Kula Botanical Garden
A serene Upcountry Maui escape featuring diverse exotic plants, chameleons, and a charming gift shop with local art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful solitude
Kula Botanical Garden
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Upcountry Maui escape featuring diverse exotic plants, chameleons, and a charming gift shop with local art.
"A truly charming and peaceful spot, rich in native plant species and offering a welcoming atmosphere."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the lush walking trails with ease. Comfortable footwear is key for enjoying the garden's many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature! The garden offers a pleasant picnic area, but remember to pack your own food. :sandwich: [^Review]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exotic Plant Collection
Throughout the garden
Wander through a diverse array of colorful proteas, orchids, and native Hawaiian plants. Discover unique flora and fauna on lush walking trails.
Chameleon Encounters
Garden grounds
Keep an eye out for the garden's resident chameleons! Spotting these fascinating creatures adds an element of surprise and delight to your visit.
Koi Pond
Central area
The beautifully restored koi pond is a tranquil centerpiece, teeming with vibrant fish. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. [^Review]
Local Art Gift Shop
Entrance area
Support local artists and find unique souvenirs in the charming gift shop, featuring a variety of handmade crafts and art.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Upcountry Charm
Gift Shop & Local Art
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the lush walking trails with ease. Comfortable footwear is key for enjoying the garden's many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature! The garden offers a pleasant picnic area, but remember to pack your own food. :sandwich: [^Review]
Look for Chameleons
Keep your eyes peeled for the garden's resident chameleons – a delightful surprise for many visitors! :lizard:
Support Local Artists
The gift shop features beautiful work by local artists. A great place to find unique Maui souvenirs. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the lush walking trails with ease. Comfortable footwear is key for enjoying the garden's many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature! The garden offers a pleasant picnic area, but remember to pack your own food. :sandwich: [^Review]
Look for Chameleons
Keep your eyes peeled for the garden's resident chameleons – a delightful surprise for many visitors! :lizard:
Support Local Artists
The gift shop features beautiful work by local artists. A great place to find unique Maui souvenirs. :gift:
Check Working Hours
The garden is typically open from 9 AM to 4 PM. Confirm hours before your visit to make the most of your trip. :clock: [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kula Botanical Garden for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of its exotic plants and the charm of its restored koi pond. Many appreciate the opportunity to spot chameleons and enjoy the cooler Upcountry climate. The gift shop, featuring local art, is also a popular draw. Some note the parking lot can be small.
"Beautiful experience. Loved walking through all the exotic plants. Peaceful and serene. The koi pond is back and full of beautiful koi fish. Must visit botanical garden while visiting Maui. Aloha!"
marina williams
"Came here during our honeymoon a few years back. Really fun experience to check out the garden and neighboring scenery. Staff was pleasant and gift shop had some cool souvenirs for us to bring home. Def would recommend for those seeking a nice place to walk and relax after a busy day before going back to hotel."
Andy
"Kula Botanical Gardens is an amazing gem on Maui. We visited early on a weekday and, for a while, enjoyed it alone. Even later, few people were there to explore the many paths, scenic views, and beautiful plants there. There is even a small bird sanctuary there, as well as chameleons. I really loved our visit."
Anna Lee Moss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Kula Botanical Garden from Lahaina involves driving inland towards Upcountry Maui. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You'll want to head towards Haleakala Highway (Hwy 37) and then follow signs for Kula. Consider using a GPS app for real-time directions.
Yes, there is parking available at Kula Botanical Garden. However, the parking lot is noted as not being very large, so arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, is advisable. [^Review]
Public transportation options to Kula Botanical Garden are limited. It's generally recommended to have a rental car or use ride-sharing services for easier access to Upcountry Maui.
The driving distance from Kihei to Kula Botanical Garden is approximately 30-40 minutes. You'll head up Haleakala Highway (Hwy 37) towards Kula.
While the garden has walking trails, some may be uneven. It's best to check with the garden directly regarding specific accessibility for mobility devices.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kula Botanical Garden is typically open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. It's always a good idea to verify the current operating hours before your visit, as they can sometimes change. [^Review]
Admission fees for Kula Botanical Garden are generally reasonable. While specific prices can vary, it's considered an affordable attraction for the experience it offers. Check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date pricing.
Advance booking is usually not required for Kula Botanical Garden. Visitors can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
While the garden is primarily a self-guided experience, some visitors have mentioned guided tours. It's best to inquire directly with the garden staff upon arrival about the availability of guided tours. [^Description]
Generally, pets are not permitted within the botanical garden to protect the delicate flora and fauna. Please confirm their pet policy directly with the garden management.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Kula Botanical Garden boasts a diverse collection, including colorful proteas, orchids, native Hawaiian plants, and trees. You'll find a variety of exotic species thriving in the Upcountry climate.
Yes, visitors often spot chameleons and a variety of birds within the garden. There's also a beautiful koi pond with many fish. [^Review]
Absolutely! Kula Botanical Garden is a wonderland for photography, especially macro photography. The vibrant flowers, textures, and natural light create stunning opportunities.
Yes, the garden provides a pleasant picnic area. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. [^Review]
Being in Upcountry Maui, Kula Botanical Garden is generally cooler and can be misty, especially compared to coastal areas. It's advisable to bring a light jacket.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, Kula Botanical Garden features a charming gift shop filled with local art, crafts, and unique souvenirs from local artists. It's a great place to support the community.
The gift shop offers a variety of items, including art prints, stickers, and other handmade crafts by local Maui artists. You can find a piece of Aloha to take home.
Kula Botanical Garden does not have an on-site restaurant. However, there is a designated picnic area where you can enjoy food you bring yourself. [^Review]
While the garden focuses on its flora, you might find some locally made crafts and products in the gift shop. For fresh produce, exploring local farmers' markets on Maui would be a better option.
Nearby Kula, you can find local eateries and cafes offering farm-to-table experiences. Exploring the Upcountry region will reveal charming spots for lunch or snacks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
[^Review]Consider bringing snacks and drinks for a picnic lunch in the designated area, making it a full-day outing. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about different plants and animals in a calm, natural setting, away from the busier tourist spots. [^Review]
🌿 Plant Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
Take your time to meander through the well-maintained paths, observing the intricate details of each bloom and leaf. The peaceful atmosphere allows for quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature. Don't forget your camera, as the garden is a photographer's paradise, especially for macro shots.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
+1Beyond the natural beauty, the garden's gift shop is a treasure trove for art lovers. It features unique works by local Maui artists, providing a chance to find distinctive pieces that capture the essence of the island. It’s a perfect place to find a special memento or support the local art scene.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Flora and Fauna
Beyond the plant life, the garden is also home to fascinating fauna. Keep a keen eye out for the resident chameleons, which add an element of delightful surprise to the experience. Birdsong fills the air, contributing to the garden's serene and natural ambiance. The restored koi pond is another highlight, its clear waters teeming with beautifully colored fish, offering a peaceful spot for reflection.
Photography Paradise
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the opportunities for beautiful shots are abundant. The misty conditions often found in Kula can add an extra layer of magical ambiance to your photographs, creating moody and atmospheric scenes.
Supporting Local Artisans
+1Shopping here is a wonderful way to bring a little aloha back from your trip while directly contributing to the local community. The selection is often described as cute and unique, making it a perfect stop to find meaningful gifts or personal mementos that reflect the beauty and artistry of the island.
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