Established in 1968 by Warren and Helen McCord, Kula Botanical Gardens were set up to be a display garden for Warren's landscape architecture business. Over the years, this garden has evolved into one of the great tourist destinations for the thousands of people who visit the area each year. Kula to this day continues to be an entirely family owned and operated business that prides itself in offering beautiful memories and great experiences at a fair price. Admission is $10 for adults, less than $5 for children 6-12, and children under 6 are free. Make this a stopping place for you and your family as you finish your US travels with a stop in Hawaii.

Park Intro

Kula Botanical Garden can be found clinging to the slopes of Haleakala, the dormant volcano. It encompasses eight acres of colorful and unique plants, amazing wildlife, breathtaking scenery, amazing rock formations, a covered bridge, flowing waterfalls, koi pond, am large aviary and several cultural exhibits. There are hundreds of different plant varieties to enjoy and photograph. Plants within the park are labeled with their botanical name, common name, and country of origin. Included in the garden is a collection of native Hawaiian plants along with many other plants from around the world. Kula Botanical Garden also features a gift shop with made-in-Hawaii items great botanical items for the plant or nature lover in the family. The garden also offers snacks for sale, clean restroom facilities, and a comfortable deck with a beautiful view.

Special Gardens

A prominent and much loved feature of the garden is the gentle and meandering stream that runs through the valley. Many water-loving plants grow along the banks including the beautiful and fragrant White Ginger, which blooms at its peak during mid to late summer. Another lovely part of the garden is a grove of Painted and Lemon Eucalyptus trees with Monstera huddled beneath them. There is an Orchid house, which typically is in full bloom from February through April, Fuscia House with blooms in the summer, Bromeliad House, and a Bird Sanctuary for the endangered native Nene bird. The garden was set up to preserve the natural beauty and look of the island and land, so not all plants are perfectly manicured or overly showy. But it is a beautiful and natural look at the plants of Hawaii and other regions of the world.

Self Guided Tours

Kula Botanical Garden is open to the public and many visitors choose to explore the vast and beautiful garden at their own pace. This allows a chance to enjoy the peace and tranquility that this beautiful garden offers. A self-guided tour follows along mostly paved paths and takes a slow and meandering way through eight acres of gardens. Maps are available at the gift shop to help guide your walk. This Hawaiian garden is located at 3,300 feet elevation on the slopes of Haleakala. It is recommended that you allow several hours so that you have ample time to enjoy the tropical and semi-tropical plants of Kula. The garden is designed to display the plants in a natural setting with many resting areas located along the paths. You also will have access to picnic tables and chairs and you are encouraged to enjoy a packed-lunch on the lanai before or after your walk.

Guided Tours

Guided tours of the garden have to be scheduled and reserved ahead of time, at least a day before your visit. Kula Botanical Gardens offer either a Botanical Garden Tour or an Agricultural Tour of the Christmas tree and Coffee Farm. You can either call the gardens directly to schedule your tour, or you may download their Information Sheet and Tour Reservation Form from their website and submit the form via mail. There is a $45 tour guide fee plus the cost of general admission. For groups of 1-12, the admission is $10.00 per person, and for groups of 13 or more, the admission is $8.00 per person. School tours are also available with an appointment and teachers get free admission as part of the tour package. The prices for school tours depend on the time of year, the grade level or the students, and how many are attending.

Directions to the Garden

If you find yourself in Hawaii on your US travel tour, be sure to check out Kula Botanical Gardens. From Kahului, follow Hana Highway, also known as Hwy 36, to Haleakala Highway, which is Hwy 37. From there, you will need to turn right onto Haleakala Hwy and follow it. Take a turn to the left onto Highway 377 just before King Kekaulike High School in Pukalani and enjoy a scenic drive. Follow this road for 3 miles past the Crater Road/Haleakala National Park turn-off. The garden will be on your left. To help you find it, remember to look for the green Botanical Garden signs, and the Hawaii Visitor Bureau Warrior, which stands guard at the entrance of the driveway. They are open from 9am till 4pm most days aside from a few blackout dates and when bad weather threatens the area.

Final Note

Established in 1968 by Warren and Helen McCord, Kula Botanical Gardens were set up to be a display garden for Warren's landscape architecture business. Over the years, this garden has evolved into one of the great tourist destinations for the thousands of people who visit the area each year. Add this must see stop to your list as you travel through Hawaii on your tour of the US. Enjoy beautiful sights and sounds and create memories that will last a lifetime with your family.