Are you searching for the best things to do in Kula Hawaii? Then you are on the right page. The beautiful city of Kula is located in the heart of Maui, Hawaii.
Kula is a picturesque town that beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and a wealth of exciting experiences. From exploring lush gardens to savoring locally grown produce, Kula offers a diverse range of activities that cater to people of all ages.
It’s the perfect vacation spot, offering the optimum balance of entertainment, outdoor exploration, and art and culture.
You can engage in various outdoor pursuits here, including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, seeing wildlife, and kayaking
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the list of unmissable things to do in Kula that will help you create unforgettable memories during your visit.
Best Things to Do in Kula
1 Immerse in the Beauty of Kula Botanical Garden
Start your Kula journey by wandering through the enchanting Kula Botanical Garden. Started in the year 1977 by Warren McCord, this garden is aimed at serving as a native Hawaiian plant reserve.
The garden contains 2,000 plant varieties, including collections of protea, orchids, bromeliads, native Hawaiian plants, and a few trees including koa and kukui.
Adorned with exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and serene water features, this garden is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.
2 Haleakala National Park
Haleakalā National Park is a must-visit destination for sunrise seekers and stargazers.
You can explore red deserts that seem to come from Mars or traverse rock gardens near the Haleakala Crater. Likewise, you can visit busy waterfalls and streams in the Kipahulu section of the park, by the coast.
Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā volcano and be captivated by the stunning celestial display at night.
Visitors can still enjoy hiking and horseback riding through the park’s many paths, as well as spotting endangered species such as the ahinahina or nene, Hawaii’s state bird.
3 Experience Lavender Heaven at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Delight your senses with a visit to Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, where rows of fragrant lavender fields offer a tranquil escape.
Created by Agricultural Artist and Horticultural Master, Ali’i Chang, AKL’s 13.5-acre farm resides at an elevation of roughly 4000 ft. and is home to approximately 55,000 lavender plants and 20 different varieties of lavender.
Olive trees, hydrangea, Protea, succulents, and an exceptional variety of other plants can be found on the farm, which offers the first and only Lavender Lifestyle experience on Maui. Enjoy lavender-infused treats, shop for unique souvenirs, and bask in the serene ambiance.
4 Explore the Tedeschi Vineyards
If you’re a wine lover, then Tedeschi Vineyards should make it to your list of things to do in Kula. Embark on a wine-tasting journey to sample some of Hawaii’s finest wines amidst the breathtaking scenery of Upcountry Maui.
If by chance you’re in Kula with your family, don’t deprive them of the amazing feeling that the Tedeschi Vineyards has to offer.
5 Savor the Flavors of Kula Country Farms
Indulge in the bounty of Kula’s fertile lands at Kula Country Farms. The Kula Country Farms has a farm stand, open six days a week, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
This farm market offers a delightful selection of fresh food, including juicy strawberries, sweet onions, and Kula Strawberries, as well as asparagus, zucchini, herbs, cucumber, and many others. You can also purchase a variety of baked foods.
6 Delight in MauiWine Tasting
Experience the unique flavors of Maui at MauiWine, located in the historic Ulupalakua Ranch. Taste their renowned pineapple wines and other delightful varietals while enjoying sweeping views of the coastline.
After a long day of sightseeing, unwind with a glass of the finest wines at this traditional winery.
Take your pick from the winery’s extensive wine menu and stretch your legs on the lanai. Similarly, you can go to the tasting room before purchasing a bottle or two.
7 Witness Artistry at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
Appreciate the creativity of local artists at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, where ever-changing exhibits showcase diverse talents across various mediums.
The Hui offers classes, workshops, and camps for all ages and artistic abilities. Taught by professional Teaching Artists, Hui classes include programs in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, glassblowing, Hawaiian arts, and more! The Hui also brings exceptional teaching artists to Maui as part of their Visiting Artist program.
If you enjoy art, consider adding Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center to your list of things to do in Kula.
8 Attend the Maui Onion Festival
There are onions and then there are Maui Onions. Believed by many to be the sweetest onions in the whole wide world, these glorious bulbs are the star of Whalers Village’s annual festival!
The Maui Onion Festival has been a signature event at Whalers Village since 1990. It’s dedicated to the cultivation and promotion of the world-famous Maui Onion and is attended by thousands of visitors and residents every year.
If your visit coincides with the annual Maui Onion Festival, be sure to join in the festivities celebrating the island’s sweet and flavorful onions with live music, culinary demonstrations, and more.
9 Connect with Nature at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Escape the crowds and delve into nature’s embrace at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Picnic among the towering trees, hike the scenic trails and witness panoramic views of Maui’s beauty.
Some of the trees to see in the tranquil setting are pines, eucalyptus, tropical ash, cypress, China-fir, and redwood. Make sure to immerse yourself in this natural ambiance with a soothing greenish backdrop.
10 Relish Kula’s Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Kula is home to a burgeoning farm-to-table dining scene. Savor mouthwatering dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients at charming restaurants and cafes.
11 Experience Thrills at Skyline Hawai
For adrenaline junkies, Skyline Hawai’i offers ziplining adventures that soar over the lush landscape, providing a unique perspective of Kula’s natural wonders.
Since 2002, Skyline Hawaii has hosted thousands of eye-opening and memory-making adventures on Maui. Skyline Hawaii was the first zipline company in the United States! From thrilling zipline tours over the lush rainforest and 90-foot drops to world-famous sunrises at the summit of Maui’s Haleakala National Park,
12 Attend a Local Luau
One of the most festive experiences to be had on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands is a lūʻau – a Hawaiian feast featuring lively music and vibrant cultural performances from Hawaiʻi and greater Polynesia.
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by attending a traditional luau. Indulge in delicious island cuisine while enjoying vibrant performances of hula and Polynesian dances.
13 Visit the Maui Ocean Center
Embark on an underwater adventure without getting wet at the Maui Ocean Center.
The Hawaiian Islands are the world’s most distant major island chain. Hawai’i’s coral reefs evolved over millions of years in the center of the Pacific Ocean into a unique ecosystem populated by uncommon species found nowhere else.
The splendor ranges from volcanic summits to underwater lowlands. Plunge into the Pacific and interact with incredible marine animals in our multi-sensory aquarium, which has been exciting ocean lovers for the past 25 years.
Allow the marine biologists to present you to this fascinating world beneath the water.
14 Stroll through Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Get up close and personal with Hawaii’s native plants and learn about the islands’ rich botanical heritage at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG) is dedicated to the protection of Maui Nui’s rich native plants and cultural heritage.
The mission of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is to foster appreciation and understanding of Maui Nui’s plants and their role in Hawaiian cultural expression by providing a gathering place for discovery, education, and conservation.
15 Discover Ancient Wisdom at Ho’omau Ranch
Ho’omau Ranch offers cultural tours that delve into the traditions and customs of ancient Hawaii, providing a unique glimpse into the island’s indigenous history.
Some of the things you get to enjoy at this fascinating place are Horseback riding & UTV/ATV tours, as well as Ranch Stays.
16 Explore the Lavender Fields at Aina Lani Farms
Venture beyond traditional lavender farms and explore the less-trodden lavender fields at Aina Lani Farms, where serenity meets the aroma of lavender.
Aina Lani Farms is a small bit of beauty nestled in the Kula 200 area. They are a small family farm dedicated to farming organically and using regenerative agricultural principles, and they cultivate edible flowers, microgreens, citrus, avocados, and raw honey on-site, among other seasonal crops.
Make sure to tour the vicinity and experience what it’s like to be in the midst of stunning flowers.
17 Grab Some Ice Cream at the Haleakala Creamery
You should taste the Haleakala Creamery’s distinctive “farm to spoon” ice cream, which comes in Chevre, Caramel, and “Goatlato” flavors.
Their ice cream is likewise made with just the freshest Hawaiian ingredients. What distinguishes the Haleakala Creamery’s creations? They use milk from the 25+ goats that live on the five-acre site.
Similarly, each of the more than 25 goats has a name because they are all members of the same family. The creamery also offers an hour-long “Farm to Spoon” tour, during which you can interact with the goats.
During the tour, you’ll see the complete family farm and discover how goat milk is turned into delicious caramel sauces, cheese, and their distinctive “Goatlato.”
You can also try your hand at milking the goats.
After the tour, you’ll enjoy a gourmet tasting of their fresh cheese, caramel sauces, and the “Goatlato” ice cream.
18 Get Energized with Maui Goat Yoga
Maui Goat Yoga offers a unique type of treatment to help you be your best while still having fun.
They’re on Keanuhea Street on the gorgeous slopes of Haleakala, so you’ll have sweeping views of the upcountry drive and Maui’s coasts as well.
Make an online reservation for a yoga class and reap the advantages of animal-assisted therapy with gentle miniature goats.
Go for a sunset goat yoga class with live music, or arrange a private session with friends and family. Don’t forget to pick up some unique Maui Goat Yoga gear such as shirts, hats, tank tops, water bottles, and stickers.
Also Read, 15 Best & Fun things to do in Flowood MS
19 Seek Solace in Nature at the Kula Forest Reserve
The Hawaiian Islands are one of America’s most popular tourist attractions, with nearly 10 million tourists annually visiting – more than five times the state’s total population. With so many people visiting such little islands, it’s easy to get tired of the incessant crowds.
If you’ve gotten tired of the large crowds at your favorite beach, park, or place of employment, there are still areas where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the Hawaiian tourism industry.
The Kula Forest Reserve, located on the leeward slopes of Mount Haleakala on the island of Maui, is an idyllic hideaway for anyone looking to get away from the crowds and discover a side of Hawaii that many people have never seen before.
20 Enjoy Tasty Breakfast and Lunch Meals at Grandma’s Coffee House
Grandma’s Coffee House is a terrific culinary stop to fulfill your appetite, whether it’s a full breakfast or a filling lunch meal.
The restaurant started as a popular coffee shop in 1918 offering Maui Organic coffee grown and cultivated on the family farm.
Alfred Franco, four generations later, continues the family heritage of offering home-grown coffee alongside innovative cuisine creations on the menu.
Enjoy a plate of Coconut-Crusted Punalu’u Sweet Bread French Toast, Breakfast Bagel, or Upcountry Omelet for a delectable breakfast treat; similarly, be energized with a bowl of Acai Energy or Acai Super Bowl.
You can also order from the all-day Plate Lunch Menu, which includes dishes like the Mahi and Ono Lunch Plates and the Kalua Pork and Cabbage Lunch Plate.
Grandma’s Coffee House’s distinctive delicacies include the “I’m Hungry” Sandwich, Keokea Klub, Beyond Burger, and many more delicious sandwiches.
Best Time to Visit Kula Hawaii
According to vast numbers of tourists, the best and busiest month for tourist visits in Kula, Hawaii, US is July, followed by March and February. These are the perfect months to revolve around and explore the city’s prolific places.