Located in Upcountry Maui, the Kula Botanical Garden is home to several varieties of tropical and semi-tropical flowers including Maui’s hallmark flower, the protea. You can also view orchids, bromeliads and other native plants as well as familiar and unusual specimens from around the world. The landscaped paths around the six-acre garden were designed for casual strolling and identifying plants is easy as each is labeled with its botanical name, common name and country of origin. Located on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcano, the plants thrive at the cool 3,300-foot elevation. Visitors will also see unusual rock formations, waterfalls, ponds and panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains. Koa trees can be viewed on the grounds as well as kukui trees, which have oil-filled nuts that the ancient Hawaiians used for lighting. The garden has picnic areas as well as a gazebo, an aviary, a koi pond and a covered bridge that crosses over a stream. The Kula Botanical Garden was established in 1968 and is Maui’s first scenic, educational and native Hawaiian plant reserve. The garden gift shop offers light snacks and beverages as well as made-in-Hawaii products, plants and books. From Kahului Airport take Highway 37 (Haleakala Hwy) past the Haleakala National Park turnoff. Continue on Highway 37 as it turns into the Kula Hwy. The garden is located 7/10 mile from Kula Hwy. on Kekaulike Ave. (Hwy 377).