So close to Makawao town, yet feels like a country road on the Oregon Coast. The Pi’iholo/Olinda area above Makawao is a community where the residents greatly value privacy, tranquility, and nature. It’s a special place on Maui. The nights are cool and many even light a fire to get cozy. The locals put off an overall earthy, laid-back and artsy vibe.
Artsy local creations
Most of us may be familiar with the area because of the Eucalyptus tree situation. For those who are not, there is a pest in some of the trees and there are occasional instances of those trees falling. Thankfully, the county has enacted a plan with several of the local tree service companies available locally. They’ve formed contracts and over the past couple years have taken down many of the dangerous trees. If a tree does fall on the road they are quick to get it cleared. Most residents have generators in case of a power outage. The convenient thing about Olinda Road and Pi’iholo Road is that they connect at the top forming a loop so there are two points of access.
Adventure
Now that we’ve touched on the trees, there are many things about Pi’iholo & Olinda Rd. that you may not know. One of the more popular attractions is Historic Pi’iholo Ranch where they have Maui’s best-voted zipline that sends you soaring 6400 ft. on the edge of the rainforest. They also offer a very traditional horseback riding experience with breathtaking views and secluded cabins.
Zipline through the trees
Sustainability
Hōkūnui Maui across the street from Pi’iholo Ranch is a 258-acre regenerative farming community. Their focus is to reestablish a diverse native Hawaiian habitat through sustainable housing, agriculture & raising livestock. Once completed, these self-sufficient homes will be available to the public for purchase.
Just past Pi’iholo Ranch the road forks to the left and ends at Makawao Forest Reserve. Here, there are extensive mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails through the beautiful forest. Many of the trails are equipped with jumps, boardwalk sections, and downhill riding. If mountain biking isn’t your thing the neighbor, 808 Off the Grid, offers rugged ATV adventures.
Relax and Reset
Tranquility, being at the core of the Pi’iholo/Olinda area, it is no surprise that you will find the #1 rated spa on Maui according to TripAdvisor. Ho’omana Spa is 3 miles up Pi’iholo Road. They pride themselves on giving a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and utilizing ancient Hawaiian healing techniques. Some services include couples packages, herbal baths, and beauty/body treaments. You don’t want to skip this stop!
Nature Lovers
Popular among Maui locals is the Waihou Spring Trail at the top of Olinda Road. It is a family friendly hike which includes a short, 1/2 mile loop trail and a 1-mile switchback trail down to a picturesque rocky spring. The pine forest was planted as an experimental saw timber grove. Artsy locals have constructed many unique shelters and tipis along the trails that invoke imagination.
Waihou Spring Trail
Plants For Sale
There are some nurseries in the area that plant lovers should visit. Aloha Honua specializes in dwarf and exotic citrus trees. Rainbow Acres has an excellent array of succulents and cactus. Anuhea Flowers has beautiful proteas. They make bouquets, gift boxes, wreaths and withhold excellent customer reviews. If you need to get your plant fix, check these places out. You won’t be disappointed!
Honorable Mentions
Other worthy mentions in the area are Oskie Rice Arena which holds rodeos, fairs, and other events. Next to the Arena is Pono Grown Farm Center. It’s a diverse farm specializing in agricultural education. They sell eggs, honey, fruits, and vegetables. Next, Jillian’s Pi’iholo Stables offers highly rated horse riding lessons. Bed & Breakfasts in the area to take note of are, Maui’s North Shore Lookout & Aloha Cottage, both with raving reviews from visitors. Lastly, being a nature conscious environment, it is home to the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Bird Conservation Center and The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.
This slice of Maui, above Makawao, is relatively unknown but has so much to offer, especially for nature lovers who desire to be away from it all. Something to consider if you’re in the market for upcountry real estate is that the land in this area is more affordable in comparison to other upcountry areas. Pi’iholo and Olinda living isn’t for everyone but the ones who call it home wouldn’t have it any other way. So go get your boots on and I’ll meet you up there!
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