Kula, meaning open meadows, is a beautiful district in Maui located in a region known as “upcountry.” Stretching across the fertile slopes of the dormant volcano Haleakala, Kula is known for its rich farmlands, cattle pastures, and majestic views of both Maui’s north and south shore coastlines.
Spanning an elevation of around 1,200-3,000 feet above sea level, Kula experiences many microclimates and cooler air temperatures. As one of the island’s largest agricultural communities, this primarily residential area is a big source of local produce and is home to some of the island’s best regional cuisine and culinary experiences.
I highly suggest spending a day in this breathtakingly beautiful area of Maui! The perfect time to do so would be on your way down from watching the sunrise at the Haleakala crater summit.
Here are my recommendations for how to spend the perfect day upcountry in Kula.
Breakfast at La Provence
On the way down from an early morning visiting the crater, you may be a little hungry. The perfect spot to grab a bite is at a French, yes French, bakery La Provence. My go-to favorites are the quiche, any of the croissants, the apple tart, and the sticky bun. This is a popular spot, especially on the weekends, so be prepared to stand in line! Kula Hardware & Nursery is right down the road if you need to top off your fuel.
Kula Country Farms
Now that both your tummies and tank are full, it’s time to see some Kula sites. A short drive from La Provence you will find the Kula Country Farms. Here you can shop in the farm stand for locally grown produce, jams, baked goods, and more. During the summer you can pick your own strawberries from the strawberry patch, and in the fall enjoy the island’s largest pumpkin patch. There are cute photo ops and gorgeous views of the Maui coastline.
Thompson Road
After strawberry picking, stretch your legs with a very easy, scenic walk. Thompson Road is my go-to spot for a peaceful walk with no shortage of views. This quiet, one-lane country road passes some of the most beautiful country homes and when the skies are clear you will find unobstructed views of the north and south shore coastlines. You also will be blessed with wide-open pasture views, the slopes of Haleakala, and there’s a good chance you will see horses and cattle.
Grandma’s Coffee House
After your stroll along Thompson Road, the perfect spot to grab lunch is right across the street at Grandma’s Coffee House. Known for their eggs benedict, French toast, Belgian waffles, and “Bulls-Eye” breakfast platter, this quaint café is the best spot for brunch!
Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm
There’s no better place to end your Kula visit than the beautiful Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm located in the scenic area of Polipoli. This fragrant farm is a lovely place to unwind and learn about the lavender lifestyle that centers around 45 different varieties of the precious flower family. You can also drive to the top of Waipoli Rd. for breathtaking views, and you may even catch a glimpse of some paragliders in the air!
If you’re curious to learn more about the residential community of Kula and find your perfect piece of upcountry paradise, send me a message! I’d be happy to share my neighborhood expertise.
