Maui’s first lavender farm, Ali’I Kula Lavender, is a sustainable work of art situated in the beautiful upcountry hills of the lush island.

Nestled into the hills of Kula in upcountry Maui sits Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, an impeccable canvas and feast for the eyes which functions as an herb farm, vegetable and flower garden, and serene sanctuary. With views over the Maalea Bay, this is the perfect place to relax away from the posh imitations of Hawai’i found at most beachside resorts. As a purveyor of Sustainable Aloha, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is founded on love, friendship and responsibility, thus demonstrating the importance of our relationship with the land, our community and each other; and representing the legacy of one of Maui’s finest green thumbs.

Ali’i Chang established his Kula farm in 1999 after having owned a successful tropical flower farm on the rainier side of Maui. On his new land he first planted protea, or sugar bush, the South African flower that was known to thrive in the area, and soon began researching other plants that would thrive in the more arid, hilly landscapes. He was given a lavender plant by a friend in 2001, and thus discovered the perfect match for his Kula farm. As a drought resistant plant, lavender does not mind the average 25 inches of annual rainfall, and loves to bask in the full sun of the well-drained, south facing slopes of this Kula hillside.

This herb is in fact one of the most ideal plants for a sustainable and fairly low maintenance crop that provides an impressive yield. The plant needs very little watering, as it seeps in the moisture that often settles on the Kula hills in the late afternoon, and like most herbs, actually thrives in poorer soil. As a rather acidic plant, insects do not like to nibble on lavender, rendering sprays and fertilizers obsolete. As a native of Europe, lavender is also not subject to the gleaning eye of plant thieves, that were often after more colorful and exotic greenery. As the late Ali’i himself put it “I think the lavender chose me. Lavender won’t grow just anywhere. It happens that we’re right here under a lucky star.”

The nine varieties of this aromatic and therapeutic herb grown at the farm are turned into various delicious and healing products that are sold at the AKL’s gift shop, as well as online. These products are completely natural, using organic ingredients whenever possible. Some of their most rejuvenating and delectable products are listed below:

1. Organic Lavender Gardener’s Lotion

Soothing and enriching, this moisturizer acts as a natural insect repellant that quickly soothes dry skin and calms the nerves with subtle aromas of citronella and lavender. Non-greasy, and long lasting moisture make this a favorite among both men and women.

2. Lavender Lip Balm

This amazingly soothing balm heals cracked or dry lips, and also acts as a sunscreen. Leaving lips feeling soft and smooth, the two flavors, Lavender Lemonade and Lavender Honey, blend pure lavender, essential oils and avocado and coconut oils into for totally pampered lips.

3. Organic Lavender Honey Scrub

Treat yourself to a blissful exfoliation with AKL’s lavender honey scrub that heals and polishes your skin into a glowing, satiny smoothness. The natural, gentle and grease-free ingredients make this scrub ideal for the face and body.

4. Lavender Eye Mask

Having a hard time sleeping or getting to a place of deep relaxation? Use this lavender eye mask, comprising solely of lavender buds, to relieve eye muscle stress, headaches or head tension, or to experience a deep, restful sleep. The soothing and calming qualities of lavender will relax and calm your senses.

5. Lavender Herb Tea

Completely herbal, this caffeine-free tea is great for any season, as it tastes wonderful served hot or cold, especially with a wedge of lemon. Alongside its delicious flavor, this tea also aids blood circulation, digestion and encourages mental clarity and heightened memory.

6. Lavender Lilikoi Jelly

Lilikoi, the Hawai’ian passion fruit grown in upcountry Maui, blends perfectly with lavender in this tangy and versatile  spread. An exotic and unique topping for scones, bagels and breads, this jelly also lends itself well to marinades, grilling sauces and other savory dishes such as Avocados Stuffed with Shrimp.

Although lavender is the main crop at Ali’I Kula, it is certainly not the only plant gracing this carpet of botanical beauty. Ali’I took great pride on providing visitors with an ever-changing vista of wonders by planting flora that would thrive with the resources available in his hillsides and by including fascinating artifacts and collectibles from his travels amidst the landscape.

As a community and organization committed to Sustainable Aloha, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is committed to nurturing the well-being of the local community and all of its living creatures for generations to come. The farm provides educational stewardship through a scholarship program, and supports the local economy through agri-tourism that demonstrates a sustainable way of gardening and living. Upon visiting, the spirit of Aloha can be felt from the smiles upon faces and through the cared for, but not overly manicured, gorgeous and peaceful grounds. Respect for the earth and the environment is evident and Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm, a paradise that truly nurtures and protects the land and its people.

Images: AKL Maui, Leena Oijala

The post Sustainable Aloha at Maui’s Organic Lavender Farm appeared first on EcoSalon.

When I was a girl, toners were part of the Great Unknown. The Great Unknown also included things like sunscreens, antioxidants and men who may or may not be just that into you.

Then I moved to Hollywood and discovered what it meant to live in sunlight 360 days of the year. I was sucked into a vortex of skin care obsession, the levels of which were only recently matched by the Great Cupcake Debates of ’07.  (Sprinkles vs. Magnolia – has there ever been such an important issue at hand?)

Back to toners – what are they and why should we use them?

Aesthetician Kjerstin Nomad of Orange County, Calif., informs me that toners are used to restore your skin’s natural pH  levels. And it is your pH levels that protect your skin against harmful influences like sun, pollution and stress.  Toners are to be used right after cleansing and just before moisturizing.  They also tighten the skin’s pores and remove cosmetic residue.

For a product designed to restore your skin’s natural balance, organic is important. Here’s a list of our favorite green skin toners.

Organic Lavender Toner by Kimberly Sayer

Designed for sensitive skin, this gentle toner contains only purified water and organic Lavender Flowers harvested in Northern California. This product will reduce redness and irritation. If you have problems like rosacea, they even suggest applying toner-soaked pads to your face. It has a fantastic, light lavender scent, and it left my face feeling tight but fresh. If you are new to toners, this is a great product to start with.

Balance Facial Toner by Leaf People Naturals

Best for combination skin, this is a clean, light product that is about as natural as they come. Balance Facial Toner is made with aloe vera gel, witch hazel, green tea and other organic ingredients. It also leaves you with a subtle green tea scent that lasts. Leaf People is a great little company that puts an emphasis on product, not packaging. They support organic and biodynamic farming, ethical wild harvesting and fair trade.

Kiss My Face Balancing Act Toner

Great for normal skin, this low-priced product provides some bang for your buck. It has a fruity scent – grapefruit is the dominating sensory experience here – so don’t be surprised if you start attracting bees after application. It contains certified organic grapefruit, orange, ginger and lemon balm essential oils and extracts, as well as antioxidants like Ester C to help fight aging. Cruelty-free, Kiss My Face contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors or unnecessary chemicals.

SpaRitual Eloquent Toner

This is formulated for dry skin. It is made with Australian tea tree oil, which gives it a refreshing scent. The product leaves your skin feeling tight and hydrated. SpaRitual comes outfitted with a cool spray nozzle that lets you mist yourself and complete the mini-spa experience. Made from natural botanicals, it is 100% vegan and paraben-free.

The post Skincare Review: Best Organic Skin Toners appeared first on EcoSalon.