Signaling springtime on Maui are my favorite trees, Jacarandas. Originating in Central and South America along with the Caribbean, they’ve now been spread throughout numerous tropical and sub-tropical climates around the globe, especially in South East Asia. It is believed that the trees were introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800’s and planted on the slopes of Maui by Portuguese ranchers.
Thanks to efforts by Maui’s first Mayor Elmer Cravalho, rows of these beautiful trees line the roads Upcountry. Raised in Kula’s Keokea area and of Portuguese descent, Cravalho worked as a legislator in the 1950’s to direct the planting of jacarandas along the Kula and Pukalani highways.
The name jacaranda means “fragrant” in Guarani, an indigenous language widely spoken in South America. Jacaranda mimosifolia are the variety best known Upcountry. All along the landscape, bright purple blooms stand out against the greenery. Blossoms rain down until there is a colorful ring completely covering the ground around the base of the trees and even in places on the roadway.
Jacaranda season begins in Spring. Lower elevations tend to bloom first with Makawao and Pukalani in full splendor in April. The colorful display works its way up the slopes of Haleakala, with Kula and Keokea blooming from April into May.
Here on Maui, the arrival of purple blossoms means lots of photographers and painters will be parked on the sides of the roads, vying for the perfect angle on many of the trees. Drive carefully during peak season as tourists and locals alike can be seen walking near the highway to get their own photo of a lifetime.