Ulupalakua, Kihei, HI
Ulupalakua — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Ulupalakua, Kihei, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Ulupalakua Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Ulupalakua is not in Kihei proper but is a historic, rural ranch area located in the uplands of Maui's southern slope, above the town of Kihei. It is best known as the home of the historic Ulupalakua Ranch and the MauiWine tasting room, situated at an elevation that offers cooler temperatures and sweeping views. This region is defined by its vast agricultural lands, rolling pastures, and deep paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage.
Character & Lifestyle
The character is distinctly country, centered on a working cattle ranch and vineyard life, offering a quiet, secluded lifestyle far from the resort crowds. Residents and visitors experience a connection to Maui's agricultural history and a slower, more self-sufficient pace. The community is small and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on land stewardship and outdoor living.
Housing
Housing in Ulupalakua is extremely limited and consists primarily of ranch-owned homes for employees and a handful of large, private estate properties on sizable agricultural lots. There are no traditional subdivisions or condominiums; properties are often multi-generational or part of the ranch's operations. Living here means embracing a rural, off-the-grid lifestyle with expansive land and privacy.
Getting Around
Access is via the winding, scenic Upcountry Highway 37 (Kula Highway), which requires a deliberate drive from Kihei or Central Maui. A personal vehicle is absolutely essential for daily life, as there are no public transportation services running directly to the ranch area. The drive to Kihei's beaches or shopping centers typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on exact location.
Dining & Shopping
Dining and shopping options are few but iconic, centered almost entirely at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and the MauiWine tasting room, which offer local goods, wine tastings, and simple fare. For groceries, gas, and other services, residents drive to Kula, Pukalani, or Kihei. The Tri-P General Store in nearby Keokea is a classic Upcountry stop for coffee and snacks.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation revolves around the ranch's 20,000+ acres, offering opportunities for hiking, hunting (by permit), and exploring the rugged landscape. The area provides direct access to the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, known for its cool-climate hiking trails and camping. Proximity to the Tedeschi Vineyards and the scenic Piilani Highway also makes it a starting point for exploring Maui's remote southern coast.
Ulupalakua Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $846K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $90K |
| Homeownership Rate | 61.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.3% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 46.3% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96753 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Ulupalakua, Kihei
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Ulupalakua, Kihei, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-15