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Going to Hawaii is about as far off the beaten path as I have been. When we had a chance to go to Maui for two weeks, we were “all in.” We landed in Maui after a 16-hour plane flight. We could have done it in 3 less flying hours for not too much more money, which will happen next time we go. It took a couple of days for our internal clocks to adjust to the time zone difference. Our home base was in a resort area in Lahaina.
Lahaina is a great place to walk around. We found the Hawaiian shaved ice spots to be a must. I have not tasted one like them in the states. You can see the second largest Banyan Tree in Hawaii, with native artisans making baskets and carving sculptures underneath. Local artists also peddle their wares from makeshift markets on the steps lining the area.
During our stay, we learned that there are more ecosystems per square mile on Maui than any other place in the world. Lahaina is on the dry side of the mountain, but a short road trip takes you in a tropical rain forest. I had an idea of what I would see in a tropical paradise, but it was much better than I could have imagined. The diversity of plant life is really beyond my ability to explain it. Seeing orchids in the natural habitat and bromeliads of every description was a gardener and photographer’s dreamland. Everywhere you looked seemed like a postcard.
While in Maui, we visited two botanical gardens that had the most exotic, weird, bizarre and beautiful flowers I have ever seen. They also beautifully showcased the cultural influence brought to Hawaii by Asian immigrants in the last several centuries. These botanical gardens are:
Kepanniwai Park-Heritage Gardens
Iao Valley Road, Wailuku
(Next to Hawaii Nature Center)
The multi-cultural heritage of Maui’s citizens is showcased in a display of gardens created by cultural groups. You can also eat a picnic by the river.
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
150 Kanaloa Ave.
Wailuku 808-249-2798
Many rare species and some introduced Polynesian varieties
Related Links
Maui Travel Site - http://bestofmauiguide.com
Road to Hana Guide - http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/road-to-hana.php
Maui Gardens - http://bestofmauiguide.com/mauigardens.html
July 6, 2013
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