Ali'i Kula Lavender

On the slopes of the majestic Haleakala, sits a place of renewal, rest and rejuvenation. The 45 different varieties of lavender that are grown in the gardens of Ali`i Kula Lavender, create a moving sea of purple as you wander through these “secret places” that are lovingly maintained by Ali`i Chang and his wonderful staff as they welcome you to this place of beauty.

The unique, earthy scent of lavender appeals to many people. Its versatility allows it to be used to create lotions, candles, foods, perfumes as well as having antiseptic properties. Best known for its aromatherapy benefits of relieving stress, insomnia and easing tension, lavender also has a long history of herbal healing to its credit. New medical research into the properties of one type of lavender is currently being considered by scientists. Perillyl alcohol, a distillate of Lavendula angustifolia, is being studied for preventing and treating various cancers (breast, ovarian, pancreatic, liver, prostate). Researchers at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) found that rats given this extract experienced a reversal in the growth of advanced mammary tumors. Other studies have shown that additional parts of the lavender flower may assist in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. And the essential oils of lavender is used extensively across Europe, topically and internally, for ills ranging from sunburn to digestive problems. A clinical trial conducted in Scotland in 1998 found that lavender oil appeared to slow some types of hair loss (alopecia areata).

Ali`i’s first foray into the world of lavender began when he decided to look for a plant that was drought tolerant, and as well as one that could survive in poor soil. He conducted 90% of his research on lavender utilizing Internet sources before embarking on his journey to create his expansive lavender farm which covers more than 12 acres. Mr. Chang also uses the Internet and related technologies to expand his business beyond the shores of Maui. The supplies and materials that are used to produce some of Ali`i’s lavender products, have been sought out and obtained through research done on the Internet, and an increasingly large portion of his sales come in through the farm’s website (www.aliikulalavender.com). Currently offering over 50 lavender based products, future plans include expansion into the production of olives, and olive oil. 100 olive trees were found and purchased thorough a supplier in Santa Cruz who first came to Ali`i’s attention through the world wide web.

It is important to note, that while the demand for lavender products from Ali`i’s farm has increased exponentially, Ali`i and his staff are dedicated to the principals of contributing positively to their community, environment, and planet. They regularly attend business summits and farmer’s markets in order to share their knowledge with other local farmers on the benefits of value added items and other techniques that have helped them succeed in today’s business environment. Ali`i credits his company’s rapid expansion to “word of mouth” advertising from people who have visited his gardens, as well as the use of technology like the Internet. Starting with a staff of three people in 2003, Ali`i Kula Lavender now employs 20 staff members including a full time web developer/marketer. How sweet it is!

For more information about Ali'i Kula Lavender, visit their website at: www.aliikulalavender.com