Where Is Haiku, Hawaii?

Nestled on Maui’s north shore lies the charming town of Haiku, a hidden gem offering natural beauty and tranquility. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Haiku is located on the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii, United States, situated at 20.9° N, 156.3° W on the lush northeastern slopes of the West Maui Mountains.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to exactly where Haiku is located, what the area around Haiku is like, things to see and do there, and how to get to this peaceful Hawaiian paradise.

Geography and Location of Haiku, Hawaii

Located on the Island of Maui

Haiku is a census-designated place located on the island of Maui, which is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Specifically, Haiku lies on the northeastern side of the island, nestled at the base of the lush West Maui Mountains.

Northeast Region of West Maui Mountains

Haiku rests in the tropical northeast region of the majestic West Maui Mountains. The town sits at around 600 feet above sea level, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy cooler temperatures than towns along Maui’s coastline.

Lush green valleys and small streams cut through the area, creating an abundance of tropical flora and fauna.

Climate and Ecology

Thanks to its inland location, Haiku enjoys relatively high rainfall compared to coastal towns, averaging 90-100 inches per year. This tropical climate allows a diverse range of plants and wildlife to thrive.

Common native species found in and around Haiku include bamboo forests, banana trees, mango groves, betelnut palms, guava, lilikoi, and coconut trees.

The area is also home to endangered native birds like the Maui parrotbill and kiwikiu. In fact, over 90% of Maui’s indigenous birds inhabit Haiku’s forests. Other wildlife includes colorful geckos, happy frogs, curious mongoose, wild pigs, goats, and the occasional deer.

Characteristics and Charm of Haiku

Small Town Feel

With a population of just under 3,000 residents, Haiku has maintained its small town charm and atmosphere (U.S. Census Bureau). Neighbors know each other by name, local businesses thrive thanks to community support, and there is a relaxed way of life not found in bigger cities.

Maui’s natural beauty envelops quaint neighborhoods, adding to the peaceful environment.

Lush Tropical Paradise

Lush green foliage and colorful tropical flowers bloom throughout Haiku, creating picture perfect scenes. Iconic plants like palm trees, plumerias, orchids, and bamboo grow wild across the landscape. The mountainous topography also lends itself to stunning vistas and hiking trails to jaw-dropping waterfalls.

It’s like being transported into a tropical paradise!

Farm Lands and Agriculture

Haiku was traditionally known as a plantation town focused on the now gone sugarcane industry. Today, agriculture still thrives with small farms harvesting fruits and vegetables across over 5,000 acres of land (Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture).

Farmers markets proudly sell local produce and floral arrangements. From lilikoi and banana breads to fresh caught fish, Haiku establishments highlight Hawaiian grown ingredients on their menus. The strong roots in agriculture lend to the hometown feel.

Attractions and Activities in Haiku

Hiking Trails

Haiku is home to many scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests and past dazzling waterfalls. The Kamana Trail is a moderate 2-mile loop that takes you to a peaceful bamboo grove. For ocean views, head to the Waihou Spring Trail overlooking the north shore.

More adventurous hikers can trek to Peahi Falls on the challenging but rewarding Peahi Trail. With its unspoiled natural landscapes, Haiku is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hidden Waterfalls

Tucked away in Haiku’s valleys and forests are numerous hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered. Some of the most spectacular are Kalihiwai Falls which cascades into a refreshing swimming hole, or the trio of falls at Ulaino Road.

For the more intrepid, remote waterfalls like Laa and Waikamoi Falls require some navigating through the jungle but offer a secluded oasis as your reward. Always use caution around waterfalls and pay attention to warning signs to ensure safety on your waterfall quest.

Fruit Stands and Markets

In addition to its natural beauty, Haiku is also known for its abundance of lush tropical fruits thanks to the area’s fertile volcanic soil and rainfall. Roadside fruit stands dot the landscape, allowing you to stop and sample juicy mangoes, guavas, starfruit, papayas and more.

On weekends, visit the Haiku Fruit and Flower Market showcasing colorful produce grown by local farmers. You can also pick your own strawberries, avocados, macadamia nuts or coffee beans at one of several “U-Pick” farms. Take home the flavors of Haiku to enjoy!

Directions to Reach Haiku, Hawaii

By Car

Driving to Haiku on Maui’s north shore is quite straightforward. From Kahului Airport, take route 36 (Hana Highway) northeast. After about 13 miles, make a left onto route 360 (Kokomo Road). Take route 360 north for roughly 3.5 miles until you reach Haiku Road.

Make a right and continue on Haiku Road for another mile to reach the town of Haiku.

The drive takes around 30 minutes from the airport with normal traffic conditions. Be aware that roads in this area can be quite narrow and winding, so take caution. Additionally, allow extra drive time if you are arriving during rush hour or if there is rain causing slick road conditions.

By Public Transportation

Unfortunately, public transportation options to Haiku are very limited. Maui does have a public bus system called Maui Bus, but routes to Haiku only run a few times per day.

The closest you can get via Maui Bus is to Pauwela, which is about 6 miles west of Haiku. From the Pauwela stop, you would need to arrange another form of transportation to complete the journey. This could include calling a taxi, using a ride share service, or seeing if your accommodation provides shuttle service.

While challenging, it is possible to reach Haiku using public transportation with advanced planning. Be sure to check bus schedules and allow plenty of extra time. The lack of frequent reliable public transit is certainly a drawback for non-drivers visiting the area.

By Air

The nearest airport to Haiku is Kahului Airport (OGG). From there, you have several options to reach Haiku:

• Rental car – The drive takes around 30 minutes. This most convenient for those comfortable navigating Maui’s roads.
• Taxi – A taxi from Kahului Airport to Haiku costs $100-$120. The ride takes 30-45 minutes.
• Uber/Lyft – More affordable than a traditional taxi, with rates around $65-$85. However, ride share supply can be limited.
• Shuttle service – Some accommodations in Haiku provide shuttle service from the airport, though these must be arranged in advance.

So while flying directly into Haiku is not possible, Kahului Airport is just a short drive away. Renting a car is best for flexibility, but taxi or shuttle service are alternatives for those not wanting to navigate themselves.

Conclusion

I hope this outline gives you a comprehensive guide to exactly where the charming, peaceful town of Haiku on Maui’s north shore is located. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional requirements for the full article.

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