It’s been called a little bit of heaven and it is!
Kula Location and Climate
Located on the slopes of Haleakala, Kula is a district that spans across the face of the mountain from about 1800 ft above sea level to 4000 ft above sea level where homes are located. Kula is on to the top of the mountain at 10,000 feet. It is bordered on the northeast by Pukalani and Makawao and on the south Keokea and Ulupaulakua. Temperatures range from the low 70s to the mid 80s and then from the high 30s to the mid 50s.
Kula Livelihood
Kula was a farming district known for wonderful Maui onions, cabbage, and persimmons. Very large ranches have been running cattle along the slopes for many years. The ranches have been slowly selling off their lands starting with the lower elevation lands close to the ocean and gradually moving up the mountain. Before statehood, landowners were given grants of land called ahupua’as which ran from the top of Haleakala to the ocean.
This land distribution allowed the landowner the full use of all the benefits the land offered from the rich food resources of the ocean to the timber along the slopes of the mountain. So, when the island started to move from agrarian to a tourism based economy, the first land to sell was the land along the ocean. The Kula district is one of the last areas with large tract of land available to purchase.
Kula Real Estate
Homes can be purchased in subdivisions, gated communities, on half acre rural land, 2 acre ag land lots or on large parcels of land. There are modest homes to large estates scattered along the slopes of the mountain. Farms are available for purchase if you want to try your hand at living off the land. The views are bi coastal from many locations and are spectacular. And the sunsets! Wow!
Most down country locations are a short half hour to one hour drive away as are the beaches on the north shore and the south shore. Lahaina is about an hour drive so the resort areas are more like an hour and a half. It is a wonderful feeling to drive home up the mountain and leave all the stress of the lower elevations behind. No AC needed for most areas of Kula but at least a fire place is recommended for those colder Kula nights.
Kula Lifestyle
There are some “night spots” in Kula like the Kula Lodge but mostly this is a quiet area of the island. If you are looking for a social scene, there isn’t much going on up here. There are tennis courts and pickle ball courts where all are welcome.
Many people bike upcountry and there are groups that get together and ride. Hunters are on the slopes in season as there are axis deer that need to be managed. Hiking is very big with a day hike through the crater an hour’s drive away. Dog parks and schools along with small grocery stores, gas stations and a couple of bakeries make up the Kula community.
Looking for a property in Kula, Maui?
If you are looking to buy in the Kula market, have questions about Kula living or would like to view any of the currently listed properties Upcountry, please contact me.
I have lived on Maui for over 40 years and know the island and communities very well. Consider me as your advisor when purchasing a property here.
Ryan Yee
December 24, 2022
Hello, I’m just inquiring on possibly living in Kula in the future. We’re born and raised on Oahu and recently visited Kula this year and fell in love with the area. We stayed at an Airbnb and I was wondering how difficult is it to set one up there? I noticed there aren’t many of them available in Kula. Any insight is much appreciated. Thank you!