In August, 2012 we decided to begin charging a nominal admission fee for several reasons. First, we are dedicated to improving and beautifying our gardens to ensure the best experience for our customers. At $3 per person (with Kama'aina, military and senior discounts available; children 12 and under are free), our gate revenue enables us to sustain a modest garden crew charged with tending to our many plants, hosting tours and keeping trails safe for our guests. As a sign of our appreciation for your visit, we also feel it important that you are greeted and bid farewell with the warmest Aloha. Our gate attendants are familiar with most common concerns and are available to answer questions; guiding our non-local friends with directions and must-see attractions, clarifying the many benefits of lavender or welcoming ideas on how to offer even better service - whatever their job, our staff is here to make sure you have the best Lavender Experience!
Additionally, we have been approached several times by the State of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, Forestry Division, which is responsible for the maintenance of Waipoli Road, mauka (above the cattle guard before our entrance). Although this is state-maintained private land, DLNR expects that our business contribute significant amounts of money to the State for repairs. Our gate fee is designed to be a minimal buffer for the potentially huge cost of repairing a road that does not belong to our farm.
Lastly, we would like to mention the overarching goal of Ali'i Kula Lavender: to be a committed and empowering ambassador of Sustainable Aloha. Aside from Free Admission days and canned food drive days to be donated to the Maui Food Bank (Canned goods are always accepted) we have begun the Ali'i Chang Scholarship to encourage Agricultural Education among our local youth (for more information and to donate, please contact us. A percentage of our admissions goes to this fund for the perpetuation of agriculture in the State of Hawai'i.
In these ways our admission policy enables us to better stand behind our vision of improvement and community collaboration - with your help! Please send any further questions or comments regarding our admissions policy to aklreservations@aklmaui.com. We welcome your input and look forward to serving you!
Is your farm handicap or wheelchair accessible? What about baby strollers on tours?
Our lavender farm is not certified wheelchair or handicapped accessible, but we do make our best efforts to be accommodating. Our farm rests on the slope of Haleakala at an elevation of 4000 ft and as such our terrain is inclined. The parking lot resides on hillside, with handicapped stalls near the bottom. One may also advise our Admission Gate personnel that you wish to drive up to the gift shop to drop someone off and then return to park in the parking lot.
With three main terraced levels, there are areas of flat walkways and paths where folks can enjoy the sights of the garden. Please also be advised that many connecting trails in the gardens on which we conduct our guided walking tours are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
The Gallery Gift Shop does have, upon request, a wheelchair ramp to help aid in the assistance in and out of the gift shop only. One may also inquire about making reservations for a Guided Cart Tour by calling 808-878-3004 (24 hours in advance for scheduling purposes.) *Reservations are required. Please contact customer service between 9am - 3:45pm HST to make a reservation.
I've received a gift certificate, gift card or e-card, where and how may I redeem it?
You can use a paper gift certificate or gift card at our Gallery Gift Shop on Maui. Physical gift cards are not accepted online, but you may call customer service to place a phone order at (808) 878-3004. Customer service hours of operation are 9am to 3:45pm HST. An E-Gift Card is accepted for Online purchases only. Our Online store is ALWAYS open. You may also use a paper gift certificate or gift card towards tours, workshops and lunch baskets redeemed at our Gallery gift shop on Maui. Our Gallery Gift shop is open seven days a week, 9am to 4pm.
Do I need to make a reservation for a Walking Tour?
We recommend people reserve their space at least 24 hours or more, in advance to ensure the tour time desired is available during your visit. Walk up reservations will also be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Cost of the walking tour is 12.00 per person plus tax. Save $2 per person with and advanced walking tour reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 808-8783004 or E-mail us daily from 9am-3:45pm.
If you are not interested in joining a guided walking tour, you are more than welcomed to explore the gardens at your leisure, after paying the admission fee. No reservation is required for a self-guided tour. The farm is open from 9am- 4pm, last entry 3:45.
What is the Walking Tour?
A person learns about lavender, its health benefits, its many different uses, how it grows and some history behind it. You will also see, touch and smell several different varieties of lavender, and the different products that can be made with lavender. Five walking tours offered are daily at 930a, 1030a, 1130a, 100p and 230p for $12.00 per person plus tax. Each tour will be about 30 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket. Weather at the gardens is typically clear and cool even if there is rainy weather at lower elevations on the island. Participants will need to walk on uneven ground. The farm elevation is at 4000 feet so extra consideration should be given for those with respiratory conditions. If walking is challenging, please reserve a seat on our Cart Tour for $25 per person plus tax (5 people Maximum). E-mail us or call 808-878-3004, daily from 9am to 3:45pm HST to make a reservation.
How can I create my own Tea Party or book Exclusive Groups?
Special tour arrangements can be made for groups with a minimum of 10 to 25 people, by calling Reservations at 808-878-3004. Is it possible to confirm a special tour date? Yes, we are able to make your reservation based on availability with a minimum of 10 people. you may also email aklreservations@aklmaui.com.
What is included in the Gourmet picnic lunch?
Enjoy a fabulous lunch in the gorgeous outdoor setting of the farm! Our Gourmet Picnic Lunch includes your choice of one of the following: Chicken Caesar Wrap, Ham & Cheese wrap, Chicken Bacon Club, Italian Sandwich, Caprese Sandwich, or Garden Salad. Also includes Gourmet Chips, a decadent Lavender-Infused Dessert and choice of beverage. 24 hours advance reservations are required to confirm. Reserved lunches will be available for pickup at the gift shop between 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. Price is $26 per person plus tax.
*Please no outside food on premises. Mahalo
Where can a group eat their Gourmet picnic lunch?
All dining areas are very picturesque. Typically, most groups will be assigned to the dining lanai for ease and comfort. If that area is already reserved, then alternate locations on property will be offered based on what the group wants. The area is reserved for one hour for a minimum party of 10, maximum 25.
If you do not meet the minimum requirement for a reserved area. Lunch may be enjoyed on the dining lanai or anywhere else on property.
* Please no outside food on premises.
Is it appropriate to bring children on these tours?
As the flow of the events for each tour is structured, with a setting of serenity, many children sometimes find this type of environment a bit restrictive. You know your child best, and will know if they are able to conduct themselves appropriately amongst other adults. The best plan for children visiting, is NO plan. Seeing how they respond to the beauty, and serenity is different for every child. The lavender farm terrain is on a slope with many valuable artifacts placed throughout so close supervision of your child(ren) is highly advised and appreciated. Educational school and youth tours are regularly offered through out the year which is tailored with a more "hands-on" approach that is specifically designed for children to learn at their level.
For directions please see our Directions Page here.
When does your lavender bloom? When is the best time to see the lavender?
Lavender is a Summer Bloomer. Here at AKL Maui we are lucky to have certain varieties of lavender in bloom year-round. However, the peak of the season where the big lavender fields bloom is limited to mid-summer, July-August. English lavender are perennial summer-only bloomers and typically will hibernate for the winter months. In Hawaii the Spanish and French varieties actually bloom all year round, so there is always some lavender to be found in the garden throughout the year.
Other than lavender, we also have many varieties of other plants and flowers to be found as well, especially the Protea flower species which blooms in the winter months. We are a 13.5 acre property, 1/2 lavender, 1/2 botanical. Follow us on instagram to see our most recent photos of the farm - @aklmaui