Kula. A veritable wonderland of misty mornings, crisply cool temperatures, sprawling ranches, fragrant breezes, pure air, silvery eucalyptus groves, breathtaking panoramas, wildflower meadows, and rich, ripe earth, this upcountry town is where the rich and famous (such as Oprah) live side-by-side with locals, ranchers, and wealthy hippies…er…granolas — and where the rest of us wish we lived.
(Actually it’s a little chilly for my liking — in the winter, temps in upper Kula can dip as low as the 40s at night — but every time I’m there I forget about that fact and am swept away by the beauty & magic and want to never leave.) Draped across the western slopes of Haleakala Volcano, Kula is home to 6,925 varied residents, some of whom are very interesting. The Hawaiian word “kula” means “open meadows,” which is an apt description of this portion of Maui. Kula sits at an elevation ranging from 1800-4000 feet, and this elevation is what creates the cool temperatures, pure air, and breathtaking panoramas of the coastal areas far below. Continue reading
Gypsy and her Smart 