Likewise, Kula is also the largest district in Maui, covering the dry coastal areas to the pasture lands halfway up Haleakala\u2019s slopes.<\/p>\n
Kula also observes a rich tradition of ranching and agriculture.<\/p>\n
Many ranches stand on the lands above the residential neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
The district\u2019s agricultural practices have made it a top producer of persimmons, cabbage, lettuce, and the Maui onion.<\/p>\n
Likewise, Kula also produces several varieties of protea sold on the market.<\/p>\n
Do you want to know more about Kula, HI?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a list of the best things to do in town: <\/p>\n
Smell the Flowers at the Kula Botanical Garden<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kula-Botanical-Garden.jpg\")
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Artazum \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
In 1968, Warren and Helen McCord built a garden to showcase Warren\u2019s landscape architecture business.<\/p>\n
Since then, the garden has become a major tourist attraction in Kula, Hawaii, drawing thousands of guests annually.<\/p>\n
The Kula Botanical Garden<\/a> hosts roughly 2,000 species of flora and fauna endemic to Hawaii.<\/p>\n The family-owned garden sits on the slopes of Haleakala, with numerous brilliant and unique plants covering its eight-acre expanse.<\/p>\n Artazum \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Likewise, the garden features gorgeous rock formations and energetic waterfalls.<\/p>\n Relax on the covered bridge or by the koi pond.<\/p>\n Otherwise, you can check out the birds in the aviary or visit the exhibit of carved tiki.<\/p>\n Your kids should also enjoy observing the Jackson chameleon exhibit or the African cranes and Nene gees in the aviary.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget your camera before visiting the gardens unless you enjoy missing out on wonderful sights.<\/p>\n Sheri Armstrong \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n If you want a reasonably difficult hiking challenge in Kula, go to the Waiakoa Loop Trail.<\/p>\n This 3.5-mile-long trail also doesn\u2019t see a lot of people, adding to the challenge.<\/p>\n However, if you make the loop, you\u2019ll feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful views on the island.<\/p>\n You can find this trail in the upcountry town of Kula, rising over 6,000 feet above sea level.<\/p>\n Wear a comfortable coat because temperatures at this elevation can get a little cooler than what you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n Likewise, go slow to prevent headaches.<\/p>\n It takes an average of 2 hours to finish the loop, so take your time.<\/p>\n Bring your camera to capture the gorgeous verdant island views. Bring your dog, too, but keep them on a leash.<\/p>\n Chris Allan \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n This family-owned vodka distillery<\/a> comprises an organic farm that spans 80 acres.<\/p>\n Likewise, the farm includes farms of over 30 species of Polynesian sugar cane, thriving under the hot tropical sun.<\/p>\n The sun also powers the distillery\u2019s main facility, standing on the slopes of Haleakala.<\/p>\n Orange Grove \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n During your visit, you can enjoy a nice glass of organic vodka amid gorgeous views of the mountainside.<\/p>\n You can also join a guided tour or sample their newest products.<\/p>\n Then, buy a bottle and other merchandise at the distillery\u2019s retail store.<\/p>\n Over the years, the distillery has perfected its organic vodka concoctions, winning several awards.<\/p>\n In 1879, Maui saw thousands of Portuguese Catholics immigrating from the islands of Azores and Madeira to work at the sugar plantations as contract laborers.<\/p>\n The immigrants brought their Catholic faith with them, along with their traditions regarding their home country\u2019s Queen, Elizabeth.<\/p>\n Upon completing their contracts, they moved to Kula and became independent farmers and ranchers.<\/p>\n Father James Beissel designed the Holy Ghost Mission Church<\/a>\u2019s unique octagon shape, and it remains the only such church in Hawaii.<\/p>\n From 1894 to 1895, workers constructed the church.<\/p>\n Today, the Holy Ghost Mission Church has become a major tourist attraction in Maui.<\/p>\n Likewise, many couples get married at the historic church.<\/p>\n The church also belongs to an active parish that holds the annual Holy Ghost Feast, where guests can partake of tasty Portuguese sweet bread.<\/p>\n The Hawaii Register of Historic Places listed the building in its record in 1983.<\/p>\n A few years later, the National Register of Historic Places did the same.<\/p>\n Chris Allan \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The one-of-a-kind dairy farm called Surfing Goat<\/a> has produced several award-winning dairy products from goat milk, such as signature cheeses and goat\u2019s milk soaps.<\/p>\n Regarding cheeses, the farm creates over 12 varieties of goat cheeses.<\/p>\n Today, Thomas and Eva Kafsack, both Germans, own the 42-acre dairy farm, established in 1998.<\/p>\n Jessie Bang \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n As of 2014, the Surfing Goat is one of only two goat dairies that still operate in Hawaii.<\/p>\n You can find this dairy farm at the foot of the Haleakala Crater, and it\u2019s also open for guided tours.<\/p>\n The guided tours let guests meet the farm\u2019s goats and explore the farm.<\/p>\n Likewise, you can even try your hand at milking the goats and helping out the farmers on their evening chores.<\/p>\n Visit upcountry Maui to reach O\u2019o Farm<\/a>, a working farm that offers you tours and lets you pick your vegetables.<\/p>\n Likewise, the farm provides a gourmet lunch that features the vegetables you picked.<\/p>\n The eight-acre farm sits at an elevated slope of Haleakala, standing at 3,500 feet.<\/p>\n Its elevation gives you spectacular mountainside views, covering the central valley of Maui from its north to south coasts.<\/p>\n The O\u2019o Farm produces coffee, fruits, lettuce, and various garden vegetables.<\/p>\n Their greenhouses also support tomatoes, flowers, and herbs.<\/p>\n What happens to these vegetables?<\/p>\n They get shipped to the Pacific\u2019O Restaurant, the Feast at Lele luau, and the Aina Gourmet Market.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to book a tour in advance before visiting.<\/p>\n One tour will give you a glimpse into the production of the farm\u2019s French press coffee, complete with a tasting session and gourmet breakfast.<\/p>\n The lunch tour will take you through the vegetable fields, where you can pick the ones you want, which the farm will cook for lunch.<\/p>\n norinori303 \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The Haleakala National Park is massive, spanning over 30,000 acres of public land, featuring a staggering variety of landscapes.<\/p>\n You can explore red deserts that seem to come from Mars or traverse rock gardens near the Haleakala Crater.<\/p>\n Likewise, you can visit busy waterfalls and streams in the Kipahulu section of the park, by the coast.<\/p>\n If you plan to visit this national park, make sure to do it early in the morning.<\/p>\n Sheri Armstrong \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Why?<\/p>\n The crown jewel of the Haleakala National Park is its view of the sunrise, one of the world\u2019s most incredible sunrise views on the planet.<\/p>\n Even the writer Mark Twain became speechless at this spectacle.<\/p>\n However, if you get there in the middle of the day, you can still enjoy hiking and horseback riding along the park\u2019s many trails.<\/p>\n You can also spot endangered species like the ahinahina or nene, Hawaii\u2019s state bird.<\/p>\n Sheri Armstrong \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Since the early 1970s, Curtis Wilson Cost has captured the majesty and spectacle of Hawaii through painting.<\/p>\n His reproductions and original paintings have earned him global acclaim and have turned his oeuvre into highly sought-after works.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re lucky, you might be able to hang a Cost original in your home.<\/p>\n Together with his wife, Jill, Curtis opened the Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery<\/a> in 1985 at the Kula Lodge.<\/p>\n Curtis continues to paint his home every year, constantly filling the gallery.<\/p>\n His work ethic has turned the gallery into the longest-running one-man art gallery in all of Hawaii.<\/p>\n Besides a visit to the gallery itself, the place also offers visits to Curtis\u2019 studio showroom.<\/p>\n You can also buy Curtis\u2019 original paintings and reproductions, so you can bring home a new tasteful piece of d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n Zane Vergara \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n For four generations, the Monden \u2018Ohana has enjoyed the bounty of the land because of their family-first attitude toward their farm.<\/p>\n They put love into every crop they plant, assuring them of bountiful harvests.<\/p>\n Today, they want to share this bounty with you. Just go to Kula Country Farms<\/a> to start your healthy, sustainable lifestyle.<\/p>\n The Kula Country Farms has a farm stand, open six days a week, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n Forest & Kim Starr<\/a>, CC BY 3.0 US<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n All of these crops are grown on-site, too.<\/p>\n Likewise, the farm sources produce from the best farmers in the area.<\/p>\n Grab their famous Kula Onions and Kula Strawberries, along with asparagus, zucchini, herbs, cucumber, and many others.<\/p>\n You can also buy various baked goods there.<\/p>\n Kirt Edblom from Kihei, Hi, United States<\/a>, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Forest & Kim Starr<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Hawaii is one of the world\u2019s biggest tourist magnets, with roughly 10 million tourists visiting in 2019.<\/p>\n In any given year, you might find more tourists than locals on these islands.<\/p>\n The crowds might turn off most tourists, but luckily, the islands still offer secluded spots for tourists who want to avoid people.<\/p>\n One of these quiet places is the Kula Forest Reserve<\/a> on the island of Maui.<\/p>\n Climb the leeward slopes of Haleakala to reach this reserve, and see a side of Hawaii you haven\u2019t seen before.<\/p>\n The reserve began in 1912 to reforest the area after decades of livestock grazing.<\/p>\n Today, the place is an excellent hiking and mountain biking spot.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll cross open grassy overlooks and enter thick forests, each site promising a respite from the heavily trafficked tourist traps in Hawaii.<\/p>\n The historic \u2018Ulupalakua Ranch also hosts a historic winery, MauiWine<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can find this winery on the steep slopes of Haleakala, and it\u2019s the oldest winery in all of the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n After a tiring day of touristy activities, relax with a glass of the finest wines in this classic winery.<\/p>\n Take your pick from the winery\u2019s comprehensive wine menu, and stretch your legs on the lanai.<\/p>\n Likewise, you can visit the tasting room before bringing home a bottle (or two) home.<\/p>\n What makes MauiWine\u2019s selections unique?<\/p>\n Some of their wine doesn\u2019t use grapes, but the signature Maui Gold Pineapples.<\/p>\n These delicious native pineapples give the wine a unique, yet somehow familiar, punch.<\/p>\n Likewise, these pineapples are also popular ingredients for other Maui foodstuffs, such as bread, cakes, desserts, and tropical drinks.<\/p>\n Forest & Kim Starr<\/a>, CC BY 3.0 US<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n In case you were wondering, the great Chinese statesman Sun Yat-Sen<\/a> had deep connections with Hawaii.<\/p>\n From 1879 to 1912, the founding father and first president of the Republic of China lived for a time in his brothers\u2019 house on Kula.<\/p>\n Sun would eventually establish the republic in 1912, replacing the ruling Qing Dynasty.<\/p>\n Today, you can find Sun Yat-Sen park on the Kula Highway, Route 37.<\/p>\n Forest & Kim Starr<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n It sits high up, with an elevation of 2,400 feet, giving you priceless views of Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Puu Olai, and the windmills on the West Maui Mountains.<\/p>\n Look to the sea to find the distant islands of Molokini and Kaho\u2019olawe.<\/p>\n Likewise, you\u2019ll find several bronze statues of Sun Yat-Sen and his brother Sun Mei, along with stone dragons, a stone arch, and several unique plants.<\/p>\n Make sure to visit the park in the late afternoon.<\/p>\n You can catch the spectacular sunset from this park. Bring your camera to capture this delightful moment.<\/p>\n Forest & Kim Starr<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to try the Haleakala Creamery<\/a>\u2019s unique \u201cfarm to spoon\u201d ice cream, ranging from Chevre, Caramel, and \u201cGoatlato\u201d flavors.<\/p>\n Their ice cream also uses only the freshest local Hawaiian ingredients. What makes the Haleakala Creamery\u2019s concoctions unique?<\/p>\n They use milk harvested from the 25-plus goats living on the five-acre property.<\/p>\n Likewise, each of the 25-plus goats has a name because they\u2019re all part of one family.<\/p>\n The creamery also offers an hour-long \u201cFarm to Spoon\u201d tour, where you can meet the goats yourself.<\/p>\n During the tour, you\u2019ll explore the entire family farm and learn about how they turn goat milk into tasty caramel sauces, cheese, and their signature \u201cGoatlato.\u201d<\/p>\n You can even try your hand at milking the goats, too.<\/p>\n After the tour, you\u2019ll enjoy a gourmet tasting of their fresh cheese, caramel sauces, and the \u201cGoatlato\u201d ice cream.<\/p>\n Trenton J Niemi \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Get your juices flowing by joining Paraglide Maui<\/a>, which offers a suite of paragliding experiences.<\/p>\n You might want to begin with the \u201cFull Paragliding Experience,\u201d their most popular service, where you share a parachute with a trained pilot.<\/p>\n The journey begins when you drive from the side of Mount Haleakala to the Haleakala Watershed Preserve, with an elevation of 4,500 feet.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll take two flights. The first flight will take you above the landing zone, giving you a breathtaking view of Maui.<\/p>\n Forest & Kim Starr<\/a>, CC BY 3.0 US<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the next flight will let you experience the Maui skies with thrilling aerial maneuvers.<\/p>\n Each flight should last roughly four minutes, and you\u2019ll slowly descend for 1,000 feet onto the landing zone.<\/p>\n This paragliding service is ideal for total first-timers to the sport.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll fly with a USHPA-certified instructor who\u2019ll help keep you safe during the drop.<\/p>\n So, drop your worries, run down the hill, and soar!<\/p>\n You can find the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail near the Haleakala National Park.<\/p>\n Upon entering the park premises, just turn left to reach the entrance of the loop trail.<\/p>\n The trail soon opens up to thick groves of sandalwood, one of the many plants deeply connected to Hawaiian history.<\/p>\n These plants were also highly valuable in China because they made aromatic woodcarvings and incense out of them.<\/p>\n However, the sandalwood forest on Hosmer Grove is one of the few of its kind remaining in Hawaii.<\/p>\n The Pacific shipping routes wiped out almost all of Hawaii\u2019s sandalwood forests during the 1800s.<\/p>\n What remains of these forests are sandalwood pits, where tree trunks were once stored.<\/p>\n Besides sandalwood, the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail also presents a rich variety of plant life.<\/p>\n You can find spruce, eucalyptus, and pine on your hike. Bring your camera to capture this richness.<\/p>\n If you want to learn facts about tea plants and their health benefits and try fresh tea beverages, Maui Tea Farm<\/a> is the perfect place to visit.<\/p>\n The farm, owned by husband and wife Alex and Andrea de Roode, opened in 2001 with a scenic location on Haleakala Highway, right at the dormant slopes of the Haleakal\u0101 Volcano.<\/p>\n Today, they\u2019re known as a premier organic and herbal tea grower and producer in the area; they also grow a unique Hawaiian herbal tisane called m\u0101maki which is known for its healing benefits.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find quality mountain tea and m\u0101maki herb tea plants that grow along with Hawaiian \u2019\u014dhi\u2019a lehua and koa trees, native fruits, citrus, flowers, and other exotic botanical plants.<\/p>\n Book and enjoy a tea farm tour, get immersed in the views, and indulge in tea tastings; they welcome guests to the farm from Monday to Saturday.<\/p>\n Try and sip cups of their signature green tea, \u201cblue-green\u201d oolong, and yellow tea recipes.<\/p>\n After the tour, visit the Maui Tea Farm gift shop to purchase specialty teas and accessories you can take home.<\/p>\n Sheri Armstrong \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be fascinated with bright lavender blooms at Ali’i Kula Lavender<\/a> located on Waipoli Road.<\/p>\n This 13.5-acre farm was created by Agricultural Artist and Master Horticulturist Ali\u2019i Chang.<\/p>\n The lavender farm sits on a 4000-foot elevation and grows more than 55,000 plants and 20 lavender varieties.<\/p>\n Nine of these varieties grow all year round, but it\u2019s especially beautiful during the summer with other varieties in full bloom.<\/p>\n Serena – Oahu HI \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n You can go for a self-guided farm tour from Friday to Monday.<\/p>\n Stroll around, smell the fresh lavender, and see other plants on the farm like olive trees, Protea, hydrangea, and succulents to name a few.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re enjoying the view, relax at the patio tables and try to-go items on their menu.<\/p>\n Drop by the Ali’i Kula Lavender shop for all-natural organic bath and body products, apparel, accessories, kitchen and culinary items, and pet care products.<\/p>\n Sheri Armstrong \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Maui Goat Yoga<\/a> gives you a unique kind of therapy to help you be at your best and have fun, too.<\/p>\n They\u2019re located at Keanuhea Street on the majestic slopes of Haleakala, so you\u2019ll also enjoy sweeping views of the upcountry drive and Maui\u2019s coastlines.<\/p>\n Make your reservation online to get a slot for a yoga class and enjoy the benefits of animal-assisted therapy with gentle miniature goats.<\/p>\n Go for a sunset goat yoga accompanied by live music or book for a private you can enjoy with friends and family.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to grab cool and stylish Maui Goat Yoga merchandise like shirts, hats, tank tops, water bottles, and stickers.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kula-Botanical-Garden2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Tiki](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kula-Botanical-Garden3.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChallenge Yourself along the Waiakoa Loop Trail<\/h2>\n
Try Organic Vodka at the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery<\/h2>\n
![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-Ocean-Vodka-Distillery.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Banana](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-Ocean-Vodka-Distillery2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEnrich Your Spirit at the Historic Holy Ghost Mission Church<\/h2>\n
Sample Goat Cheese at Surfing Goat Dairy<\/h2>\n
![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-Surfing-Goat-Dairy.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nGrab a Meal from Farm to Table at O\u2019o Farm<\/h2>\n
Catch the Sunrise at Haleakala National Park<\/h2>\n
![\"Scenic](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-Haleakala-National-Park.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nCheck Out Hawaii Paintings at the Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery<\/h2>\n
Grab Fresh Produce at the Kula Country Farms<\/h2>\n
![\"Name](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kula-Country-Farms.jpg\")
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Seek Solace in Nature at the Kula Forest Reserve<\/h2>\n
![\"Trail](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-forest-reserve.jpg\")
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Sip Fine Wine at MauiWine<\/h2>\n
Catch the Sunset at Sun Yat-Sen Park<\/h2>\n
![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-Sun-Yat-Sen-Park.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nGrab Some Ice Cream at the Haleakala Creamery<\/h2>\n
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Soar through the Skies with Paraglide Maui<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/kula-Paraglide-Maui.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nExplore the Woods along the Hosmer Grove Loop Trail<\/h2>\n
Tour the Maui Tea Farm<\/h2>\n
Enjoy Serene Views at Ali’i Kula Lavender<\/h2>\n
![\"Lavender](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/khi-Ali-i-Kula-Lavender.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nGet Energized with Maui Goat Yoga<\/h2>\n
Enjoy Tasty Breakfast and Lunch Meals at Grandma\u2019s Coffee House<\/h2>\n