An island paradise
Those looking for the higher heart of Maui head upcountry to gorgeous Kula. Kula isn't in demand for a two-block walk to restaurant row or every convenience at your fingertips. The vast grasslands and cooler temps here indulge cravings to grow, garden, farm and enjoy an extraordinary sense of peace. Kula is graced with gems not found on the coast, from herb and flower growers to an organic distillery and coffee farms. It’s no wonder that Kula’s elevation and seclusion made it the perfect site for the Haleakala High Altitude Observatory, one of the world’s most important solar observatories. This special place in Kula, not open to the public, is operated by the University of Hawaii for research, education and intentional star gazing. In pockets of Kula, homes gather on cul-de-sacs, but they aren’t cookie-cutter. You’ll find nicely maintained single- and two-story standalone homes along Kalihi Place, Alanui Place and Kai Nana Place, near Kula Elementary School, some with bicoastal views. Also within walking distance from this neighborhood is the quaint Morihara grocery store, a Kula staple for produce and pantry goods. In August of 2023, wildfires on Maui left 30 homes in Kula destroyed. A community-led effort to rebuild from the devastation brought the community together. Crews of residents spearheaded clean-up efforts as locals tried to rebuild from the blazes.
Large lots
As with many Hawaiian names, “kula” has several meanings, including gold, as well as pasture or open country — a fitting name for the feeling it cultivates. In Kula, homes are removed from oceanside tourist action. Residents drive rather than bike to the beach, however, Kula residents escape by sharing their landscape with abundant wildlife and vibrant Jacaranda trees. Mino McLean, Kula resident and Realtor/broker with Island Sotheby's International Realty, says, "I call Kula a golden zone, because not only does kula mean golden, it's extremely desirable for its pleasant climate, light winds and drought-resistant topography. And if you're moving here from California or Colorado, homebuyers are finding they can get so much more land than they had for the same price point in those areas." Unlike other Maui destination communities, Kula isn’t designed to closely stack condominiums; and you won’t find homogeneous gated communities. Homes here are rich in acreage. Single-family homes are more affordable than beachfront properties because upcountry remains on the undeveloped side. Homes can range from $817,000 to $8 million. The CAP Index crime score for Kula is 1 out of 10, which is 3 points below the national average of 4 out of 10.
A school with a bi-coastal view
Public school students living here can walk to Kula Elementary School, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche. Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate School has a C-plus grade and King Kekaulike High School has a B-plus. Right next to Kula Elementary, residents enjoy a new playground at Kula Park, blessed by county leaders in a community grand opening ceremony in the fall of 2022.
An Italian trattoria-style atmosphere
Kula Bistro is a popular choice for dining out all day. The eatery serves breakfast, pasta, pizza and local cuisine in a comfortable Italian trattoria-style atmosphere. And although Kula Bistro's been the go-to for quite some time, McLean says, "the Kulamalu Town Center offers dining options just 5 or 10 minutes from home. Their food truck selection combines permanent and rotating options including pizza, vegan food, Thai, cookies and even a fish shack. And right next door is a chic new restaurant called Marlow, where patrons can enjoy artisan woodfired and sourdough pizzas."
Great place for nature to thrive
The landscape in Kula is replete with native and agricultural gems, such as the Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm. At Ali’l Kula, visitors can stroll paved and earthen pathways among exotic blossoms, stopping at gazebos to capture long-distance shore views. This is a lovely place to sip lavender tea or pick up lavender scones and unique gifts. For those who prefer coffee over tea, make plans to visit Kupa’a Organic Farm, famous for its private Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours. For quality spirits, head to Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery, for a tasting and tour of the 80-acre farm. The family-owned Kula Botanical Garden is where locals and vacationers can explore 8 acres of stunning terrain, including waterfalls, rock formations, a covered bridge, a koi pond and a carved tiki exhibit. Visitors can relax on the deck at the gift and snack shop and bask in the upcountry views.
2023 fires create daunting challenges
McClean had a front-row seat to the disaster as one of the first homes to catch fire was 500 yards from her home. “We’ll be better at the end of this,” she says. Her home was spared because the neighbor’s home crashed down a ditch, preventing the blaze from spreading to her home. “I did lose 40% of my shingles and the fence was damaged,” she explains. “It was a perfect storm of events. The windy conditions (80 knots) and dry air had an effect.” Additionally, in the aftermath, water was contaminated for 3 months following the fires. “Three months of cold showers,” she says. She estimates that it will take 5 years for the homes to all be rebuilt, with costs hovering at $500 to $600 per square foot. The newest challenge is costs — there is a labor shortage, which is driving up construction costs and construction materials are in high demand with not enough to go around.
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
