Maui treasures: brilliant tropical blooms to enjoy there … or at home

Sunset, Nov, 1991

FEW FLOWERS CAN MATCH THE bizarre beauty and architectural shapes of exotics like the ones shown here. On Maui, conditions are ideal for growing gingers that look like strings of rosy-tipped pearls, golden beehives, or feathery plumes; heliconias that dangle like ropes of giant lobster claws or stretch out like jungle birds in flight; proteas that resemble pink velvet artichokes, fur-tipped Russian Easter eggs, or neon-colored pincushions.

On the Hana Coast, heliconians and gingers--native to the western Pacific, Asia, and Central and South America--thrive in warm sun and regular, drenching showers. And on Haleakala volcano, in and around the town of Kula (elevation 3,000 feet), warm, often cloudy days, cool nights, and well-drained soil nature proteas.

In both areas, some flower farms (listed on page 114) welcome visitors to stroll among the plants; most sell fresh flowers to take with your or ship to the Mainland. (You can also order by mail.) From major resorts, Kula is about an hour by car, Hana 3 hours.

Proteas are available year-around, but September through February offers the greatest variety. Heliconians and gingers, also available all year, offer the widest choice in summer.

For cut flowers, prices range from about $30 for 9 to 12 stems to $100 and up for large gift boxes (including shipping). Some protea growers also sell made-to-order fresh wreaths (about $195); order by Thanksgiving for delivery by Christmas. All flowers are certified insect- and disease-free.

Near Hana. Alii Gardens. Gingers and other tropicals grow on 55 acres in Nahiku. It's just past milepost 27 on Hana Highway. Open 8 to 5 week-days. Free price list: SR 1, Box 2, Nahiku 96713; call (800) 358-8338.

Na Pua 'Ohana Farm. Gingers and heliconias grow in sprawling fields at this three-year-old farm. From Hana Highway just beyond milepost 31, turn left on Ulaino Road. Drive 1/2 mile; it's on the right. Open 8 to 5 weekdays. Free brochure: Box 495, Hana 96713.

Hana Tropicals. Grows more than 10,000 orchids in a 2-acres shade house, and heliconia, ginger, and other tropicals. On Hana Highway at Wakiu Road, near the high school. By appointment; call (800) 456-4262. Free brochure: Box 247, Hana 96713.

In and around Kula. Hawaii Protea Corporation. Represents 20 growers. It operates a stand to the left of Kula Lodge. Open 8 to 4 daily. Free 14-page color catalog: Box 68, Kula 96790; call (800) 282-5642.

Maui Floral. Grows 16 acres of proteas. From State Highway 37, turn left on Copp Road just past the school and look for signs. Open 8 to 4:30 daily except Sundays. Free price list: Box 126, Kula 96790; (800) 543-2727.

Proteas of Hawaii. More than 75 kinds grow on 6 acres. Open 8 to 4:30 weekdays. From State 37, turn left on Copp Road just past the school, and left again at Mauna Place. Address is 210 Mauna Place, Kula 96790; call (800) 367-7768. Across the street, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture operates a 20-acre experimental station--open 7 to 3:30 weekdays--where 65 species, as well as new hybrids, grow.

Sunrise Protea Farm. Dozens of varieties grow on 5 1/2 acres. You can stroll among plants by the gift shop. It's 1/3 mile up State 378 toward the crater. Open 8 to 4 daily. Free price list: R.R. 1, Box 416A, Kula 96790; call (800) 222-2797 for details.

For a complete list of growers, write to Maui Flower Growers Association, Box 495, Hana 96713.