best area in upcountry Maui? (Pukalani, Makawao: rentals, crimes, houses)

[jenalove]

My husband and I are seriously thinking of moving to Maui. Upcountry seems weather-wise to be the best fit for us. Which area do you believe to be the best (cleanest, safest, etc.) - Makawao, Kula, or Haiku? Do these areas generally accept haoles well? We will be renting and not buying.

[Jerlene]

Makawao is closer to more things. Upcountry's one and only grocery store, schools, etc. It's the closest(out of those 3 towns) to town.

Kula is the cleanest but has had a lot of recent crimes going on. Plus, it's the furthest(out of those 3 towns) from town. If you break your leg or something, it'll take 20 minutes longer to get any proper help.

Haiku would be the dirtiest(not saying it's dirty, just the dirtiest out of those, much older and less touched[modernized]). It has its own little town though. There's a grocery store and a few places to shop.

That was a quick summary. You should 100%, be the one to decide where you'll reside.

As for the haole thing, I'd say upcountry is the most accepting. There's a lot of haoles there(who are in denial).

Well, good luck.

[jenalove]

hmm...so far the only rentals I have liked have been in Kula. I work from home so travel time is not a big deal. Could you elaborate on the types of crimes that have been committed there?

[Jerlene]

Shootings mostly. A lot of burglaries have been happening, too though.

[Jungjohann]

Shootings????? I guess I need to watch the news more often. Try Pukalani, rent a place out by the golf course, closer to town, quiet, lots of kids wandering around with Uzis and AK47's. Joke!!!!!!!!!

Aloha and melekalikimaka

[Jerlene]

You missed it? Kula was shut down because of it. It was funny and sad at the same time.

Anyway, Pukalani is alright but the houses are kind of close together and it's pretty loud for upcountry.

It's the town with the grocery stores, school, pool, etc. though.

[Aceace]

I live in Makawao, and it is wonderful! Cute little town... Very clean, no crimes! I suggest you live in Makawao, if you move to Maui. Well............Good Luck!
-A

[winkosmosis]

Figure out whether you want to live in a wet or a dry environment.

And remember upcountry is very far from good beaches. There used to be a road down to Wailea or Makena, but it's closed now.

If you don't like the beach, you'd probably be happier in central Texas, where cost of living is much lower.

[slick828]

Haiku/Paia- north shore surf towns with more of a hippiesh vibe. Haiku rains a lot, Paia has nice weather.
Makawao- Relatively centrally located, higher up the mountain than previous two towns. More housing options.
Pukalani-Very centrally located, lots of stores around (Pukalani translates to hole in heaven) so the weather is very nice, Nice neighborhoods.
Kula- Higher elevation, getting more expensive, further from the towns and groceries etc., colder environment, beautiful views. White people are relatively well accepted in most upcountry towns (except maybe Haliimaile...which is why i didn't mention). If you want a town with mostly white people, Haiku and Kula have lots of white people. There are other smaller towns upcountry but these are the main ones. If you want further information just message me.

[Calico Salsa]

2007 incident - many shots fired, but all at one event. I think this is the one people remember, because it was back in the news last year as the trial progressed. But there are not a lot of shootings in Kula.

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