The next stop on our journey through the major Maui real estate areas is North Shore Maui, which consists of five smaller areas, all with their own unique flavor. As a whole, North Shore Maui faces the trade winds, and generally gets more rainfall than the rest of the islands. Its dynamic weather has endowed it with one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world, along with one particular surf break that produces some of the biggest monster waves in the world. The land itself tends to be lush, green, and ideal for many kinds of agriculture. Many home owners in North Maui have established photovoltaic and water catchment systems, among other projects to get them off the grid, while many others simply enjoy the more natural feel that life in North Maui provides. While the stunning waterfalls in the eastern part of North Maui are attractive to visitors, there’s still less tourism in this location than the other coastal areas of Maui. Let’s take a closer look at each of the five major areas of North Maui.
Spreckelsville: If you’re traveling from Central Maui to North Maui, the first town you’ll hit will be Spreckelsville, which was once part of an important sugar route during the plantation days. Now, this quiet neighborhood is secluded from the main road, situated near beautiful white sand beaches. Spreckelsville is a hidden gem, especially considering how centrally located it is, compared to other North Maui areas.
Paia: After passing Spreckelsville, you will discover Paia, a busy little beach town overflowing with personality. Locals, artists, hippies and surfers abound here, and scattered among its many little shops, you’ll find numerous restaurants representing the widest array of cuisine that you can find in any one place on Maui. This charming town was once another important part of our plantation history, and retains much of its old world feel. Paia homes tend to be every bit as full of personality as the town itself, and will appeal to those looking for unique property in a laid back environment.
Ho’okipa: Once you’ve passed through Paia, you’ll discover Ho’okipa, where the world renowned Mama’s Fish House restaurant can be found perched on the scenic shore. Ho’okipa is a windsurfing mecca, acclaimed for its ideal windsurfing conditions, and it’s also a popular spot for those who enjoy traditional surfing. The lookout perched above the beach is ideal for watching the surfers, and the humpback whales during the winter months.
Haiku: Follow the road past Ho’okipa and you’ll find yourself in the green expanse known as Haiku. This rural area is full of agriculturally zoned properties where land and home owners engage in cultivation of all kinds. Many focus on turning their homes into beautiful, natural retreats, while others engage in off-the-grid developments. Then there are those who raise livestock, food crops, or plants for landscaping and decor, such as palms and orchids. Haiku’s healthy mix of rain, shine, and fresh ocean air contribute to ideal conditions for life. In Haiku, the challenge is keeping the wildlife out, and the vegetation from becoming overgrown. Don’t throw avocado seeds into the grass unless you want a tree there a few weeks later. Consider purchasing a property in Haiku if you plan to be very proactive about landscape maintenance, and harnessing the forces of nature to your advantage. Here, homes come in a vast breadth of shapes and sizes, so you will have plenty of interesting choices.
Huelo: Beyond Haiku, you’ll find the last stop on our North Maui journey. Huelo is situated at the edge of East Maui, where true jungle begins to dominate the landscape. This area is ideal for those who really prefer seclusion, and prefer to be surrounded by nature. Huelo is full of hidden little beaches, dive spots, hiking trails and waterfalls.
We hope we’ve helped give you a good sense of what to expect from both the lifestyle and real estate that you’ll find in the various regions of North Shore Maui. If you need more expert assistance, you’ll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!
RealEstateMauiHawaii.com – By Mark Harbison
