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
Tyler Coons,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Haiku-Pauwela, HI sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Haiku-Pauwela, HI over the last 12 months is $1,600,000, up 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 50 Eono Place where refined design meets the tranquility of Upcountry living. This newly renovated 5 bedroom, 3 bath Haiku estate offers a rare blend of modern luxury, effortless comfort, and serene island living, complemented by flexible living space to suit a variety of lifestyles. Featuring top of the line finishes, architectural enhancements throughout, and thoughtfully integrated
Perched on a sweeping green slope with panoramic ocean and mountain views, this award-winning Haiku retreat blends modern architecture with the serene elegance of a high-end sanctuary. Designed by renowned firm SEE Architecture, the home draws inspiration from iconic museums like the Getty and Venice Guggenheim, mid-century modern design, and the quiet refinement of luxury retreat spaces. Behind
Discover an exceptional opportunity in one of Haiku's most sought-after neighborhoods. This CPR Unit A lot showcases expansive ocean and mountain views, with commanding vantage points of the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala. Positioned atop a gently elevated hill, the lot enjoys an open, unobstructed outlook and a peaceful, private setting. Located within a gated community, the property features
A private 2.2-acre compound in Haiku with expansive forested outlooks, ocean and mountain views. Accessed via a long driveway off a cul-de-sac and set behind an electric gate, the property offers a strong sense of arrival and privacy. The total covered space spans approximately 2,750 square feet. The main residence offers 1,008 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Haiku on the North Shore of Maui, this tropical sanctuary is perched on the side of a gulch with peekaboo views of the Pacific Ocean. As you step into the home, expansive floor to ceiling windows beckon you into the enchanting splendor of the surroundings. The soaring open beam ceilings and custom tiger wood floors combined with an open floor plan create the
Welcome to 1949 W Kuiaha Rd: a rare opportunity to acquire a one of a kind, legacy Maui country estate within one of the most beautiful microclimates of all the Hawaiian islands. On 39 acres of pristine land, two skillfully crafted homes look out onto expansive, gently sloping green pastures with full panoramic ocean views. Enjoy tranquil ocean, garden & mountain views from the entire downstairs
Beyond the end of a private driveway, 41 Leleaka Place offers rare privacy with expansive ocean views from nearly every room. The large, upgraded kitchen is centered in the home and designed for both cooking and gathering. Separated living spaces provide flexibility—ideal for extended family, guests, or creative uses, all enjoying the private tropical setting with ocean views. An oversized 4-bay
More fun per square foot than any property on Maui. Wake up every day to your own private, resort-style oasis featuring a 25'x40' free-form saline pool with a jacuzzi, water slide, jumping rocks, sauna, outdoor shower, stone fire pit, and tiki bar. When you’re not swimming, jumping, sliding, sweating or otherwise enjoying this tropical 2-acre estate you’ll be embraced by a 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom
Welcome to 420 Haumana Rd. An investor's dream located on Maui's North Shore. Set on six-plus lush acres in Haiku, this rare offering delivers land, ocean views and unlimited potential. Easy access down Haumana's paved road, a genuine rarity in Haiku where so many parcels sit at the end of rough gravel roads. Terraced areas, open spaces, interior roadways, and three separate driveways along
Welcome to your private oasis at 4345 Waha Place! Nestled on 2 usable, level acres just off Hana Highway, this exceptional property offers unparalleled privacy and tranquility. The newly renovated two-story main residence features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, thoughtfully updated with modern comfort and timeless style. Beautiful hardwood flooring flows throughout the home. Fresh interior
One of only two remaining lots for sale in Pe'ahi Farms and construction of new homes is currently underway. Lot 9 at Pe‘ahi Farms is a prime 13.241-acre parcel with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Careful planning integrates just 16 custom estate sites centered around agricultural open space. Set atop 130 ft. bluffs at Opana Point, at the
Welcome to 820 W. Kuiaha Road, one of the North Shore’s most spectacular view settings. Tucked away along a private paved lane just off W. Kuiaha Road and located at 800 feet above sea level, this thoughtfully updated home captures sweeping ocean vistas, panoramic views of Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, and even Molokai on clear days. Filled with natural light, cooling trade breezes, and
Set on 2 acres of lush, tropical grounds, this is a gorgeous private, ocean view Haiku estate that offers a rare combination of space, flexibility, and luxury. The main home has warm wood finishes, exposed beam ceilings, and an open layout that brings in natural light all around. The craftsmanship throughout is immediately felt—from the solid wood flooring underfoot to the custom details that
Very spacious , large, 2 bedroom / 1 bathroom home WITH amazing extra large space downstairs, perfect for an artist studio, workshop, tool room, work room or gym. HUGE yard with shady trees. House interior has just been painted, beautiful wood kitchen and a brand new roof!!!!Did I mention the privacy and views!!!! NO SMOKING.
Charming 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Haiku Cottage with Ocean ViewsExperience the charm of this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage in Haiku, available November 1 (with the possibility of an October 1 availability).Offering approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of interior living space plus a 500 sq. ft. covered lanai, this home provides about 1,500 sq. ft. of comfortable indoor/outdoor living. Enjoy
Enjoy peaceful Ha?iku living in this fully furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath ohana located in a quiet, scenic North Shore setting. Conveniently located near Ha?iku town, Pa?ia, Jaws Country Store, and Ho?okipa, this home offers a comfortable retreat while still providing easy access to nearby shops, restaurants, and beaches.Rent: $2,700/month – utilities includedProperty
Charming 1-bedroom cottage in Haiku with a private lanai and lush garden setting, offering cool trade-wind breezes and a peaceful, comfortable living environment. The living room looks out onto a tropical forest backdrop, allowing you to enjoy nature from the comfort of home. An ideal space for those seeking a quiet, long-term residence in a serene tropical setting.Tenant to cover
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