Anything about Pukalani You Don't Like? (Honolulu, Lahaina: house, neighborhood, school)

[rodmeister]

I'm seriously considering retireing in Pukalani in a couple years, done some research and I'm looking for negative info, if any, about Pukalani. I've driven through the town three times during summers and it seems an ideal place for me. It's easy to find good things about it but what are some of the negatives or pet peeves that residents have that affects the quality of life.

Information to consider: I'm a single Katonk, retireing from Southern California in with a generous government pension, with healthcare paid for, several hundred thousands in saving and would like to get a small three bedroom house and a dog. I like temperate weather and can't take the heat in Lahaina. I'm quiet and am not seeking a busy social life though some new friends and musical activities would be nice. Cost of living doesn't bother me since cost of living comparisons with my California coast town is the same. I've lived on small islands for 16 years of my life, including 5 in Honolulu in the 70's. One pet peeve and major reason I want leave SoCal is traffic, all-day traffic.

[hothulamaui]

my only problem would be the distance to the beach.

[rodmeister]

The city chart shows Pukalani is windy. Any input on that? Negative impacts...noise, kicking up dirt and debris?

hothulamaui: thanks for your comment. It would be nice to be closer to the beach, but I'm only an occasional beach goer, and it would be one of the compromises I would have to make.

[hothulamaui]

I have never lived up country but I would suspect it can be just as windy as other parts of the island. wind is just part of living on the island. yes it does kick up dirt and your house will get dusty. the noise level will depend on your neighborhood. there are places up there with tons of room so I imagine it would be quiet. best of luck

[MitchTempo]

Originally Posted by rodmeister

The city chart shows Pukalani is windy. Any input on that? Negative impacts...noise, kicking up dirt and debris?

hothulamaui: thanks for your comment. It would be nice to be closer to the beach, but I'm only an occasional beach goer, and it would be one of the compromises I would have to make.

Depends on which part of Pukalani your in. Over by the high way side you get lots of wind, a nice view, but highway noise if you don't have good insulation, and lots of dust. Down past the school, its a little like a bunch of valleys. The homes that are blocked off by the valley tops; you only get Kona winds in the lower areas, or that evening draft that goes up the hill, and still dust.

That weather chart puts most of Maui at 30 mph winds, not every place in that area gets those winds.

Nice little niche if you don't like to go down to the beach. You can golf, and go to the park, and eat at some of the smaller shops. Some of the older streets off of Haleakala highway is one lane, and that is annoying for some people, as its hard to bring over guests since there's no parking.

[rodmeister]

MtichTemp,

Thanks! Some very useful info in your post which will figure in my search for a house in a couple years.

Originally Posted by MitchTempo

Depends on which part of Pukalani your in. Over by the high way side you get lots of wind, a nice view, but highway noise if you don't have good insulation, and lots of dust. Down past the school, its a little like a bunch of valleys. The homes that are blocked off by the valley tops; you only get Kona winds in the lower areas, or that evening draft that goes up the hill, and still dust.

That weather chart puts most of Maui at 30 mph winds, not every place in that area gets those winds.

Nice little niche if you don't like to go down to the beach. You can golf, and go to the park, and eat at some of the smaller shops. Some of the older streets off of Haleakala highway is one lane, and that is annoying for some people, as its hard to bring over guests since there's no parking.

[rodmeister]

I don't mind a steady wind, I presume Maui winds are steady rather than gusty? In my part of Southern California we get a wind during the afternoon but it's usually fairly steady and doesn't rattle shades or kick up dust.

[Gurn Blanston]

It's not too windy.

[TwoByFour]

Originally Posted by rodmeister

I don't mind a steady wind, I presume Maui winds are steady rather than gusty? In my part of Southern California we get a wind during the afternoon but it's usually fairly steady and doesn't rattle shades or kick up dust.

My sistah lived in Pukalani and moved to Kula, mostly because of the wind. The trade wind accelerates as it funnels between Haleakala and the West Mauis, and Pukalani is right where it kicks into gear. The thing I like about Pukalani is it has great views, is affordable for the views you get, and you can walk to almost anything you might need. The thing I don't like about Pukalani is the lots are too small for my tastes - you will be cozy with your neighbors living there. I like space to spread out and not feel packed-in.

[winkosmosis]

It tends to be overcast a lot up there, though IIRC Pukalani isn't as bad as Makawao.