Chapter 11 – Haiku
On the northern shore of Maui lies the unincorporated community of Haiku. This quaint area covers a significant part of the northern shore from the ocean to the mountains further inland. While Haiku is centrally located on Maui from a geographic standpoint, it is east of many of the urban areas. It is the perfect setting for those who enjoy a more rural feel but who want the convenience of “civilization” in Paia located just about 10 minutes away. As an unincorporated community, Haiku has a census designation as Haiku-Pawelea which is an area of just under 16 miles and a population of 8,100 as of the 2010 Census.
Haiku tends to get a bit more rain than other parts of the island and this has had a significant impact on the history and economy of the area. During the 19th century, Haiku, as much of Maui eventually would, became a major hub for sugar production. Sugar plantations were quickly growing business on Maui in the mid-1800s. It was at this time that two sons of missionaries, Samuel Alexander and Henry Baldwin, started cultivating a small 12 acres of sugar in Haiku. By the following year they had added more than 5,000 acres of sugar growing throughout Haiku and into central Maui. They soon owned Hawaii’s largest sugar company but would discover that the large amounts of rain in Haiku were not present in the central plains of the island. This predicament devastated their crops until they fashioned an elaborate irrigation system that brought rain water from Haiku into Wailuku and the central plains of Maui. Their ingenuity assured the success of their crop and, in doing so, assured Maui’s continued relevance to the Hawaiian economy even after the capital, and the commerce associated with it, moved from Lahaina to Honolulu earlier in the century.
Around the same time, a sugar pioneer named Claus Spreckels built the Haiku Ditch system which spanned some 30 miles and brought 50 million gallons of water each day from Haiku into the dry desert areas of Maui. The importance of sugar production to Maui and to Haiku in particular can still be seen today in the historic plantation homes found throughout the area.
However, the Haiku community truly began to flourish around the start of the 20th century due to another key agricultural product in Hawaii—pineapple. In 1903 the Haiku Fruit and Packing Company was established and a local cannery opened in 1904 firmly establishing pineapple industry on Maui and in Haiku. Very soon this quiet community was home to a diverse population of people who came to work in pineapples fields and production.
These days the modern day visitor to Haiku will immediately be struck by the lush green foliage, tropical flowers and stunning scenery throughout this region thanks to the ample rain. Now the overall vibe of “downtown” of Haiku is peaceful and laid-back with just a few stores and a post office. Yet there is some evidence of light industry there as well thanks to Haiku’s agricultural history and role of economic importance to Maui.
In modern times tourism is the major industry on Maui, but Haiku is far removed from the “hustle and bustle” of the tourist centers concentrated farther west– and its residents like it that way! It is the perfect spot to for those whose particular brand of Hawaiian paradise involves relaxation and peace and quiet. The historic Road to Hana (aka Hana Highway) runs directly through the Haiku area and is generally considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. Haiku serves as the last point of civilization for travelers before reaching Hana just about 40 miles east.
The only downside to residing in Haiku is that one needs to travel to a neighboring city to have a significant number of shopping and dining options. Fortunately, the closest options aren’t far at all. Paia is only about seven miles away while Kahului, the largest city on Maui, is only 13 miles from the Haiku community. This is also reflected in the average travel time for commuter living in Haiku which is about 25 minutes.
Although a bit of travel is required for shopping and commuting, there is no shortage of great beaches and recreational opportunities without leaving Haiku. Ho’okipa Beach is one of the most popular surfing destinations on Maui and has also been called the windsurfing capital of the world hosting multiple world-class competitions each year. During the winter the water at Ho’okipa Beach is at its roughest attracting professional surfers as well as wind and kite surfers, while summer months bring calm waters perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There is no shortage of opportunities to get outdoors for non-surfers with ample hiking trails, golf courses and many other area parks including the famed Haleakala National Park just a short drive away in Maui’s upcountry.
With all that Haiku has to offer it is not surprising that the area has been a huge draw for people looking for the true Aloha spirit with a small town feel. This area is often considered a bit of a “melting pot” when it comes to the residents who have found their way here. In Haiku you can find everyone from native Hawaiian islanders to people of Asian descent whose ancestors came to work in sugar or pineapple production. More recently, water sport enthusiasts from the mainland and beyond have been drawn by the local beaches and surfing opportunities to make Haiku home. Perhaps it is for this reason that the average age of Haiku’s residents is 40 years old– about 15 younger than the state average in Hawaii.
The real estate market in Haiku is a testament to this diversity offering everything from multi-million dollar oceanfront homes to quaint cabins nestled inland at the foot of the mountains. Since Haiku is a rural area the lots tend to be larger than elsewhere on the island. While it is no secret that real estate on Maui is more expensive than on the mainland, Haiku has a lower cost of living than much of Hawaii making buying a home a bit more affordable there.
Testimonials
“First conversation with Attilio Leonardi was a no pressure sales call. He was patient with all my questions, not hurried, and very knowledgeable about the short sale process. That helped establish trust and confidence in hiring their team. Other members of the team, with special mention to Howard Nett, all contributed to the successful negotiation. The short sale process was all together long and tedious; but as long as you commit to your part as a seller (i.e. providing necessary paperwork in a timely manner), team Lally will make the process as smooth and painless as possible with their professionalism.”
“When my husband and I got transferred here with the Coast Guard we were interested in purchasing our first home. We found Adrianne through other military members that she had helped. Adrianne and her team went above and beyond to help us find our first home. She took out all the stress and helped us every step of the way, from finding a home to finding a lender to get a loan. We found a short sell and she helped us get into our house and close within a month! Adrianne and her team has made us feel like family the way they take the time to call and check on us throughout the years and through their client appreciation events. Thanks again Adrianne and Team Lally!”
“I walked away from my property three years ago and assumed that it would get foreclosed upon or just disappear….Three years later I was contacted by a tenant that was being rented the condo from a company that was operating illegally and claimed to have ownership of it….I contacted Team Lally and they were able to navigate these very difficult waters: me not having paid my mortgage for three years, a company claiming ownership, the condo association not happy because they were not paid for three years…Team Lally worked through all of this to complete a short sale of the property and I paid virtually nothing…I worked with other real estate companies in the past and Team Lally blows them away, I would highly recommend them for all your real estate needs”
“We had a friend that asked who could help their move to paradise. It sounds cool however they were stressed. After making a couple of calls, I knew who they needed to call. Team Lally exceeded their expectations and after the first call the stress level went way down. Thanks for your help. We can’t wait to make our visit and give you a hug in person.”
“I am a retired, disabled veteran. In the summer of 2013, I faced significant financial, professional, and personal challenges. At the center of these challenges was the fact that my home was under water and I could not continue making payments. I had previously worked with three other real estate agents on island (two from major companies and one independent) and could not better my situation. Facing the brink of foreclosure and financial ruin, I called Team Lally on a recommendation from a friend. From that moment forward, I was able to take comfort in the belief that these people would achieve the best possible outcomes for my circumstance. While all Team Lally members went above and beyond to help me, I would like to highlight a few.Adrienne Lally, President/Team Lally – Simply the best real estate professional I have ever worked with. Within 36 hours of first contact, she had personally assessed my home and situation, and developed a cogent, strategic plan for presentation, foreclosure avoidance, and best-pricing. Her knowledge of the Hawaii real estate market is beyond reproach and she repeatedly took the time to answer every question and concern that I had. As a veteran herself, she offered unique insight on my circumstance and developed a rapport I found with no other real estate agent. Most importantly, she maintained consistent contact throughout the process via weekly updates, even after I left the islands. I was never just a number to Adrienne Lally. If I am e…
“Adrienne, Attilio, and Howard worked hard and patiently to get my condo sold. Despite working through hours where it was difficult to reach me in Boston. Their phone calls, emails, and use of the docusign system set the stage for the sale in a tough market. Thanks once again for your helpfulness and professionalism.”
“We interviewed three different Realtors and we Team Lally were incredibly organized and impressive. We hired them to help us find a home in Hawaii. They had such great local knowledge and incredibly responsive. True Professionals!! Unfortunately, my job situation changed and we ended up not buying a home, but if we are coming back we know who we would work with. Team Lally is #1 in our book!”
“Team Lally are great. I have not had the chance to buy a house yet but I know that whenever we walk in the office we are considered not only a valued customer but as family. I am lucky to have them on my side.”
“Team Lally did a fantastic job in every aspect of my home buying process. Adrienne was always quick to respond to any and every question I could come up with. She and her team did every thing they could to make sure my home buying process was successful. Adrienne also proved to be a great resource for recommending local contractors after I bought the house and needed a bit of work done to it.”
“Team Lally did a wonderful job selling our home and answering all of our questions and concerns! Howard and Christopher have been there for my every need even after the sale of my home! A wonderful crew over there!”