Aria's Adventures #5 - Continue Exploring Maui with Me

in travel •  8 years ago  (edited)

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Hello everyone! Today we are going to continue exploring Maui, first finishing up western Maui and then making our way towards central Maui. This was a very laid-back, casual day for me, so I hope you enjoy it!


'Iao Valley State Monument

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'Iao Valley State Monument is located in western Maui and is known for 'Iao Needle (also known as Kuka'emoku), a volcanic remnant that has been eroded into the shape of a needle.

In fact, what many people don't know is that this was the site of a major battle. The Battle of Kepaniwai was fought between the Maui army and King Kamehameha I's army, with the latter being the victor. This was a significant victory, as it paved the way for King Kamehameha I to unite the Hawaiian islands under one kingdom.

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'Iao Valley has a very easy path to get to the Needle lookout, and also includes an ethnobotanical garden and various ethnic buildings.

Of note, this area is considered the 2nd wettest place in Hawaii, so flash-flooding can happen unexpectedly. In fact, this site closed after a major flood, but is expected to reopen in July. Luckily, I happened to visit 'Iao Valley before the flood occurred!


Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm

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After seeing 'Iao Needle, I made my way to the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, which is located in Kula. Kula has a Mediterranean climate that is conducive to growing lavender, and in fact, the farm has 45 different varieties of lavender that bloom all year round.

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Unfortunately, my timing was not great, as the flowers were just starting to form!

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The farm not only has lavender, but they have other plants as well such as protea (above) and apple trees (below).

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I walked around the property for a while, looking at all the variety of plants. Eventually, I found this pergola where you can just sit and look over the gardens and the amazing view of Maui. This would be a great place for a picnic lunch!


Surfing Goat Dairy

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Since I was in Kula, I decided to stop by Surfing Goat Dairy, one of the only goat dairies in Hawaii and the producer of award-winning goat cheese.

When you first arrive in the parking area, there is this really funny sign that greets you! This sign sums up the character of this farm - lighthearted and fun-loving.

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At the entrance, there are also really interesting places to take your photo. You have the option of being in front of these surfboards (above), or a mural of goats at the beach (below).

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They are both so fun, why not take a picture in front of both? That's what I did!

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I also came at a really good time, as some babies were just recently born! They were all so cute and full of personality!

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Many of them just wanted some attention. I truly wish I could have taken them all home! I instantly fell in love with all of them! This was the perfect ending to my relaxing day!


Thank you for taking the time to join me in my adventure! Like always, if you enjoyed this post, please feel free to comment, upvote, resteem, and/or follow me. All are greatly appreciated! I look forward to seeing you in the next one!

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Congratulations! This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by cabbagepatch from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, and someguy123. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows and creating a social network. Please find us in the Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel. It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.

If you like what we're doing please upvote this comment so we can continue to build the community account that's supporting all members.

I like your post. Follow me @nazarwills.

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you liked it!

Once again, you did an exceptional job of bringing Maui to the reader. Your pictures really captured the true essence of the places you visited and the narrative was so descriptive and interesting. You put a lot of effort into all yours posts that is so refreshing and wonderful. Thank-you for sharing the beautiful island of Maui with us. And by the way, I loved, loved, loved your pictures of the baby goats. They are so precious......now I want a goat farm!!!! .....Cabbagepatch :D

Your comments are always so nice! I'm so glad you liked it! I loved the goats too! They are all so adorable!

That lavender farm looks like a beautiful garden. Also, I've had the cheese from Surfing Goat and it's delicious!

Thanks for the comments! The farm was beautiful! Yes, the cheese was great - it was so creamy!

A very enjoyable trip .. it's time we get to know the beauty of nature that exists in this world ..

Thank you so much for your comments! Yes, that is so true - there is so much beauty in nature!

You are welcome ^_