Hale O Kauka Healing Garden is located on a little over one acre near the North shore in Haiku surrounding the original home of Maui’s first plantation doctor, built circa 1870. The home, situated in the center of the garden, has been called a “house of healing” for over 100 years.
The property’s history unfolds from ancient paths streaming daily life from Haleakala and upcountry, through missionary settlements, and early pineapple and sugar cane plantations to today’s modern mix of sustainability and next generation science of green practices and ecofriendly living.
One of the first land grants (Grant #121), this property was deeded to Rev. Armstrong, who arrived in Hawaii and Maui in the 1830’s. Armstrong was the first African American missionary. He later became the minister of Education appointed by the King to oversee the education system of the Territory of Hawaii.
Majestic Norfolk pines line the property’s front boundary and were established during the plantation days well over 100 years ago. The trees not only marked the old path from a distance, but also the property boundaries of several working families within the plantation. As you turn up Haiku Road from mile marker 11 on Hana Hwy these trees bring you past the old mill, the original Baldwin Home, the plantation manager’s house and ending here at the old doctor’s home. The Norfolks were selected and planted to serve as a very rare commodity in the island chain to replace ship masts. Today many of these original old trees still survive and stand tall and grand here at Hale O Kauka Healing Garden; beside century old palm trees and a garden of local fruits and ancient medicinal plants.
The doctor’s home was constructed in the old Hawaiian plantation style but with one distinct difference, it has two doors off the main lanai – one for the doctor’s family to enter their home and another for farm workers to enter the doctor’s office and exam room. There are built-in shelves lining the original doctor’s office to hold glass apothecary jars and medicinal tinctures. The entire home is constructed of pine and Douglas Fir that was imported on huge sailing vessels.
The property was home to Haikuleana Sanctuary, a healing center and private residence of late author Ralph Blum who wrote several books on the ancient language of Runes and his wife Jeanne, a medical intuitive, massage therapist and author of Woman Heal Thy Self. According to locals, familiar with the Blums and the property, Ralph and Jeanne hosted retreat guests and short-term visitors seeking healing in their sanctuary.
For 30 years the home was operated as the Haikuleana Bed & Breakfast and later as Haiku Plantation Inn, the original Bed and Breakfast on Maui’s north side. It was the first to gain Special use permits through the State of Hawaii and County of Maui for a legal operating bed and breakfast back in 1986 and again first in the industry to regain and pass through a permitting system established in 2009, holding in the distinction of being the first bed and breakfast to gain permits to operate under the new ordinances established for B&Bs.
The property is home to upcountry’s oldest mango tree, over a century old, it is a giant of a tree that still stands proud and welcomes guests upon arrival. Jen is working with a local botanical gardener and arborist to refine the current farm plan and continue cultivating the avocado leaf tea and harvesting the Olu (breadfruit), three varieties of avocado, red grapefruit, papaya, mangoes, cashew and heirloom bananas, lilikoi, medicinal noni and ackee fruits established on the property. The property is also home to many ferral chickens and a fish and frog pond teaming with life under the canopy of trees next to the house.
Haiku is on the North side of the island of Maui. It lies on the edge of a rain forest along the road to Hana – the most secluded and remote part of the Hawaiian island. Hale O Kauka Healing Garden is located about a mile from the famous Jaws surf break near Paia town and Mamma’s Fish House. It is also neighbor to the Temple of Peace Healing Sanctuary which holds spiritually rooted talks and gatherings for locals and travelers to Haiku as well as a day spa booked by the hour for individuals or small groups.
Agritourism is Especially Important on Maui. It helps to sustain the local upcountry farmers – where you will find fruit stands, a weekly farmer’s market, rural country stores, quaint restaurants featuring fresh local products, and of course several farm tours where you can meet the locals and experience everything from lavender to goat milk ice-cream and cheese production.
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