Kula, Upcountry Maui area for Views, Cooler Countryside
Located in the Upcountry region of Maui, situated on the high slopes of Haleakala lies the quaint, rural area of Kula. Recognized as one of Hawaii’s richest zip codes, this area of Maui is truly a gem.
Kula is known for its sublime beauty and temperate microclimates. As you ascend higher and higher above the clouds, the air becomes noticeably cooler. Many homes in Kula are thus designed for this type of colder weather- it is not unusual for them to have a fireplace or some form of heating element.
The area is also highly regarded for its natural scenery, from the expansive ranch land views overlooking the ocean to botanical gardens and flower farms where one can truly appreciate the beauty of upcountry.
With it being a premier agricultural region of the island, Kula is also at the center of the island’s culinary resurgence and a key contributor of the ‘farm-to-table’ trend. There are a range of locally-owned businesses such as ‘MauiWine,’ ‘Ocean Organic Vodka’ and ‘Surfing Goat Dairy.’
One can also find several farmer’s markets in Kula. The Upcountry Farmers Market (located near the Longs store off Kula Highway) is an absolute must-do on early Saturday mornings. With a plethora of offerings such as local produce, fruits, meats, fish, fresh-cut flowers, breads, plants, and other culinary delights, there is something for everyone!
Another local farm definitely worth mentioning is the Kula Country Farms. Located right off Kula Highway on the way to Keokea, its farm stand is open all year-round, providing seasonal produce, flowers, and an eclectic assortment of goodies & gifts. A large variety of their produce is grown right there on the farm from their famous Kula strawberries in the summer to their pumpkins and squash in the fall! Many locals love participating in the seasonal farm festivities put on by Kula Country Farms as well, such as the October Pumpkin Patch and the Strawberry U-Pick! https://kulacountryfarmsmaui.com/.
Both private and public education options for students abound within this community too. Haleakala Waldorf, Seabury Hall, and Carden Academy are some of the private options offered whereas Kula Elementary and King Kekaulike high school are the public ones.
There are also many parks such as Polipoli Park, Keokea Park, and Sun Yat-Sen Park to name a few. You can hike, have a picnic, and even capture Maui from a gorgeous unparalleled bird’s eye view. One of the main park attractions of upcountry is without a doubt Haleakala National Park. In Hawaiian, Haleakala translates to ‘House of the Rising Sun’ and there is no mystery as to why it is called that once you visit the park. At Haleakala National Park, you can witness firsthand the sun taking its place in the sky at the break of dawn and receding back into the horizon at evening sunset. This is truly a very special place, one of my personal favorite places to go in fact. Have you ever listened to “silence”? This park is considered one of the quietest places on Earth and its vibration is undoubtedly an experience! There are also rare plant and animal species such as the silversword and Hawaiian nene goose. Hike through the crater, watch the sunset, and see colors so vibrant it will take your breath away. In addition to having an elevated, visceral experience, learn about the ancient and modern history of Hawaii. Wearing comfortable shoes and layering your clothing is important, as the temperature in the park can fluctuate throughout the day. Visit the website to learn about the costs, book advance appointments (if needed), and check the weather advisory. https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Should you want to consider Kula to be the place you want to live and own your vacation home in, then take a look at this beautiful listing at:
2705 Lower Kula Rd. MLS# 395523
Nestled on the majestic mountainside of Haleakala, at an elevation that many consider the most desirable in Kula, sits this elegant upcountry residence with bi-coastal ocean and mountain views.
Enter this beautiful home through its gated entry, travel up the stamped concrete driveway, and you know you have arrived at your dream oasis.
Walk through the double doors and enter a 20-foot tall foyer that offers a perfect space for your art collection. A custom curved wrought iron railed staircase & sculpted tray ceilings create a sense of architectural refinement. Custom built to very high-quality standards, this residence inspires one to relax and enjoy life.
Additionally, take a step back and spend some time rejuvenating your spirit on this home’s spacious lanai with a saltwater pool & spa. Not to mention the elegant master bedroom also comes with a complete w/en-suite spa-like bath (jetted tub) & shower (multiple massage heads) as well as an awe-inspiring private ocean & mountain view balcony!
The home also has a chef-inspired gourmet kitchen equipped with high-end appliances (Dacor, Sub-Zero), 6 Gas Burner Dacor Range w/copper trim, 2 Convection Ovens, Walk-in Pantry, built-in Sweep Vacuum & so much more. The living & dining room open seamlessly thru Fleetwood Glass doors onto the lanai- all superbly designed, providing an air of luxury & sophistication. Click here (hyperlink) for more information.For those cooler upcountry nights, a cast stone fireplace creates a cozy ambiance.
Go to www.2705lowerkula.com/ for a 3D tour and more information. Call Jeannie Kong-Evarts (RS) 808-276-1832
As always, thank you for visiting and a hui hou…(until we meet again).
