Upper Ulumalu Ahupua'a, Maui

The Upper Ulumalu Ahupuaʻa lies on the windward (east-facing) slopes of East Maui near Haʻikū and Huelo transition zones, where rainfall is significantly higher than Upcountry or leeward districts. This landscape is defined by gulch forests, agroforestry plots, abandoned plantation remnants, bamboo stands, and dense mixed tropical vegetation.

Honey from this region is typically lighter, more floral, and highly aromatic, shaped by continuous bloom cycles and a strong presence of tropical fruit trees, native forest species, and invasive flowering plants that have become key nectar sources.

Character of Upper Ulumalu Honey

Honey from Upper Ulumalu is typically light golden to medium amber, highly aromatic, and intensely floral-fruity in character. It reflects the lush windward environment where native forest species, invasive fruiting plants, and agroforestry species overlap.

Common tasting notes include lehua floral resin, guava fruit sweetness, macadamia creaminess, and tropical vine florals. The result is a honey that is lush, bright, and highly expressive of East Maui’s wet forest ecology.

In regional comparison, Upper Ulumalu honey sits firmly in the windward rainforest–agroforestry honey class, characterized by continuous bloom diversity and high nectar complexity driven by layered forest structure.

Taste the Forest

Top Honey-Producing Plants of the Upper Ulumalu Ahupuaʻa Region, Maui. Our bees are thriving on these sources of nourishment.

Banana Poka

Scientific Name: Passiflora tarminiana
Hawaiian/Common Name: Banana Poka

Banana poka is a vigorous climbing vine common in disturbed gulches and forest edges throughout Ulumalu. Its striking flowers are heavily visited by honey bees when in bloom.

Bloom Season: Spring through summer.

Contribution to Honey:

Moderate but widespread nectar source
Produces light, fragrant honey
Tropical, slightly tangy floral notes
Enhances aromatic complexity in blended honeys

Ecological Notes:
As an invasive vine, banana poka spreads across canopy gaps and contributes significantly to nectar availability in windward gulch systems.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

Scientific Name: Metrosideros polymorpha
Hawaiian Name: ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

ʻŌhiʻa is the foundational native nectar tree of Hawaiian forests and remains a critical honey plant in upper Ulumalu’s intact and semi-intact forest zones. Its brilliant red lehua blossoms provide consistent nectar access across much of the year.

Bloom Season: Year-round with strong seasonal pulses.

Contribution to Honey:

Major native nectar source
Produces light, golden honey
Delicate floral, slightly resinous forest aroma
Defines the “native forest” character of windward honey

Macadamia Nut

Scientific Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Common Name: Macadamia Nut Tree

Macadamia trees are widespread in homesteads and former plantation plantings throughout Upper Ulumalu. Their flowering provides a highly attractive nectar and pollen source during spring.

Bloom Season: Spring.

Contribution to Honey:

High-quality nectar flow
Produces light, smooth honey
Soft nutty, creamy floral notes
Adds richness and body to multifloral honey

Ecological Notes:
Macadamia often bridges agricultural and forest-edge ecosystems, making it an important connector species in the landscape.

Strawberry Guava

Scientific Name: Psidium cattleianum
Hawaiian/Common Name: Waiawī

Strawberry guava is one of the most important nectar plants in windward East Maui. In Upper Ulumalu it forms dense stands in disturbed forest and gulch edges, producing abundant white blossoms.

Bloom Season: Spring through summer, often with extended flowering.

Contribution to Honey:

Extremely strong nectar source
Produces light to medium amber honey
Fruity, tropical, slightly jam-like aroma
Major driver of windward multifloral honey production

Ecological Notes:
Although invasive, waiawī is deeply integrated into bee forage systems throughout East Maui.