Upcountry: A Maui Local's Paradise

Posted by Mapuana Andrade on Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 at 3:46pm

In guidebooks and travel magazines, Maui is often celebrated for its pristine white sand beaches and luxury resorts. But miles up the slopes of Haleakala, an entirely different view of Hawaii exists known as Upcountry. 

From lush Haiku to the rolling hills of Ulupalakua, Upcountry is where Maui residents can go to get away from it all. Without the hustle and bustle of large hotels and resort, the Upcountry region provides residents the peace and quiet that comes with rural living. And each town  from Makawao to Kula offers residents a totally unique atmosphere and energy.

In Kula, for instance, residents can enjoy estates that span up to hundreds of acres over lush pastures and forests. With some of the coolest temperatures on island, Kula offers crisp morning air and attractions ranging from hiking, horseback riding and dozens of flower and produce farms.

Both Kula and Ulupalakua offer the space for privacy, as well as the elevation for some of the best multi-island views. Take this luxurious 7000-square-foot custom home, which looks over Kaho’olawe, Lana’i and Moloka’i, as well as the lush Maui mountains to Maui’s north shore.


Kula's ranches, farms and forests surround this luxurious estate. 

About 20 minutes away in the towns of Makawao and Pukalani, single-family homes are located just minutes from schools, shopping and businesses. More centrally located and less than a 30 minute drive to the Kahului Airport, these towns are Upcountry's hubs but offer peace, quiet and privacy that comes with living among fields and ranches.

Homes in this area are often more affordable and within walking distance of both elementary and high schools. For example, this home on Laie Iki Place located in between Makawao and Pukalani, is close to both private and public schools. Historic Makawao town is only minutes away, which is home to Maui’s rich history of the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy. Now filled with restaurants and shops, the area still hosts events ranging from polo matches to rodeos.

For an entirely different atmosphere, venture to lush and tropical Haiku. Neighborhoods in the west offer similar climates to Makawao and closer to schools, surfing and Paia town. Take this home on Laenani Street, which is just minutes from Seabury Hall, one of Maui’s finest preparatory schools, as well as Haiku town’s shops and restaurants. But as you drive east, Haiku town becomes the ultimate escape for those wanting to retreat to nature and tranquility.

Haiku is one of Maui's most lush and tropical neighborhoods.

While driving down Hana Highway, you may notice Maui’s residential neighborhoods become enveloped by tropical flora and fauna. Here it’s less populated than many of Maui’s most popular neighborhoods, and you can live with the ultimate seclusion, just minutes from rainforests and waterfalls. At this luxury Pauwela estate residents can enjoy the sound of gentle rain during the winter months — all while being protected by the roofs of one of Maui's most unique and elegant estates. 

 

 

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