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Upcountry Maui
 Whenever
people speak of upcountry Maui they say the words in a dreamlike
state, rolling their eyes heavenward, and uttering the words softly
like a lullaby. There are others who think of rolling ranchlands,
sparsely anointed by Jacaranda trees in full purple blossom.
It
is cold upcountry, even in Pukalani, the first community you come to
as you ascend Mt Haleakala and only 10 minutes from the Kahului
airport. One of the first planned neighborhoods to be developed
upcountry was Pukalani Terrace in the early 1970’s which featured
half acre lots on evenly divided streets running up and down the
subdivision which although respecting the rural zoning (1/2 acre
minimum lot size), eroded somewhat into the country atmosphere of
the district. Providing upcountry properties within the means of the
average home buyer, Pukalani grew in the 90’s to include smaller
house lots reflecting suburbia not unlike those found in West Oahu’s
growing peripheral areas. Developing its own sewage treatment plant,
Pukalani Country Club community, built around the Pukalani golf
course gave the growing Maui population a chance to own a place
upcountry, complete with fire place and spectacular downcountry
views of the central valley and ocean beyond.
Makawao
is just across the Haleakala Highway from Pukalani and at about the
same elevation but a lot wetter. It has a lot more of country feel
to it, perhaps because of the town of Makawao with its wooden
sidewalks and storefront facades reminiscent of a frontier town
complete with hitching posts. Quaint shops, art galleries and
charming cafes as well as Komoda’s Bakery known throughout the state
for house made long johns, donuts and cream puffs, attract locals
and visitors alike to enjoy its offerings. The homes in the area are
rustic with character although many are on small lots.
 You
can get to Olinda almost by mistake if you take a wrong turn in
Makawao town. But you will be well rewarded for your mistake. Just
above Makawao is Seabury Hall, a private college prep school grades
6-12 established in 1964 on a beautiful estate. Winding up Olinda
Road, through Eucalyptus groves, you will see impressive and quaint
estates but even the ordinary looks magical in Olinda. A loop road
takes you down Piiholo Road back down to the outskirts of Makawao
town. If you live in Olinda though you may never want to come down
to earth.
Kula
is the epitome of upcountry living. Traveling the Upper Kula Road
always takes my breath away with sights of rolling verdant
pastureland dotted with Purple Jacaranda sometimes populated by
grazing cattle. Views to the central valley with the South and North
coastlines are spectacular. On the lower Kula Highway, salt and
pepper neighborhoods and clusters of modern homes separated from
other neighborhoods of the same by pastureland create a rare
opportunity to own a piece of paradise upcountry. Well maintained
highways afford efficient passage to and from the central urban core
of Maui. Although often referred to as Kula, Keokea is really a
special part of Kula, colder and more rural and a very popular among
home seekers.
Ulupalakua
and Kanaio are located beyond Kula and are for the adventuresome and
rarely available, especially with water. It is not impossible
though.
Carol Ball
Inc. dba
Carol Ball and
Associates
RB 11347
Maui Mall
70 E Kaahumanu Ave Ste A6
Kahului, HI 96732-2176
(808) 871-8807 • fax (808) 871-2462 •
info@carolball.com
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