Walking paths wind through themed plantings, including native Hawaiian specimens and a ‘taboo garden’ of poisonous plants. Because a stream runs through it, the garden supports water-thirsty plants that you won’t find in other Kula gardens. After rain the whole place is an explosion of color. There are more than 2500 plant species to view.
Kula Botanical Garden
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Piʻilanihale Heiau & Kahanu Garden
19.05 MILES
Probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana, this site combines a 294-acre ethnobotanical garden with the magnificent Piʻilanihale Heiau…
8.28 MILES
From break of day to twilight, this sparkling stretch of sand is a showstopper. Extending from south Kihei to Wailea’s Mokapu Beach, Keawakapu is set back…
28.29 MILES
For a long day on the beach, it’s hard to beat this crescent-shaped strip at the southwestern tip of Kapalua. Snorkel in the morning, grab lunch at the…
21.12 MILES
Wai'anapanapa means 'glistening waters', and the clear mineral waters in the cave pools here will leave you feeling squeaky clean. There's a natural lava…
8.68 MILES
Sunbathe like a celebrity at this sparkling strand, which fronts the swish Grand Wailea and ever-posh Four Seasons resorts and offers a full menu of water…
21.9 MILES
With its clear water, white sand and hala-tree backdrop, this famous crescent is a little gem; author James Michener once called it the only beach in the…
13.55 MILES
Got your camera? This beauty takes its name from the triple cascade that flows down a steep rock face on the inland side of the road, 0.5 miles past the…
10.96 MILES
The crowning glory of Makena State Park, this untouched beach is arguably the finest on Maui. In Hawaiian it’s called Oneloa, literally ‘Long Sand.’ And…
Nearby attractions
1. Harold W Rice Memorial Park
0.5 MILES
On a hillside between the Kula Hwy and Lower Kula Rd, this grassy park is a nice place to enjoy a picnic while soaking up the sweeping views of the West…
0.76 MILES
On a broad hillside with panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and the Central Maui coast, this charming lavender farm is a scenic place to relax and…
0.89 MILES
This family-run studio and gallery has produced some amazing pieces over the years, particularly the sand-blasted glass in natural forms (eg seashells)…
4. Maui Agricultural Research Center
1.13 MILES
It was in this garden operated by the University of Hawaiʻi that the state’s first proteas were planted in 1965. Today you can walk through row after row…
1.43 MILES
Waiakoa’s hillside landmark, the octagonal Holy Ghost Church, was built in 1895 by Portuguese immigrants. The church features a beautifully ornate…
2.96 MILES
This colorful two-story period building (1907) was constructed to provide services to immigrant Chinese workers. Now on the National Register of Historic…
3.12 MILES
Overlooking a gorgeous view of the coast, this local landmark (c 1907) still bears its name in Chinese characters. It hosts the annual Kula Fest in early…
8. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
4.43 MILES
On the upper slopes of Haleakalā, this remote and heavily forested park is the place for solitary forest hiking. Check the park website or call before you…