Kula Kupe'e, 2011

The road through Kula has a wealth of scenic beauty almost any time of year, but springtime is particularly inspiring. The orange blossoms of silky oaks play among the lavender jacarandas along Haleakala's winding ascent. Some of the bends in the road reveal breathtaking groupings of flowering trees. It's as if the mountain has put on its finest jewelry. The Hawaiian translation of kupe'e is bracelet or anklet, which seemed fitting for this cluster of trees at the foot of the mountain.