Pulelehua

A Community for the Locals

Pulelehua plans to keep the native Hawaiian community in mind by providing environmentally sustainable housing with floorplans and retail options set to meet the needs of local residents. This master-planned development will include rental units, homes for purchase, and commercial retail.

Additionally, plans for Pulelehua take the natural beauty of the area into consideration. All units will be arranged in a manner that allows for ocean or mauka views. A large portion of the land (about 25%) will be kept as open space, with parks and pathways for residents to use as they spend time outdoors.

Given the increasing need for affordable housing in Hawaii, Pulelehua will provide a significant number of workforce and affordable units for rent. There will also be affordable houses for sale, and $1 million has been allocated to a community benefit trust. These funds will be utilized to assist with affordable housing down payments.

Features of the Master-Planned Development

The Pulelehua development is planned to cover a whopping 304 acres of land and will serve as a mixed-use community, meaning that it will include both residential and retail buildings. Land was purchased by developers at Maui Oceanview in 2016, and there are plans to build out the community in phases.

Over time, Pulelehua is anticipated to host 1,000 residential units. This will include affordable housing rentals and purchases in addition to market-rate rentals and single-family lots. There will also be options for additional ohanas, which are small second homes right next to the larger homes. These are perfect for multi-generational family living.

Of these residential units, Pulelehua is planned to host 800 multi-family homes. The breakdown of these units is as follows: 100 affordable homes for purchase, 400 market-rate homes for purchase, and 300 workforce rental units. Additionally, the community will include 100 single-family lots with potential for 100 additional ohana units.

Rental properties at Pulelehua will only be available for long-term leases of a minimum of 10 months. This helps to provide housing for local residents and prevents the use of rentals as vacation properties. The workforce and market-rate rentals will be developed earlier on in the process to help support the needs of the community.

One of the special features of the Pulelehua community is that each of its homes (whether rented or purchased) will include a view of the ocean or mauka. Residences will all be single-story, and they will be built along a mountainside. Future tenants will be able to experience 180-degree views of the beautiful Hawaiian ocean without even having to leave their neighborhood.

Home designs will depend on the size and type of unit but are planned to match the popular local styles. The ground-floor multi-family condominium design is award winning and has even been recognized at the national level. Residents won’t have to worry about navigating stairs or elevators, as all units are ground-level, and there will also be adequate parking for individuals to be able to park their cars right in front of their buildings.

News sources are reporting that the initial phases of Pulelehua will focus on development of affordable housing units. Phase 1A is planned to host 100 townhomes. These will be available for future homeowners who are earning 60-120% of the area median income. The second phase, 1B, will feature 140 rental units, including studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units. These units will be priced at 80-120% of the area medium income. Currently, they are predicted to lease for between $1,400 and $2,700 per month. Affordable unit prices will also include utility fees, which cover water and electricity.

Affordable homes for purchase are anticipated to be ready in 2023. These 1 or 2-bedroom homes will be priced based off the area median income. For example, an individual earning 60% or less than the area median income can expect to pay between $183,600 and $220,000 for their home.

Individuals who are interested in the affordable housing opportunities can apply through the housing lottery. Maui County residents will receive special priority, and length of time residing in the county will also be considered.

Pulelehua Community Amenities

In the same way that the homes offered at Pulelehua have been planned in an intentional manner, the community amenities have also been carefully curated to support the anticipated needs of the residents.

For example, the community is planned to incorporate plenty of natural greenspace. 25% of the development will serve as landscaped open space, and there are plans for 30 small parks to be scattered throughout. The parks will also be equipped with BBQ grills and seating areas. There will be around 7 miles of walking and biking trails throughout the community. Additionally, the neighborhood will host a 10-acre multi-sport park, which will be considered as a part of the County and will not have to be financially supported by community residents.

Pulelehua will also host a new on-site elementary school, which will be perfectly convenient for residents who have children. The school will cover 13 acres of land, leaving plenty of green space for children to run and play. There will also be a neighborhood clubhouse for families to enjoy, with party rooms, a pool, and a fitness area. The community will remain sustainable with its portable water system and its advanced water treatment system.

Eventually, Pulelehua will incorporate retail centers. The commercial space will take up around 70,000 square feet and will provide opportunities for small community shops and grocers. These retailors will be chosen based on the needs of the community, and there will be options for live-work spaces.

Pulelehua is an excellent option for families looking to either rent or purchase a home in Maui. With both affordable and market rate opportunities, there are price points for a variety of income brackets, and the community amenities and stunning ocean and mountain views are not limited to the more expensive homes. Pulelehua will provide a multitude of green spaces, with parks and trails to help support a healthy, active lifestyle. Though it has been a long time in the making, this master-planned development is meant to meet the housing needs of the local community.