Upcountry Maui Lifestyle | Puuhonua Estate in Kula

Upcountry Maui: A Country Lifestyle

The Upcountry lifestyle offers fine country living, unsurpassed serenity and beauty, and memorable island vistas. Kula, Makawao, Pukalani and Haiku comprise Upcountry, known for Maui’s horse culture from rodeo to polo, and pastoral scenery. Hawaiian cowboys or Paniolo tended cattle here dating back to the early 1800s. They created a unique history that included open tuning their guitars, known as slack key or “kiho’alu” enjoyed by aficionados in concerts and festivals globally. Makawao is known as a paniolo town and continues to host the annual 4th of July holiday stampede event with an in-town parade and rodeo events at the Oskie Rice Arena, a short drive up Olinda Road. Unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries fill this western-style town which still has a few hitching posts for horses. The Maui Polo club also schedules meets in the spring and fall seasons at both fields located in Makawao for casual tail gaiting.

Haleakala Maui

Puuhonua Estate is located at the end of a quiet lane in Kula on the verdant green slopes of Haleakala. Situated at approximately a 3,300’ elevation, ocean and mountain views and cooler temperatures are enjoyed throughout the year. Fresh cool mountain air from the summit of Haleakala, named “house of the sun” by early Hawaiians keep this region in a comfortable temperature range. According to Hawaiian legend, the demi-God Maui’s grandmother helped him to capture the sun to slow its’ movement across the sky. Now as part of the U.S. National Park Service, Haleakala National Park encompasses over 30,000 acres, providing environmental stewardship of the many rare plant and animal species living there and hosts visitors from around the world. The property is nestled on over 16 acres, eight of which are wooded, and eight cultivated with lush lawns and multiple garden areas. The estate features a diverse array of Hawaiian trees and plants including fruit-bearing, pine and cedar trees, exotic palms, and colorful protea, day lilies and azaleas.

Food & Wine Country

Upcountry Maui offers superb farm to table offerings from Maui’s largest weekly Farmers Market, held rain or shine on Saturdays in Kula, to O’o Farms Tours and dining options. Ideal weather conditions Upcountry continue to attract a community of innovative organic farmers who grow an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables for residents and visitors. The Ali’I Lavender Farm in Kula offers delightful fields of blooming lavender, an array of body care and food products, and a great location to stroll or relax and take in bi-coastal ocean views. There are beautiful forest reserves for day walks and hikes located in Kula and Makawao. And another 15 minute gorgeous drive past Kula, brings you to Maui Wine and Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill. A selection of regional wines produced on the land are offered in the Kings Cottage Tasting Room, and the Ulupalakua Grill is well-known for the variety of fresh burgers from local elk, venison, or beef. An incredible array of organic fruits and vegetables grown on Maui are produced Upcountry.

About Puuhonua Estate

This historic estate was built in the 1920s by an established Kama’aina family. Many gatherings, including large fund-raising events for the Maui Art & Cultural Center, have been hosted here over the years. The sweeping driveway entry is edged in tall Jacaranda trees, known for their vibrant purple blooms. The five bedroom, four and a half bath Tutor style main house has vaulted ceilings, a paneled wood library, a formal dining room, and a spacious butler’s pantry and kitchen, designed to entertain indoors or out. The Master Suite with an office and art deco fireplace and chandelier, and two guest bedrooms are located on the second floor. The third floor has 2 additional guest bedrooms with a bathroom and steam room.

A Rare Estate Offering

Many improvements have been made over the years including a stone slate roof and sunroom off of the kitchen. There are four accessory dwellings on the estate, with 12 bedrooms total, situated to provide privacy for everyone. The circular driveway also connects to a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom carriage house built over a 4-car garage. A one bedroom, one bathroom cottage, built in 1942, at the beginning of the property has a free-standing garage with a studio apartment above. Heading down the driveway, is a 2,000 sq.ft. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, built in 1977, with vaulted ceilings and wood floors with radiant heat, at the bottom of a lush green lawn. Walk past the protea beds up to the main house with the garage building at the edge of the entry where there is a 3 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment.

Maui’s Diverse Horticulture

Paved walk ways along lush greenery connect to the dwellings. Unique garden areas were created to enjoy the outdoors, views, and abundant verdure. The property is nestled on over 16 acres, eight of which are wooded, and eight cultivated with lush lawns and multiple garden areas. The estate features a diverse array of Hawaiian trees and plants including fruit-bearing, pine and cedar trees, exotic palms, and colorful protea, day lilies and azaleas. Puuhonua estate offers privacy, great natural beauty and so many options to design your dream Upcountry Kula lifestyle in an amazing location.

As a full-time dedicated Real Estate Broker, I’m here to answer your questions about the Maui market and look forward to working with you. Do you have questions about Maui’s different climates, locations, or amenities? I’ve grown up here and continue to call Maui my home. Call me anytime at 808.357.5000 or email me at: BradMacArthur@HawaiiLife.com to start the conversation.