The Hawaiian islands are known for their perfect climate, aloha spirit, and heaven, here on earth scenery. What many visitors fail to see is the rural “up-country” on the western facing slopes of Maui. If you traverse the twisting Haleakala Highway you will experience many micro-climates with the change in elevation. The “Maui vortex” brings amazing vegetation and scenery. While touring the Kula Botanical Gardens I found this isolated patch of blue Hydrangeas bathed in a blanket of light.