Explore Maui’s Stunning Botanical Gardens

Hawaii is renowned for its floral splendor and diverse plant life. This is particularly evident on the island of Maui, which boasts tropical rainforests, cool Upcountry slopes, and sunny western shores, establishing itself as a botanical paradise. Traveling down any road, you’ll encounter vibrant bougainvilleas and hibiscus flourishing in almost every garden.

Maui is home to tropical exotics from across the globe, seamlessly coexisting with 24 key Polynesian plants essential to ancient Hawaiian culture, including mai’a (banana), coconut (niu), kalo (taro), kukui (candlenut), ‘uala (sweet potato), and wauke (paper mulberry). Collectively known as the “canoe plants,” these species have significant historical importance.

In contrast, the steep mountains of Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i harbor protected pockets of native plants, both endemic and indigenous. Alarmingly, around 1,000 species are exclusive to this region, with roughly 100 (10%) of these being indigenous to Hawaii.

Unfortunately, the balance of Hawaiian ecology is threatened by over 900 species (or 44%) of naturalized plants, many of which outcompete native species. This delicate environmental equilibrium is a pivotal focus for conservation efforts across the islands.

Maui is also famous for its stunning botanical gardens, which are open for either guided or self-guided tours. This article highlights some of these exquisite gardens.

Kula Botanical Garden

Located in the Upcountry district of Kula, this well-established botanical garden offers a vivid introduction to the exotic plants not found on the U.S. mainland. The Kula Botanical Garden spans six acres of multi-level hillside terrain, featuring easy pathways that allow visitors to experience 2,000 types of indigenous plants and a remarkable display of proteas, significant to Maui’s floriculture industry.

The diverse landscape includes a serene stream and a sizable koi pond, with admission priced at $10.00 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. The gardens remain open daily.

Enchanting Floral Gardens

Just a few miles from Kula, the 8-acre Enchanting Floral Gardens offers an immersive experience, showcasing over 1,500 exotic tropical and semi-tropical species, including orchids, hibiscus, and jade vines. Operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this garden charges a small admission fee.

Both gardens make excellent side trips when driving to the summit of Haleakala.

Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Maui’s legendary Hana Highway is a tropical wonderland featuring roadside flower stands and floral gardens. The Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden spans 27 impeccably landscaped acres dedicated to restoring natural ecosystems and promoting Hawaii’s native and indigenous species. This garden is home to an extensive collection of ki or ti plants, alongside numerous exotic species.

Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., admission fees are $15.00 for adults and $5 for children.

Ke’anae Arboretum

Before embarking on the self-guided tour of the six-acre Ke’anae Arboretum, it is essential to wear sturdy walking shoes and rain gear while carrying insect repellent, sunscreen, and ample water. The initial half-mile of the trail features introduced plants, leading to a taro patch filled with various Hawaiian varieties. The subsequent one-mile section traverses a lush Hawaiian rainforest.

There is no admission charge to explore this scenic location.

Kahanu Garden

Kahanu Garden, located in Hana, serves as the guardian of a significant archaeological site, the centuries-old, massive stone temple known as Pi’ilanihale Heiau. This expansive 500-acre natural sanctuary preserves a magnificent stretch of coastal land. Importantly, one of its key features is a small forest of breadfruit trees, protecting the world’s largest collection of this crucial Pacific food crop, with 130 distinct varieties gathered from 20 tropical island groups, serving as a “germplasm repository” reflecting generations of human history.

The second area of interest is the Canoe Garden, showcasing useful plants brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers, essential for the prosperity of Maui Nui’s native culture. This collection aims to preserve the genetic diversity of these plants, including 40 different types of ko, or sugar cane, along with many unusual types of mai’a, or banana. Additionally, culturally significant plants such as ‘uala (sweet potato), kalo (taro), ulena (turmeric), and wauke (paper mulberry, used to make kapa cloth) are conserved in this garden.

Self-guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., spanning 1/2 mile and taking approximately 1.5 hours. Admission is $10.00 per person, with children 12 years and under free of charge.

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

Distinct yet aligned in mission, the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is located at the heart of Maui’s bustling town of Kahului. This garden focuses solely on Hawaiian plants, emphasizing that the conservation of plant species and native culture are essentially intertwined. According to garden director Lisa Schattenburg-Raymond, “Our mission is to help people understand the living Hawaiian islands of today. By uniting the plants of Maui Nui—Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Kaho’olawe—we create a center for environmental education and a thriving space for Hawaiian cultural expression.”

This nonprofit thrives through community memberships and grants, partnering with local conservation groups like the Hawaii Rare Plant Recovery Group and the Maui Invasive Species Committee. Its projects include workshops on using native fibers and dyes, selling Hawaiian plants to local gardeners, and donating native plants for various wilderness restoration projects.

The gardens are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while remaining closed on Sundays and major holidays. Admission is $5.00 but is free on Saturdays. Guided tours are available for $10 per person, with all donations welcomed.

Maui Tropical Plantation

Located near Wailuku, the Maui Tropical Plantation spans 60 acres and serves as a working plantation, introducing visitors to Maui’s commercial crops such as papaya, pineapple, guava, mango, macadamia nuts, coffee, and more. This attraction features tram rides, evening barbecues, a nursery, and a gift shop with various products available for purchase.

While clearly tailored for tourists, the 40-minute tram tour provides an enjoyable way to see many types of flowers, plants, and fruit trees native to Hawaii. The tram operates daily, commencing at 10 a.m., and requires a fee to ride. Admission is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children ages 3-12, plus tax.

Moreover, prices for many items in the gift shop are surprisingly reasonable, making it a great stop for those looking for Mauna Kea macadamia nut products.

Ultimately, Maui’s botanical gardens represent more than just plant species. They are vital areas for nurturing the land and preserving its ecological and cultural integrity in the face of growth and modernization.