MAUI UPCOUNTRY

Upcountry Maui includes the rising, roughly north-facing flanks of the dormant volcano, Haleakala, which rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. Here, by choosing which way a property faces and how far up the mountain it is located, you can virtually choose any weather pattern you like from the still-tropical areas of Ha‘iku to the upper Kula and Crater Road where there is definitely a winter, albeit very, very mild by Mainland standards.

The mood of the entire area is country. People who choose to live in Upcountry Maui are often seeking the quiet of lower population density, the deep and natural darkness of the night sky, and the simplicity of communities where everyone knows the neighbors and keeps an eye out for their well-being. While there are some developments that suggest a suburban atmosphere, and properties that can genuinely be called estates, the small town centers - Ha‘iku, Pauwela, Pukalani, Kula, Keokea and particularly Makawao - are rural and largely determined to stay that way.

For families living in Upcountry Maui, all levels of public schools and many kinds of private schools are available in the district.

Parks and open spaces abound throughout the Upcountry area and, despite the country and ranch atmosphere, so do sufficient commercial enterprises to handle day-to-day needs. Occasional trips to Central Maui’s “big box” stores may be called for, but the distance is not great, and local general stores and specialty shops make it possible to postpone trips “to town” indefinitely.

Restaurants of all sorts are nearby in most Upcountry communities but shops catering particularly to tourists are mostly found in a small area of central Makawao.

Upcountry Maui is all about getting away from the rush of Modern Hawai‘i for some people. For others, it is about the sweeping, stunning views across wide open spaces to the Pacific. From many places in Upcountry, the island looks empty and silent and the sea almost always looks peaceful.

There are real estate agents, realtors and realty companies that specialize in Upcountry properties. They would be able to supply inside information and detailed answers to your questions.