Located on the island of Maui, Kula is a residential and agricultural district located entirely on the slopes of a now-dormant volcano, Haleakala. Although its last eruption was in the late 18th Century, Haleakala is not yet considered geologically extinct. The knowledge that the volcano could wake up and shrug its shoulders any time it pleases offers an edge of excitement to living in Kula.
The Hawaiian constitution only provides for two levels of government -- state and county -- so the boundaries of neighborhoods, villages and towns can be a little hard to pin down. Kula is a district that is defined based on ancient land use principles of the Hawaiian culture; such districts are known as moku. Like the other 11 moku on Maui, the Kula district extends from sea to mountaintop, encompassing all the various microclimates that such altitude differences -- from sea level to nearly 10,000 ft. -- entail.
Moving to Kula
Unless you are prepared to buy a home, moving to Kula can be a challenge. While much of the dry, coastal area is left to Maui's tourists, many of the island's year-round residents live in the Upcountry, where most of Kula's residential areas are located. Even so, rental homes in Kula are scarce, and apartment rentals are virtually nonexistent. This doesn't mean that you won't be able to find rental houses in the area, it just means it might take you a little while to find them. Start looking at least eight weeks before the date on which you want to move, so you can secure a good property in time.
Another thing to consider when considering a move to Kula, or anywhere in Hawaii for that matter, is what residents call "island fever." It is common for mainland residents to visit Maui, fall in love with the island's spectacular beauty and decide to move. However, after a time, they begin to realize how small and insular island life really can be. When this island fever sets in, a sizable percentage of relative newcomers to Hawaii pick up and return to the mainland. So if you're hoping to move to Kula from someplace outside of Hawaii, it may be worthwhile to look for short-term property rentals at first, perhaps on a month to month contract. That way, if you find that full-time island life is not your cup of tea, you won't be stuck with a long-term lease that you can't get out of.
Places to Live In Kula
A lack of multi-family dwellings, along with the allure of more potentially lucrative vacation rental income -- why rent out a house on a long-term basis when you can earn the same amount in 5 nights of vacation rental as you could in a month? -- puts pressure on the rental market in Kula. So, you should be prepared to pay a premium for rental houses in Kula, as opposed to more reasonably-priced areas like Wailuku, which boasts a greater number of multi-unit complexes in its residential rental stock.
Kula Neighborhoods
Kula, the island's largest moku district, is unofficially divided into two sections: Upper Kula and Lower Kula. Upper Kula is mostly agricultural, covered by pastureland and groves of trees (such as the distinctive rainbow eucalyptus) as it stretches up the side of Haleakala toward the volcanic summit. Kula once stretched all the way to the top, but the creation of Haleakala National Park, with its entrance and boundary at around 7,000 feet of elevation, create an effective upper limit for the district. Within these sections there are a number of neighborhoods. Where you choose to live will be based on personal preference, but be aware that most Kula residents live in lower Kula.
Kula 200: This relaxed neighborhood is mostly residential, but does have good access to Pukalani, Makawao and Kahului Town, where there are a range of shops, as well as some local schools. This desirable neighborhood is known for it's picturesque surroundings, as well as its big houses, with large lots.
Kula Meadows: This neighborhood is a gated community, meaning it's safe and quiet. At a 1,000 to 1,600 foot elevation, you're not going to be near the sea, but it does offer gorgeous bi-coastal views. This is a relatively new development, so the neighborhood is full of modern houses.
Kula Ridge: This neighborhood prides itself on being an affordable, yet beautiful, place to live. Houses here tend to be smaller than in the pricier neighborhoods. The area is walkable, with a number of nearby shops and amenities.
Living in Kula
In Kula, you may not be living on the Pacific, but you will have broad, sweeping ocean views -- along with panoramic vistas across the island's Central Valley to the West Maui Mountains -- from most of the district. The main airport and Kahului's shopping area -- an indoor mall, big box retailers and supermarkets -- are within easy reach of Kula's residents. Most of Maui's best beaches are less than 30 minutes by car from just about anywhere in Kula.
For non-beach activities, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that the Kula district overlaps Haleakala National Park on the volcano's slope. Activities like horseback riding, ziplining and mountain biking are all popular in Kula. The boutiques and art galleries in Makawao, top-rated restaurants like the Hali'imaile General Store, and even a vineyard and winery are all located in the Kula district. If you move to Kula, you may never come down off your mountain.
