Pukalani

Identified by a blend of the Hawaiian word, hali’i, for “blanket” and a fragrant shrub or “maile,” Hali’imaile’s fields of natural vegetation and pineapple farms reach far and wide. This Maui countryside is punctuated by residential hamlets, making this area especially suburban. Expanding around the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Hali’imaile Road, Hali’imaile has plenty of space for bed and breakfasts, retreat centers and local distilleries across the rich volcanic soil of its upcountry terrain. “Folks here appreciate a sense of space and a more rural lifestyle, with a nod to the paniolo culture of old Hawaii,” says Tabatha Patel, a member of the Debbie Arakaki team who has lived in Maui for the last 20 years. “You get blue skies and fresh air.” This Hawaiian rancher history stays alive through the freshly-sourced food and alcohol served at most of Pukalani’s local diners. The winding, narrow residential streets in Hali’imaile lead to a mix of 1970s bungalows with gabled rooflines and attached garages for slightly less than $1 million. Larger, more contemporary styles can go for more than $1 million. Newer constructions and custom-designed estates on 2- to 14-acre country-style lots, some with pools and floor-to-ceiling windows can start around $3 million and rise to $6 million. There are also several lots, ranging from 10 to 20 acres, with scenic pastural views available for purchase around $1.5 million. Visitors and locals of the island enjoy tours of the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm – on Hali’imaile’s south side – to learn pineapple cultivation techniques. Next door, Hali’imaile Distilling Company refines authentic Hawaiian spirits, and the Waikulu Distillery makes crisp 100% Maui-grown blue agave spirits. makes Hali’imaile. Situated steps away, Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast is hidden in 2 acres under Banyan and Monkeypod trees. Also in this area is the Maui Veterans Cemetery. With surf and turf cuisine sourced from Hawaiian farmers, fishermen and ranchers, dinners at Hali’imaile General Store will likely require a reservation. This longstanding establishment and Maui must-see located in the pineapple fields of Haleakala’s lower slopes grew from a camp store in the ‘20s, to a gourmet deli in the late ‘80s, to a treasured farm-to-table restaurant. “Casual staples include the Pukalani Superette, call the Puk-Sup by locals, which serves shoyu chicken, kalua pork and cabbage, just to name a few favorites,” Patel says. “Komoda Store and Bakery has been around for more than 100 years. They’re known for their cream puffs and malasadas.” She also mentions Marlow and Makawao Public House as new hot spots for dinner and cocktails. "There's also Casanova, which has been around for a while and has a great nightlife scene," Patel says. Grocery errands require a drive to Pukalani Foodland the smaller Rodeo General Store in Makawao. “The Upcountry Farmers Market is full of local flavor and atmosphere. Great food, great finds,” Patel adds. Students in Hali’imaile travel to public schools in nearby Makawao, starting at Makawao Elementary, which receives a B-minus Niche grade. They can then move up to a 12-1 student-teacher ratio at Kalama Intermediate, graded a C-plus by Niche before advancing to King Kekaulike High, which Niche grades a B-plus and ranks as the No. 3 best public high school in Maui. “Some parents might choose private schools, like Seabury Hall,” Patel says. “It’s very distinguished. The historic campus is beautiful with majestic views. And they offer a full range of athletics and extracurriculars.” More non-public school options include Malama Montessori Upcountry, Haleakala Waldorf High School and Carden Academy. Residents in the Hali’imaile Village subdivision can walk to Hali’imaile Park to picnic under the trees, play on the outdoor athletic fields and courts or join a game of pickup in the indoor gym. “Nearby, equestirans, hikers and cyclists use the trails at Makawao Forest Reserve,” Patel says. “There’s also the Upcountry Dog Park and the public Pukalani Country Club.” In general, folks will need a vehicle to get around Maui. Haleakala Highway, or Highway 37, is a two-lane road that runs along the west side as one of the main thoroughfares in town. The devastating Maui fires that destroyed the western shore of the island did not reach Pukalani but took an emotional toll on the community. The town has responded to the destruction by offering resources and partnerships to support affected families, one local effort being through Pukalani Community Church of the Nazarene.