Nestled in the cool, dry slopes of soaring Mt. Haleakala you’ll discover a magical place filled with blooming purple lavender plants. You have found Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, the only lavender farm on the entire island. Over 55,000 lavender plants bloom year round on this 13.5-acre farm, and the facility is crisscrossed with walking paths so that you can observe their beauty and enjoy the relaxing scent of lavender. Though it is a little way off the beaten path, a visit to AKL can be a great idea, especially for senior travelers and anyone looking for a little relaxation during their busy Maui trip.
Understanding Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
AKL was founded by Ali’i Chang, an agricultural artist and horticultural master. Though lavender is not native to Hawaii, Chang discovered that it was perfectly suited for the cool, dry climate next to Mt. Haleakala. After many years of work, Chang built AKL to what it is today. The farm produces over 45 varieties of lavender and uses the plants to create products “that enrich the quality of life by evoking joy, rejuvenation, comfort, and serenity,” according to their website. You can purchase a wide variety of lavender-infused natural products at the farm’s small boutique store.
AKL is a farm dedicated to responsible farming and calls itself “the premier purveyor of Sustainable Aloha through education stewardship and nurturing the well-being of our communities and planet for future generations.”
Visiting Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Interested in seeing AKL for yourself? The farm is open to the public. The entrance fee is only $3 per person, with discounts available for seniors and military. Children under 12 can get in for free. Once on the farm, you are free to roam its peaceful pathways, breathing in the rich scent of lavender and enjoying views of the South Maui coastline. The paths include small rest areas where you and your travel companions can relax and enjoy some quiet time together.
If you want to learn more about AKL, consider taking one of the daily tours. The farm offers five daily walking tours for just $12 per person ($10 per person through advanced registration). Two daily guided cart tours are also available for $25 per person, and children can enjoy a free lavender treasure hunt.
AKL is also an amazing place to host your Maui wedding if you’re looking to walk down the aisle on our beautiful island. Your big day will be unforgettable when you exchange your vows surrounded by fields of lavender.
Don’t Forget to Take Home Souvenirs
Before you leave AKL, don’t forget to stop by the farm’s boutique shop to see what they do with all that lavender. Here is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs that your friends and family back home will really appreciate. There are also quite a few goodies that you may just want to snag for yourself, including lavender shampoo, lavender body scrub, lavender herb tea, lavender honey, lavender bath soap, and candles galore!
If you want something a little different on your next visit to Maui, add Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm to your list. If you are renting a Maui vacation condo through Ali’i Resorts, we’d be happy to give you additional recommendations for Maui activities off the beaten path.
