Maui Land Varies with the Microclimate

Haleakala dominates the Maui landscape and determines the weather and climate in each section: Upcountry, North Shore, East, Central, West, and South Maui. The earth's oldest dormant volcano, Haleakala and the northeasterly trade winds govern rainfall and temperature. In turn, these factors affect the geography of each section.

For instance, the north upslopes of Haleakala that receive the tropical storms brought ashore on the trade winds, are dense, verdant rainforests. Rainfall is high, ranging from over 100 inches to around 22 inches on the western upslopes of the volcano. These western inclines--the area around Kula and Pukalani--are agricultural, largely given to producing fruit and cool-weather vegetables. West Maui is more temperate; located on the leeward side of the island, West Maui land is protected from the extremes of wind and rainfall on the island. South Maui, and the southern upslopes of Haleakala, are semi-arid. This locale has the sunniest beaches and the hottest weather. The world-famous golf courses of Kapalua and Wailea are on the protected side of the volcano.

Available Maui Land Follows the Weather

Given the Mauians' love of aina, the land, the rainforests on north Maui preclude development, except sporadically right along the coast. The more protected areas of West Maui real estate, and the hotter locations along the coastline of South Maui, are more developed. Even here, however, the master-planned communities are carefully designed to complement the land.

Developments follow the coastline, with intrusion into the inland areas measured in acres, not miles. Small, private, secluded home sites are available on the breathtaking coast of Wailea and Makena real estate. More affordable sites can still be found in West Maui near Lahaina and Napili. Aloha aina--love of the land--is evident in the thoughtful balance struck on Maui land between development and preservation.