Kula Botanical Garden — Attraction in Maui

Let me start by saying that I love trees and plants. I feel about botanical gardens the way most kids feel about the zoo: stoked to run around and check everything out. So for the reviewers who say that they didn't understand the appeal, well if trees and flowers aren't your thing, then yeah, maybe a botanical garden won't be your cup of tea.

Kula Botanical Gardens is relatively small compared to other botanical gardens I've been to, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the diversity of plants that line its paths. Each step brings a new flower or tree to admire, and most are labeled with the common name, scientific name, and place of origin. One of the highlights was a small area whose theme was poisonous and deadly plants.

In addition to plants, there is an aviary with some doves and love birds, a nene goose enclosure (I didn't see any), and a pair of Jackson's chameleons in a cage. I happened to walk by just as they were being fed, and as I was watching, the nice woman who was feeding them had to go tend to some customers, so I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to feed them! It involved grabbing live mealworms out of a bowl, and holding them up to the cage, in front of the chameleons, as the worms tried to wriggle free of my grasp. The chameleons tongue-grabbed the worms right out of my...

Opened in 1971, Kula Botanical Garden was developed by Warren and Helen McCord. The garden is located on a unique 8 acre site featuring proteas, orchids, bromelaids and native plants. The natural setting provides unusual rock formations, waterfalls, ponds and a panoramic view of the valley and west Maui mountains. You will enjoy an aviary, koi pond, bird sanctuary with the Hawaiian Nene goose, and picnic areas.

This is a great place to stop after visiting the Haleakala Nation Park. It is just a short drive after the park on the way to west side if your are making a full day trip to Ulupalakua Ranch. They do offer a AAA discount, so be sure to ask for it if you are a member. Surprisingly, they do not offer a Kamaina discount.

The location is set on a hillside, so it is an uphill walk. Those who have walking issues might not want to attempt this. There is a paved main path, but the rest of the trails have stepping stones or nothing at all. Were appropriate shoes.

It is a very enjoyable garden and has lots of beautiful flowers and plants to admire. I wouldn't go out of my way just to go here, but if doing the scenic drive and it was along the way, would defiantly make it a point to pull over...

I really enjoyed my time at the Kula Botanical Gardens. I have lived on Maui for 20 years, and yet I have overlooked this gem. It is slightly off the main road, and that might be why I have missed it. I took pictures of the flowers. The coolest part is the pair of Nene Geese here, which is really awesome since I have yet to see a Nene and it's a magnificent bird. Overall, the service was satisfactory. I highly suggest checking this place out one time! The one problem I had was the extremely invasive species of tree vines. They were not officially part of the show, but they even crawl up to the parking. I have taken a picture of them in my parking photo. These vines have been killing my families mango trees and they quickly destroy every bush and tree in a forest. So, to have these as the plant greeters of the property makes it a 4 out of 5 star. These vines can somewhat easily be removed with manpower and machetes. The whole property of a botanical gardens needs to look managed, and these vines indicate...