$1,744,717Average Value$1,010Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes For Sale
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.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rhonda Smith-Sanchez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Keokea Park
Kula Park
Rice Memorial Park-Kula
Sun Yat Sen Park
Haleakala National Park
Kulamalu Park
Transit
Airport
Kahului
24 min drive
Bus
Pueo Dr.
Bus
Pueo Dr. & Kula Hwy.
Bus
Pueo Dr. & Hi'ipali Lp.
Bus
Lauie Dr. & Ahulua St.
Bus
Ahulua St. & Pueo Dr.
Bus
L. Kula Rd. & Pulehunui Rd. (To Kula)
Bus
Ka'amana St. & Keanuhea St.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kula
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kula, HI sell after 114 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Kula, HI over the last 12 months is $1,719,323, down 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MUST SEE IN PERSON - Open House 05/03 11:00am - 5:00pm HST. Imagine greeting each day with unobstructed views of Maui’s North and South Shores, the majestic West Maui Mountains, and glimpses of Haleakala’s gentle slopes. This is life at 119 Ka Drive, set at about 2,605 feet above sea level in Kula Kai—a subdivision known for its desirable climate, welcoming neighbors, and strong sense of
This property is tucked away on the majestic slopes of Haleakala, in cool Upcountry Kula. The covered lanai boasts an amazing view of the Pacific, South Maui, and Ma'alaea. Can you imagine evenings that bring crisp air and spectacular year-round sunsets? If so, this could be the property for you! This classic 90's kama'aina home is in excellent original condition! With 3 bedrooms and equal
Exceptional opportunity to build in Upcountry Maui! Unit A of the Pueo Hills Condominium is a vacant CPR land unit offering Kula breezes, mountain views, and tranquil surroundings. This development-ready parcel comes with permitted plans for a 5-bedroom home and a fully installed 5-bedroom septic system—a rare advantage that fast-tracks your building timeline. Located within a peaceful two-unit
Epic Views, Elegant Living – Your Upcountry Dream Home Awaits Wake up to sunrises over majestic Haleakala and wind down with breathtaking bi-coastal sunsets—all from this spectacular 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home in one of Kula’s most coveted neighborhoods: Kulamanu. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautifully designed home offers refined Upcountry living with features like hardwood
Discover a rare opportunity to farm and live on a magnificent 35-acre bi-coastal view parcel in the heart of beautiful Lower Kula, Maui. Perfectly situated in one of the island’s most desirable microclimates, this property offers a unique blend of open space, privacy, and natural beauty. If you have a passion for farming, dream of raising horses, or simply crave the serenity of country living in
MAUI - Upper Kula view home; 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, large kitchen, built-in study, plus washer-dryer;$4,950/ month plus utilities (has PV electric and solar hot water). Very quiet; at 3500 ft. elevation, runs cold on winter nights & have heating for most of house.Located on small Protea farm; owners live on property in separate dwelling.Call or email for Application. Shown by
This newer single-story home, nestled on 1 acre of land, offers both privacy and tranquility, with breathtaking views and serene surroundings fronting expansive ranch land. It is situated at an elevation of 2,800ft. The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom layout is thoughtfully designed, with gorgeous hardwood floors flowing throughout. One of the bedrooms is currently utilized as a versatile flex space,
Bordering Haleakala ranch in Upper Kula, this classic single-level Kula home is set in a peaceful, rustic setting. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath layout with a spacious 700 sq. ft. primary bedroom and en-suite bathroom provide plenty of room. The open-concept kitchen with brand-new dishwasher features fresh butcher block counters to pair with the original countertop and 12-foot Hawaiian Cypress peninsula,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rhonda Smith-Sanchez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,953
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$88,569
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$125,586
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.2%
% Population in Labor Force
61.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
59°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
1/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
