Hawaii Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Pukalani, Hawaii

Population: 7,380

Located in Maui County

Pukalani is a residential community five miles “up the mountain” from the base of Haleakala Highway. Although very close in proximity to Makawao, it receives much less rainfall because it is much more leeward than its neighbor.

The name Pukalani literally means “hole in the heavens.” The clouds that form on the mountain above and the clouds that move in from the east converge just above and below the community, leaving Pukalani sunny almost all the time and able to retain expansive views of the entire Central Valley and the West Maui Mountains.

Services for Pukalani and other upcountry residents focus around Pukalani Terrace Center, comprised of a large Foodland supermarket, hardware store, post office station, branches of two of Hawai‘i’s three major banks – Bank of Hawai‘i and American Savings – a number of restaurants, a video store, and toy store. Across the street is the new Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center (named for a former Mayor of Maui County), the Pukalani Aquatic Center, and playing fields, and nearby is the Pukalani Country Club with its 18-hole golf course.

Just “up the hill” from the shopping center is a second post office location and the third major bank branch – First Hawaiian Bank – in a smaller shop complex. There is an elementary school and the new King Kekaulike High School. Three church congregations worship in Pukalani.