Protea ... growing in Kula

This is what a protea plant looks like.  I had never seen one before I visited Paradise Flower Farms in Kula, Maui.

Visual tour of Paradise Flower Farms in Kula, Maui

The very best way to take a tour of a working flower farm is to walk throughout the farm with the owner / grower but, when that's not possible, another good way to do it is by looking at a photo gallery.

I had the chance to do the walking tour this weekend with Teena Rasmussen, half of the Paradise Flower Farms team and am sharing the photos I took during the tour.

Her farm is located in Kula, on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala on the island of Maui.  This for me was a huge plus because the air is much cooler in Kula than is it at sea level so taking the walking tour was a delight.  The photo here shows the beautiful view that one sees from the farm.  The high elevation allows for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and town below.

The family-owned business was established in 1980, just about 30 years ago. Owners and Maui residents Craig and Teena operate the farm 6 days a week and employ about 22 people, including their two daughters. 

Here are two of the ladies sewing the fresh flower lei that are destined for Maui shops and stores.

Paradise Flower Farms specialize in fresh cut flowers and ready-made flower lei.   

The 50-acre farm is the largest flower lei farm in the State of Hawaii, producing approx 7 million carnations, tuber rose, plumeria and other lei flowers each year. 

In talking with Tina, she mentioned that there are always inquiries about a tour of their farm and recently, she and Craig have been talking about putting together a ‘growers’ tour for residents and visitors.  However, that may not happen for some months to come so until the details are finalized, please visit the photo gallery for the pictorial tour of Paradise Flower Farms that follows.

 Bunches of cut flowers to be used for bouquets and arrangements

 

 Protea start to bloom

 Rows of roses

Beds of protea plants 

 Carnations growing under shade

 Closer look at the carnation beds

 One of Paradise Flower Farms trucks ready to deliver flowers and lei

Paradise Flower Farms specializes in fresh cut flowers and ready-made lei for residents of Maui and Hawaii, but, they also ship fresh flower lei, lei making supplies and flower gift boxes throughout the US and Canada.

For more information, visit www/paradiseflowers.com.