Kula

Kula is an Upcountry Maui town on the slopes of Haleakala, known for cool air, farms, gardens, mountain views and quiet roads above the coast.

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Kula, Maui

Kula is a small community in upcountry Maui, situated 3,000 feet (914 m) above sea level. As one of Maui's prime agricultural regions and source of farm produce, Kula grows vegetables using the dry-farming method. Some of the agricultural products of Kula include the famed sweet Maui onion, herbs, cabbages, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries and tomatoes.

Kula, which means “open meadows” in the Hawaiian language, also boasts botanical gardens, including the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm and the Enchanting Floral Gardens. Some of the commercially grown flowers in Kula are carnations, proteas, orchids and hibiscus. Ranching traditions, especially in slopes high above the residential areas, are also strong in Kula.

A historical landmark in Kula is the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, located at 4300 Lower Kula Road. The historical octagon-shaped church was built by Portuguese plantation workers in the late 1800s and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Key Features

Upcountry Maui town on the slopes of Haleakala
Known for cool air, farms, gardens and mountain views
Part of Maui's agricultural belt, with flowers, produce and pastureland nearby
Kula Botanical Garden and farm stops are among the area attractions
Kula is often part of a Haleakala or Upcountry Maui drive
Afternoons can bring clouds, mist and cooler temperatures
Roads are scenic but can be narrow in places
Population: 7,495 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96790

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kula cooler than Maui's beach towns?

Kula sits higher on the slopes of Haleakala, so temperatures are usually cooler than at sea level and clouds or mist can move through in the afternoon.

What does Kula mean?

Kula can mean open country or plain, a fitting name for the broad Upcountry slopes, farms and pastureland found in this part of Maui.

What kind of farms are found around Kula?

The area is known for produce farms, flower farms, lavender, protea, strawberries and other crops that grow well in the cooler Upcountry climate.

How is Kula different from Kihei or Lahaina?

Kula is inland and agricultural, with cooler mountain air and rural roads. Kihei and Lahaina are coastal towns with beaches, shops and more visitor traffic.

Why do people pair Kula with Haleakala?

Kula is on the way to the Haleakala summit route, so many visitors pass through before or after time at the national park, farms or Upcountry viewpoints.