One of the first things that people asked me from being on Maui was about the devastating fire that hit the island. Our stop in Kahului was on the north central side of the island. The fire that destroyed Lahaina is on Maui’s western shore.
However, our tour guide, Dom, did point out a few sections on our excursion today where fire had impacted homes and forest areas.
Dom was an excellent young guide. He drove the small bus and narrated in great detail. In one roadside spot, he pointed out a blossoming peach tree that was starting to show its young fruit. I never thought I would see a peach tree in Hawaii, but Dom had an eye for such things.
Our first stop was at the Tao Valley State Monument. This is a lush area for vegetation and a pretty rocky creek. But the main attraction is Kukaemoku, the Iao Needle. Eroded up out of the valley’s floor, it stands in at 1200 feet. Covered in greenery, this rock formation blends in nicely with the other pointed hills surrounding the small park.
There is a paved walk through the park, and that walk way provides multiple sightings of exotic plants, trees, and the creek.
Once back in the bus, Dom continued his narrative as we drove toward Kula Botanical Garden. Again, we learned lots from his research and insights regarding local customs, history, and scenery.
It wasn’t long before Dom was parking the bus at the Kula Botanical Garden.
Located in the upcountry of Maui, the gardens were started in 1968 by Warren and Helen McCord. The concept behind the garden was grounded in Mr. McCord’s “landscape architecture business.” There is a lot packed in the eight acres on the slopes of Haleakala.
This was also our stop for lunch. Dom had everything ready and organized for us. There was ample shaded seating for lunch, and we enjoyed eating outside in such a pretty location. A gift shop and restrooms are a part of the entry area too.
We enjoyed our stroll through the Garden. The variety of plantings along with rock formations, a koi pond, and other landscaped features made for a good visit. The other factor was Dom. He set up us for success giving us plenty of time to explore at an easy pace.
Before we knew it, Dom gathered us back up for the ride over to the Lavender Farm.
Established in 2001, the Alii Kula Lavender Farm is a pretty place. Almost fourteen acres, the farm rests easily on the slopes of the Haleakala at an elevation of four thousand feet.
No matter where I turn, I have nice views.
While lavender isn’t native to Hawaii, the owners tell us that the plant has adapted nicely to the island’s climate. At the farm, “relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal” are emphasized while taking in the 55,000 lavender plants. That inventory includes 20 varieties of lavender.
We learned that lavender is a true summer bloomer. But the farm does feature nine varieties that grow throughout the year. So, we did pickup that lavender fragrance.
Lavender isn’t the only show at the garden. Olive trees and a variety of other plants are woven into farm’s pretty grounds. Yes, there is a gift shop with lots of selections.
While waiting for our group to reassemble, I heard one lady comment about Wisconsin. In July, three of my college friends and I are planning a trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Over a half million people attend the annual air show in Oshkosh.
At a pause in her conversation with a friend, I asked her about where she lived in Wisconsin, and explained the upcoming trip to Oshkosh.
Turns out, I was talking with Mary Sykes, whose husband, Ed Sykes, is a retired United States Air Force fighter pilot from the Vietnam War. Mary was familiar with the air show in Oshkosh, and stated they have friends who own a B-29 bomber from World War ll.
As we kept talking, I learned that Ed had written a book about one of his experiences during the Vietnam War. Mary and I exchanged our contact information, and my goal was to meet Ed before the end of the cruise and purchase a copy of his book.
With everyone accounted for by Dom, we were back in the bus heading toward the ship.
Secretly, I was hoping that Dom would keep driving us around these pretty uplands with their quiet, easy pace. But since the ship was scheduled to sail out at six, I knew that couldn’t happen.
At our first stop for the day, I had taken a picture of a plaque designating the Tao Valley State Monument as a National Natural Landmark. Cast in 1972, these words caught my attention:
“This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation’s natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of the environment.”
Clearly, our three stops today have a commitment to better understand our environment. I hope I can become better at understanding and preserving special places like these on our precious Earth.
might be baloney 