Funky Junk Interiors

This is going to be one pretty, AND big post.

You don’t mind, do you?

This blog is a little like a surprise grab bag… will she encourage us to build a closet?  Spin past a growling creature hidden beside a bike path? Whip up a new old sign? Or take a trip to Hawaii?

Your guess is as good as mine. 🙂

Anyway, if you’re anything like me, you are totally intrigued with what other destinations have the capability of growing. So you take advantage of the area in which you are driving, to hit TWO gorgeous spots, filled to the Hawaiian Heavens with all things tropical plants and flowers.

This one’s for the gardeners.

But you just may find yourself in Heaven.

First stop… welcome to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.

I’ll be truthful. The first time I visited this magical spot, the lavender didn’t stop.

But this visit, it was pretty sparse, lavender wise. Is lavender done in December? Perhaps.

The bonus of course is, I’ll be showing you a lot more than lavender.

This secluded spot nests on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala, so as you can imagine, the view is pretty spectacular. There is no level spot in which to walk, so it really does throw your balance off some.

Even though the lavender part was a bit of a let down, the other plants and the view were not. Wandering through this beauty is just a lovely way to spend some quiet time.

Aren’t these pastel hues on these succulents spectacular?


This place is pretty unique. At first glance, you aren’t really sure if it’s a lavender farm, or greenhouse, or both. The grounds have meandering walking trails, and a tea house, with a rustic charm all its own.

While you won’t see lavishly manicured lawns here, the natural beauty of the plants do indeed shine.

BAM. See what I mean?

I mean, what in the WORLD… these flowers are works of art!

That isn’t even just a flower. It’s a complete flower AND home decor accessory. About the size of my head.


There was even a Lettuce Tree section.

Not really. I don’t know any of the plant names.

But I can name a mean pallet oil spill. Pure talent where it matters…

And just when I thought that was about it, this little meandering trail pointed in the direction of that cute little trellis. So I had to peek.

And this is where I found the most spectacular find of all.

GASP. Weak! I’m getting weak. I need this Secret Garden in my life so very much. I mean, the rustic chair, unique side table, dangling tree branches that never end…

I was so smitten with this spot, I uploaded these photos into my Society6 shop.

Oh right, I haven’t blogged about this yet! So I guess I am now. It’s relatively new.

For those of you asking about purchasing my prints, now you can! On paper, canvas, metal, and even mugs, clocks, note books, cards, and all kinds of things. How fun is that?

Visit my Society 6 shop HERE or anytime from my blog side bar via desktop

Moving right along…

Since I was already upcountry, a quick glance at the Google Map app indicated I was pretty close to Kula Botanical Gardens.

Never been! Let’s go!

It was another very natural walk.

But when the flowers decided to show up, they didn’t mess around.


Outstanding!

And thanks to my lovely readers, this is called Banksia!

If anyone else cares to ‘name that flower’, I’ll be watching over comments. 🙂




This tour is about a 45 minute walk. Lots of meandering paths that weave into each other. It’s very well planned, enabling you to walk through the maze without seeing the same thing twice.

But then the true stars of the show made a grand entrance… SO! GIDDY!





The infamous rainbow eucalyptus trees everyone raves about when they visit the road to Hana!

But I got it all right here. Oh my goodness. I had no idea.

Spectacular. I hugged them. And sat beside them. And I spun around, mesmerized, and SO! appreciative of where I was right at that moment. It’s just been a huge bucket list thing to see them!

My life was then complete.

Until next time…

And I did spot junk! A couple of broken pipes showcased spilling… succulents?


This was one beautiful, quiet, camera clicking, meandering path walking kinda day.

For the amount of times I’ve been to Maui, I’m always amazed how one can still find new things to see.

Sometimes I think my mantra here needs to be to write a guide book on thee things to do in this place.

But then again… I’d rather keep finding more. And keep sharing them with you. 🙂
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Other must sees in this general area…
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Do take the Haleakala Highway. It’s astonishingly beautiful!

Backroads to Hana and Grandma’s Coffee House – gorgeous!

Paia – and the yummy flat bread

Makawao – long johns at the bakery a must!

Twin Falls – the drive there is prettier than the stop
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You can visit ALL my travel posts HERE.