On the north shore of Maui, Haiku-Pauwela has long been famous for its monster waves that attract thrill-seekers from far and wide. Pe’ahi beach on the area’s Kapakaulua Point has some of the biggest waves in the world, while nearby Ho’okipa Beach is sometimes considered the birthplace of modern surfing. While Haiku-Pauwela is still known for its big waves, its plentiful land and large trees have attracted a population looking for a relaxed vibe. “In Haiku, we have the Pe’ahi, or the Jaws Break, which produces 50-foot waves, and so we would get tons of big wave surfers and windsurfers,” says Sailor Bockius of Coldwell Banker, a north shore native. “Recently, more people have moved further away from the shore to larger homes for the peace and quiet.” The census-designated area has a population of 8,500 spread over 19 square miles. Small, locally owned businesses and schools are interspersed throughout lush, forested areas.
Rural Haiku is dotted with old plantation homes, small farms, and off-the-grid properties surrounded by dense greenery and winding roads.
Many residents grow their own fruits and vegetables, taking advantage of the fertile volcanic soil and consistent rainfall.
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Surfing at Ho'okipa Beach Park
Big wave surfers come from all around to take on Jaws. Access to the waves is limited, as surfers need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access the water. Locals can view the break from the Pe’ahi Overlook, a series of cliffs located about 150 feet above the ocean. Nearby Ho’okipa Beach Park has been a surfing haven since the 1930s, and the Makawao Forest Reserve Mountain Biking Trails are popular with novices and experts. The reserve has eight separate trails ranging in length and difficulty through the Makawao Forest. Other trails are open for horseback riding and hiking. The most popular hiking trail is the Kahakapao Loop Trail, a 6-mile hike open to leashed pets. The 40-acre 4th Marine Division Memorial Park has baseball and soccer fields for youth sports, a playground and plenty of open green space.
Ho‘okipa Beach Park, located just west of Haiku, is renowned for its consistent surf breaks like Pavilions and Middles, making it a favorite among both surfers and spectators.
Surfing conditions near Haiku are influenced by seasonal swells, with winter months bringing larger waves, making it an ideal time for experienced surfers to visit.
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Homes with room for a garden
While condos and townhouses are popular in Hawaii, Haiku-Pauwela has only single-family homes. The median price for a single-family home in town is $1.6 million. “People come here to have a bit more land, and most of the properties have at least an acre,” says Bockius. “A lot of people have little gardens and grow their own vegetables.” Homes range from large plantation-style builds to traditional ranch-style homes to massive mansions with ocean and mountain views. Houses are secluded by mature trees and sit on quiet, private roads off the beaten path.
Many homes in Haiku are situated on large lots or agricultural land, offering privacy and panoramic views of Maui’s lush countryside.
Haiku’s elevated position on the North Shore gives it cooler temperatures and more rainfall than many other parts of Maui, making it ideal for tropical farming and lush gardens.
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Shopping at Upcountry Farmers Market
While shopping and dining options are limited in Haiku-Pauwela, there is a small shopping center along Kauhikoa Road with a supermarket, a butcher shop and a handful of local restaurants. “There’s also a fitness center, and it’s kind of the epicenter of town,” says Bockius. “And it has Nuka, a sushi place that is in my opinion the best on the island.” Other options include boutique markets and grocery shops along Highway 36 and a selection of cafes and bakeries. While there is not much nightlife in Haiku-Pauwela, the area does have a brewery and a wine bar. The Upcountry Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning; shoppers can find locally sourced coffee, nuts and fresh caught fish. There are a few art galleries, surf shops and boutique clothing stores scattered throughout town, but for more extensive shopping, locals travel 15 miles down the road to Kahului.
The Upcountry Farmers Market in Maui is a vibrant community gathering held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani.
This market offers a diverse selection of fresh, locally grown organic produce, tropical flowers, and prepared foods from various cuisines.
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King Kekaulike High's performing arts center
Kids in the area attend Haiku Elementary School, which has a B-minus Niche grade. Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate School also has a B-minus ranking and a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio. King Kekaulike High School holds a B-plus grade and was ranked as the 2nd-best public high school in Maui. The high school opened in 1995, and in 2018, construction was completed on a $35 million performing arts center that seats over 400 people. All three schools are under the Hawaii Department of Education.
Educational options in the area often reflect the values of sustainability, local culture, and hands-on learning, appealing to families looking for a holistic approach to education.
Students in middle and high school typically attend Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate School or King Kekaulike High School, both located in the upcountry town of Pukalani.
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Driving down Highway 36
Locals can take Highway 36 for 13 miles to the Kahului Airport, the largest on the island. Just a few minutes down the road is downtown Kahului, Maui’s retail and dining capital. Residents can get around the island on the Maui Bus Public Transit System. The Maui Memorial Medical Center, Haiku-Pauwela’s closest hospital is also located in Kahului.
Haiku is known for its rural charm and laid-back lifestyle, attracting artists, surfers, and those seeking a slower pace of life.
The area is a favorite among wellness seekers, with numerous retreat centers, massage therapists, and holistic health practitioners.
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Written By
John Moyer
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Charlie Schlather,
an experienced agent in this area.
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