward West Maui, seeing the ocean on both sides - gorgeous! And I love the gazebo, all the benches, and the big Buddha they have. Just make sure you're out of there before they lock the gates promptly at 4pm!
As to the gift shop/cafe, I know it's Maui but everything is very expensive! $5 for a plastic bottle of lavender lemonade, really? The scones used to be a big reason we made the drive up here, but gone is the assortment of honey and jams to top it with. The toaster is still there, but now you only get a pat of butter and some of the lilikoi jam. Which is good, but I loved the lavender honey on my scone! And all of the lavender products: rubs, honey, jams, lotions, etc...$$$$!
I'll probably still come up here occasionally, but mainly just to look at the view. The rest of the experience isn't what it used to be for me. -
Review from Leopard S.
Sacramento, CA
10/8/2011
This was my second trip here, loved it! Beautiful and amazing gardens-you can smell the lavender in the air. I didn't do the guided tour, which you have to pay for. I just walked the gardens, taking in the scenery. Just make sure you are aware of the boundaries and not go walking into someone's private property like I almost did.
The gift shop is a must...I can never leave this place empty handed. Be sure to sample the lavender chocolate sauce-to die for! The lavender coffee is good to sample too, just be careful, its hot! I took home some lavender honey chapstick, lavender peppermint soap, a lavender brownie and their waterless hand wash.
If you're a fan of lavender, check this place out! -
Review from Bethany M.
Ewa Beach, HI
12/18/2011
Beautiful place to stop and take some time to breathe. I bought their Lavendar Cleaning Spray and waterless soap and I'm now a huge fan. If you are visiting Haleakala, definitely take some time and find this gorgeous farm.
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Review from Sf Momm Y.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/13/2011
*Update* So, i spoke with a few locals about this place and they actually gave ME the sense that it wasn't a good idea to bring a 2 yo to the lavender farm. I guess it is geared more towards women over a certain age sitting around and enjoying the view from the high country over a cup of lavender tea. Heck, when I'm in Victoria I am the first in line for the tea at the Empress, but this is not victoria and this is no Burchart gardens, let me tell you......
********************Listed in: Maui with Toddlers? Here are…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2011
2.5 stars, actually.3 is in the spirit of aloha.
Perhaps we were one of a few parents of lil ones… Read more »
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Review from s s.
Kaneohe, HI
9/25/2011
I finally made it here! I've been dying to visit this place after a good friend told me about it before my first trip to Maui. We really just stumbled on it after the GPS guided us on the coastal route to Haleakala National Park. which by the way, is a 3-4 hour drive around the island from Kahului!
The view is AMAZING! However, the lavenders seemed to be in between seasons. We overheard the tour guide saying the summer season was unusually short and the winter is about to begin. Nonetheless, a few of the other plants were starting to sprout flowers. We were able to get a few pictures.
At the time, there was a scavenger hunt activity going on. I'm not sure if they have that year round. It is basically hunting for different stamps at different parts of the farm. Some of the stamps were hard to find, others a bit moldy. But the prize at the end was a lavender shortbread cookie.
The map they give you is a bit hard to read for someone who is terrible with directions (that's me!). And be prepared to walk up and down some steep hills!
Otherwise, enjoy the amazing view, fresh air, and cool breezes! -
Review from Blythe R.
Chicago, IL
6/25/2011
This is what happens when you don't take the advice of others..... after our zip line adventure we headed here....... worst decision ever.
I get motion sickness easily - and the trip here really did me in. (Funny that I was okay to zipline, I think it's just the car ride) Anyways, it's not really worth the drive, the road is awful and the elevation is high. My husband and I are 29&28 years old and the other visitors were much older and probably had a much better appreciation..... to drive to look at a plot of lavender. I really like lavender too - this was totally disappointing. The guides at the zip line told us this was not worth stopping but we went anyway, a total waste of time.
Sure it was pretty - but I thought it was a huge let down. The items in the gift shop were really pricey and the selection was slim.
p.s. the bathroom is a port o' potty - EW -
Review from Beth W.
Updated - 5/9/2011
We always visit my most favorite spot in Maui, the Ali'i Kula Lavender farm in Kula. During our visit last week, we came to pay homage to the man, Ali'i Chang, responsible for bringing happiness to so many visitors because of his vision. Ali'i passed away April 13, 2011 and it was with fond memories of talking to him on our annual Maui visits that we paid our respects.
It's an easy drive half way up the slope of Haleakala volcano to reach the town of Kula where the lavender farm is located. Passing the eight acre organic farm O'o, which supplies the restaurants Pacific O and I'o, you will eventually come across the lavender farm up on the right.
We took our usual walk amongst the lavender fields and other beautiful floral and plant areas. The view up here is simply breathtaking and when you turn towards the view below, you can see the entire mid-section of Maui all the way up to the northern section of the island. Even with visitors present, there's a wonderful serenity to this experience.
After we took photos, we headed to their well stocked gift shop. Don't forget to sign up for their email news for daily deals. We stocked up on some of our favorites. Their products are now available in other businesses around Maui but at a higher price.
Leaving the farm, I said a little prayer for Ali'i. His son was going to come back this June 2011 to learn the business from his father and eventually run the business but sadly, had to come back sooner last month. Here's an excellent article on Ali'i: http://www.sfgate.com/...
Mahalo Ali'i for bringing happiness to so many folks!Listed in: Maui Favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2011
We've been visiting the lavender farm since they first opened to the public and I never tire of… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer P.
Portland, OR
11/21/2011
Beautiful farm. We didn't take the tour, but we did have lavender tea and scones and went home with some lovely cosmetic products. It can be a bit difficult to find, but once you get there it's very lovely up on the side of Haleakala.
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Review from Aaryn P.
Cedar Park, TX
5/28/2011
Stop......and....next! Nothing was really blooming when we went....I have the lingering feeling that we may have missed something here...but all that seemed to be going on was the gift shop and the view. We perused the lavender-everything gift shop, looked around the gardens a bit, shrugged our shoulders and moved on.
Granted, there was no entrance fee, but it felt like a wasted half hour of our day, I didn't even get any pictures, as you can get the same view from the Kula Botanic Gardens parking lot.
And...that's about it...sorry guys! -
Review from Mariko K.
Honolulu, HI
11/12/2011
This farm was so beautiful and had an amazing view. Wasn't able to stay long because my dad and brother were getting antsy, but my mom and I loved it.
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Review from AL S.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2011
Such a serene beautiful place. I LOVE lavender, and when I saw that Maui had a lavender farm I just had to go. The drive was nice, and on the way in we noticed some people with parachutes gliding from the top of the mountain, it looked like so much fun!
The lavender didnt seem to be blooming very much when we arrived, but they had a map with a trail to walk that showed all the different types of lavender. The view is absolutely stunning, the air is crisp, clean, and there is a cool breeze a blowin. This is definately somewhere I could see myself living.
The gift shop is nice, they even have lavender scones, lemonade and coffee. I bought sea salt, a lotion and tried the lemonade. The lemonade is SO DELICIOUS, and I have been thouroughly enjoying the sea salts and lotion at home. This is a must see! -
Review from Gayle V.
San Jose, CA
8/9/2011
Beautiful...quiet...tranquil...Wonderful smelling
Took the free, self guided walk around this farm. They not only have every lavender plant that you can think of, but they have other wonderful tropical plants as well in terrace garden setting.
Enjoyed some of the goods they have for sale in the gift shop too! -
Review from Devon B.
Aliso Viejo, CA
2/5/2011
I love lavender. I love the smell. I love to bake with it. It was one of the colors I chose for my wedding.
Needless to say, I was in heaven at the lavender farm. Beautiful, zen-like tranquil surroundings and a quaint gift shop were the perfect stop on our way down from Haleakala after watching the sunrise. We started with the toasted lavender scones and the delicious lilikoi lavender and strawberry-lavender pepper jellies. The tea and honey were also tasty, but with all the lavender going on, I couldn't really tell where the flavor was coming from. My hubby thought the coffee was a bit strange, and I have to say I agree. The lilikoi (passion fruit) preserves were my favorite, but since they sell them in 6oz jars, I didn't want to buy it and have to check my bag on the way home. Luckily, when you make a purchase in the gift shop they give you a code for 10% off your online order. Sweet!
I did get a few little lotions and bath gels for friends, as well as some wonderful smelling culinary seasoning similar to an herbs de Provence.
For a unique, beautiful and tasty treat - be sure to stop by this lavender farm when you're in the upcountry. -
Review from Ravena F.
9/28/2010
Time for another shout-out to Toni M, whose review written last year has lodged itself in my brain in the corner marked: "Someday I'll go to Maui . . ."
Well I'm in Maui, and I knew I had to do some upcountry touring thanks to Toni's enticing reviews. The Lavender farm is a definite win. My mom would absolutely go crazy over this place. (Perhaps another trip in my future?)
The highlight is certainly the walking path, which winds itself around beautifully kept fields of several varieties of lavender. Other native Hawaiian plants are abundant as well, rendering this hillside, quite a precious garden. Along your explorations, you'll encounter calming buddhist and Hawaiian statues and art. There are benches conveniently placed to inspire rest and contemplation while basking in the ever-present lavender scent. At the top of the hill is a gazebo, from which you can take in the positively stunning views from these Haleakala slopes down to the ocean.
The gift shop has quite a range of unique gifts and keepsakes, all lavender-themed of course. However, it also offers quite the picture of classic gender stereotypes: women cooing and elbowing around inside the gift shop, while the men mostly roamed the gardens and waited on benches where, presumably, the estrogen factor was a little more balanced. (The lavender scone and chocolate-lavender bar was *totally* worth it though!)Listed in: Let Mama Maui Take Care of You
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Review from Noelle J.
Updated - 12/10/2010
The World According to Noelle
Allergic Girl's Guide to Life
-ONLINE REVIEW ONLY-
I still stand by my 3 star review for the poor customer service encountered at their shop. For the beauty of their farm, the products sold in their shop and online - 5 well deserved stars.
This most recent review is to share with my fellow Yelpers what wonderful products you can order online from Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm. My most recent purchase included lavender oil, travel candle, lavender soap (in pump form), lavender massage lotion, lavender lotion and two lavender pillow sachets. While their website could stand to be redone I was able to navigate and find the products that I liked. Placed the order online and the products were promptly shipped to my home. Everything was packaged in good condition. As usual the products were wonderful.
Keep up the wonderful work Mr. Ali'i Chang!
Noelle's Notes
Short of shopping and their farm, online is the next best thing!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2010
The World According to Noelle
Allergic Girl's Guide to Life
-------------------------… Read more »
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Review from Cath M.
10/8/2010
My sis had been looking forward to this place since our last visit in May... Thus, we finally took time out to do a road trip and the drive to this place was scenic and can't ask for more.
Sis arranged for a prepared lunch from the place so after walking around and checking out the gorgeous views... We grabbed our pretty picnic baskets and ate in the back part of the store. Seeing views of Kihei and Wailea was just breathe taking!
Food prepared was a bit on the "not" healthy side. The chicken wrap was oozing with mayo (I obviously didn't eat that since I don't do mayo...) Lavender brownies was just weird. I like my lavender in soaps and incense not on food. I ate is just to say I ate lavender brownie but really it was disgusting. Definitely an acquired taste! The sweet potato lavender was also weird. The lavender really throws off your taste buds. Last, lavender lemonade! I think that's the only part of the picnic basket that I liked... BUT it was uber sweet! It was like drinking sugar with lemon WITH lavender! Just the whole lunch was off. I mean if you like odd stuff, go for it. If not, just try the brownies and you'll get what I'm saying, hopefully.
I did like the lavender fudge sauce, no not because I'm a chocoholic but because it didn't have any lavender taste in it!
Anyway, I ended up getting lavender candle and sachet and bookmark - sis got a bunch since she's a lavender freak.
Overall, this place was gorgeous. Their products smelled great but didn't taste good... But their staff sucked! Moody and filled with attitude! Just threw me and my whole fam off. I guess the only good thing was that the staffed was moody to everyone!
PS: by far the most romantic spot I've seen and been in Maui. Definitely looking forward to checking this place out with my significant other next time out... Thus for all you love birds, check it out! If you're a lavender fan - definitely not a place to miss! -
Review from Kalani C.
8/6/2010
Came here years ago for their sit down lunch. We arrived on a beautiful afternoon facing the slopes of Haleakala (House of the Sun) with paragliders drifting in and out of our sight. Lishya H. is spot on: You're in God's Country. Breathe in heaven and enjoy the views.
Dishes prepared were all infused with lavender grown there. Brilliant lavender iced tea, scones, curds and chicken salad with a lavender vinagrette. Also, the chef demonstrated everything, talked story and cracked a few jokes. Good times.
We were able to run into Ali'i and he welcomed us into his home, showing us around while we couldn't help but notice his unparalleled and breathtaking views. Wow, what a place to sit back and chill after a day's work! This is the life. According to Ali'i, this wasn't always the case. Glad to hear that business is working out beautifully. Labor of love.
We had an organized tour of the grounds where we viewed various types of lavendar and was explained their healing properties. We then headed down to their gift shop and was able to witness a wreath making workshop incorporating flora, fauna and you guessed it, more lavender.
I appreciate Ali'i's savy marketing awareness. He's fused his lavendar into a wide array of products from green tea to laundry sachets to lotions, etc.
What an amazing day we had and this was several years ago. The memory and impression of this magical place touched us profoundly. Much aloha exists here on the slopes of majestic Haleakala.Listed in: Hawai'i 5-Star…, Maui Wowie
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Review from Elisa S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/6/2011
This was a beautiful and peaceful stop on our Upcountry Extravaganza Day. The turn off the main road is easy to miss, so keep your eye peeled.
The views out to the ocean were incredible, and the farm was very quiet and uncrowded. Despite the fact that I may be the only person in the world who can't keep notoriously low-maintenance succulents alive in her own home, I am kind of obsessed with how beautiful and alien looking they are, so I was pleased to see a lot of really gorgeous examples alongside the lavender, as well as a wide variety of other trees and plants. We opted to walk around unguided, and I don't know that I would have found it worthwhile to spend the $12 (I think) per person they were asking for a tour.
After we'd seen our fill of grounds, we retired to the gift shop to peruse the wares. Unsurprisingly, they have lavender everything: to eat and drink, to scent yourself with, to decorate your pad, to wear, you name it. They were also selling really lovely mixed bouquets that I coveted but deemed impractical for vacation. I picked up some culinary lavender that I can't wait to use, and the four of us sat outside on their peaceful patio and shared a perfectly light, fluffy, crumbly lavender scone slathered in butter, lavender honey and other delicious lavender condiments. I was not prepared to pay through the nose for lavender scone mix, but I am definitely going to try to replicate the recipe at home. -
Review from Kev M.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2011
This place is beautifully located on the side of Haleakala volcano and the people there have gone ape over putting their fresh lavender into anything and everything.
Coffee, teas, food seasonings, scones, cosmetics, oils... And they're super friendly too.
Great photography spot.
I dug it. Go to the Surfing Goat Diary after this. They're super cool too. -
Review from Angela C.
Benicia, CA
12/16/2010
Gorgeous. Beautiful view of the island. Lovely and relaxing to walk around, looking at the gardens. It's serene.
It's a bit of a drive up the mountain to get there, so plan to go when you're already doing other activities in the same area.
When you get there, be sure you're in comfortable shoes. It's on a really steep incline and can be moist and slightly slippery walking around. It's also much cooler, usually under a cloud cover, so you might need a light sweater.
If you get anything, you at least need to get a lavender scone and tea, toast the scone, add some lavender honey or jam. Then, go eat it on the back patio area to enjoy the view.
Their products are as expensive a all get-out. And it's easy to get sucked into wanting to buy it all.
They also do a tour that costs money (expensive!). I didn't do it. I didn't thin it was worth it. Unless you're obsessively into lavender, I'm not sure why you would. :) -
Review from Kelly B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2010 4 photos
To be honest I probably would never had heard of this place if it weren't for the TV Show "Modern Family" and their Maui episode where the Gay Couple struggle about going to do something. That something was going to Ali'i Kula Lavender.
We signed up for the tour which only costs $10 per person if you call in advance. You pay a little more if you just show up.
At 10:30am our tour guide showed up and she was the sweetest lady. A native of Maui we found out she had never left the island. Anyhow, she was very informative about the various kinds of lavender at the farm. I very much enjoyed our 45 minutes with her. She gave us samples of the various lavender and told us how to squeeze them just right to get the oils going so we could truly sample what they were like.
The farm itself is very beautiful. I only wish I was there when everything was totally in bloom as that would have been a sight! After the tour my husband and I walked around for a while to look at everything. I must say it was very relaxing to be around all of that lavender!
After the tour we stopped into the gift shop. We had previously met the shop girl when paying for our tickets. She was extremely friendly. We enjoyed talking to her and spoke to her some more after the tour.
We bought some of the lavender scones which were sooo yummy and tried the lavender ice tea. Then to take home we bought the lavender honey which we tried in the store which was super good! I can't wait to use it. We also bought some lavender shampoo, gardening salve and some lavender pet shampoo.
I never knew you could do so much with lavender! I recommend this place because not only is it relaxing but it has some really beautiful views of the upcountry and the ocean. If you are looking for an interesting and relaxing tour than this is your place. Plus cool gifts to take home!Listed in: Maui Awesomeness!
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Review from Bethel S.
San Marcos, TX
6/10/2011
The most peaceful place I've been to on earth! I'm absolutely in love with their lavender cooking spices & use it on everything from scrambled eggs to asparagus. Fabulous lavender lemonade lip balm & the best lavender scones you've ever put in your mouth! A lovely, relaxing trip there & back...on a mountain overlooking Maui & the ocean beyond. Lovely gift shop, with yummy food after your educational tour of the farm...or you can just wander & see the place yourself. The staff are all very kind & helpful. Next time, we've decided to take the bike tour & to stop there on our way down...the trip home on the back roads was GORGEOUS & would have been incredible on a bicycle.
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Review from Lishya H.
Diamond Bar, CA
7/9/2010 16 photos
DEFINITELY a G-O-D'S C-O-U-N-T-R-Y!!!!! Never been to a heaven before, but I'm pretty sure it's the closest to it!!!
Smells good, looks good, feels good....what else you could ask for more???
You just need to experience it yourself!Listed in: Getting Maui'd
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Review from Kalei F.
4/6/2010 2 photos
This place is so beautiful, serene, and fabulous!! We did the full lunch tour which came with an amazing lavender scones with lavender butter, lavender lemonade, lavender/herbed chicken, and salad with lavender oil dressing. SO delicious!! Who would've thought all of that food mixed with lavender could be so good!!
Then we went on the tour of the farms. We loved the lavender patches and they have so many other beautiful native Hawaiian flowers and plants. I also saw an artichoke plant for the first time!! Very interesting!
We got to meet the owner and they were so nice and helpful! We bought a lot of lavender products and I love them all!!
You must do this when you come to Maui!!! The lunch tour is definitely worth it! -
Review from Localboi Tour Guides M.
Pukalani, HI
2/4/2011
The Lavender farm is the first stop after seeing the Haleakala summit of our Haleakala Tour. This tour is one of our most visually versatile tours as you travel to the 10,023-foot summit to forest landscapes in Kula and back down to the warm ocean below. You will smell the lavender before you will see them. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with so many water features, statues and paths to venture on. The store sells everything purple and anything you can imagine with lavender infused in it. You can purchase a variety of items, but the live plants won't be able to go on the plane home with you.
Contact us for a tour on your next visit to Maui.
Thanks Lavender Farms,
Doug, Localboi Tour Guides -
Review from Danielle F.
Santa Monica, CA
8/23/2009
Yeah, you have to head up here. Especially on one of those days where you've been out in the sun way too long and need a break. You're skin is fried and you just want to take a drive somewhere.
This farm is really chill and hey, it smells good. We all like things with amazing views that also happen to smell good. You can buy all sorts of lavender based products on your trip up here. Everything from oil to short bread. You can eat or you can rub some cream in yourself. It's just a happy place. -
Review from Megan C.
12/19/2008
I'm drinking Patron and my Mother is dictating this review.
Go Mom!! (she's hung over - she NEVER drinks and ironically kept me up late playing a drinking game outside of my room with my little brother, cousin and cousin's boyfriend last night - I was trying to sleep and wasn't playing, what a rebel!!)
Mom says:
Make sure you allow time to stroll through the gardens because they are beautiful. The farm is peaceful, serene, and magical. A heavly scent of lavender permiated the air and added to the ambiance. The gift shop is quaint and delightful. Use your imagination anything you can think of that is made with lavender is sold there.
Make sure you buy a lavender scone. There is a toaster oven there for you to toast it it in with a complimentary selection of lavender jams. Beware the strawberry is spicy. The lavender honey was magnificent.
Date Rating: 5
Pick up Scale: 1
Strong Suggestions: Make sure you have enough time to relax and enjoy the views while you're eating your scone and having tea. Don't be in a rush or you won't have fully enjoy the experience. -
Review from Suzy F.
Arlington, TX
6/4/2011
We stopped here after the Kula Botanical Garden. It was somewhat interesting but after you've seen a few lavender plants the mystique starts to wear off. We opted to walk around by ourselves, because it was free. They had tours available for a fee but I'm glad we spent our money on the entrance fee at Kula Botanical Gardens. We bought a lavender scone and brownie. The scone was pretty good ($3), and it was fun to try all the lavender jams with it. On the other hand, the lavender brownie was potent. This was an interesting stop along the way between the Botanical Gardens and the Surfing Goat Dairy (which we learned about at the Lavender farm), but I wouldn't make this your only Upcountry destination.
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Review from Audrey T.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2010
This place is just so peaceful and relaxing. We got there too late for the tour and gallery, but were able to grab a cup of lavender tea and wander the grounds. I also decided to try the lavender chocolate, which I liked- but then again I think dark chocolate in any form is great. The gift shop has a lot of lavender items from culinary to bath & body to pet care- good for picking up stuff for yourself or souvenirs. And as other posts have mentioned, they have various food items to try.
There's a great view of Central Maui down below, and just in general, it's a great place to come and clear your mind and relax. -
Review from Victoria P.
Modesto, CA
9/9/2009 1 photo
Amazing. Out of the three tourist stops in upcountry (goat farm, winery, lavender farm) this is the ONLY one worth going to. Gorgeous views, picturesque, great customer service and friendly! Try a homemade lavender scone and lavender tea... Delish. They have lavender everything-soap, tea, lotion, candles, oil, even baby powder! It's the perfect place to pick up gifts made in Maui that aren't cheesy! I would go back and plan a few hours to walk around the whole property!
This place was 5 stars no doubt. I would go back on my next trip! -
Review from Kristen S.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2010
I think Ali'i Kula Lavender is worth a stop in Maui. The gardens are lush and fragrant and the views from the peaceful stroll are amazing.
They have a lovely little gift shop with some locally made products but buyer beware that not everything is Hawaiian-made! Most of it is, though, so please do stop and try some samples and pick up some goodies.
