Sinatra & Hepburn Adored This Sky High Maui Retreat (& You Will, Too)
Hidden high above Maui’s beach resorts, this historic lodge with cozy cabins blends Hollywood history, unforgettable dining, and epic views.
What if I told you there was a spot in Maui where Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy once mingled beneath the Hawaiian stars?
If that sparks your curiosity, then keep reading—because there’s a unique place tucked away high in Maui’s Upcountry that’s still charming visitors today.
Nestled at a breezy 3,200 feet elevation on the slopes of Haleakala, Kula Lodge is far removed from Maui’s glitzy beachfront resorts.
But after spending plenty of weekends enjoying the island’s lovely beaches over the years, an Upcountry stay was exactly the kind of laid-back, authentic Maui getaway I’d been craving.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
So when my husband, Dave, and I were recently invited to experience a different side of Maui at the historic Kula Lodge & Restaurant, we jumped at the chance.
After all, we live in busy Waikiki. So, the opportunity for a quiet weekend in the country doesn’t come often! Not to mention, there’s so much to see and do in Maui’s beautiful Upcountry region.
Read More: You Haven’t Really Seen Maui Until You’ve Explored its Stunning Upcountry🌿
I’ll get to our weekend in a moment. But first, let’s talk about Kula Lodge.
A Star-Studded History
Built originally as a private home in 1948, the property quickly became famous for glamorous parties attended by Hollywood icons like Sinatra and Hepburn.
Converted into a lodge and restaurant in the early 1950s, Kula Lodge began welcoming adventurous travelers seeking a serene mountain retreat.
Expanded over the years, particularly by former owner Fred Romanchak starting in 1984, it now features 5 rustic lodges, gorgeous floral gardens, and an inviting terrace restaurant complete with a unique artisanal pizza oven (unlike any pizza oven you’ve ever seen).
Today, the lodge is under the passionate stewardship of the Vojdani family, seasoned restaurateurs known previously for their beloved 5 Palms Restaurant in Kihei. They’ve brought their distinctive brand of Hawaiian hospitality—and delicious food—to Maui’s Upcountry.
Cozy Lodges with Unforgettable Views
After a quick flight from Oahu, we arrived at Kula Lodge after a short drive up the slopes of Haleakala.
Our home for the weekend is Lodge #2, a loft-style cabin that charms instantly with its rustic elegance and vintage vibes. Sure, the furnishings are slightly dated, but that’s part of the allure—this place feels genuinely cozy, not artificially polished.
Renovations were planned to update the lodges prior to the tragic Maui fires of 2023. But Kula was heavily affected by those fires, too, and the Lodge became a shelter for local families, which delayed planned renovations.
But honestly, we loved our lodge just as it was! It was exactly what I pictured when I envisioned a cabin in the mountains.
And oh, the views!
Though Lodge #1 is considered the best for panoramic vistas, Lodge #2 is no slouch in the view department either.
With incredible glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, the West Maui Mountains, and lush greenery, it was the definition of a peaceful retreat.
The lodges are perfect for a romantic escape, with snug queen beds, an electric fireplace, and private lanais for soaking up those breathtaking mountain views.
But they can be a good choice for families as well, with an upstairs loft area featuring two single beds—perfect for kids or extra guests.
After settling into our cabin, we wandered next door to the Kula Marketplace.
Stocked with local handmade crafts, snacks, and a full-service deli, the Marketplace has all the provisions you might need in your lodge (like the bottle of local sparkling wine we picked up!).
Next up, dinner time.
Sky High Dining at Kula Lodge Restaurant
Dinner at the lodge restaurant was the standout highlight of our weekend (rivaled perhaps only by a recent meal at Mama’s Fish House).
Read More: Maui Confidential: Is the Legendary Mama’s Fish House Worth the Hype?
Led by Executive Chef Raul Bermudez, the restaurant is an Upcountry favorite with locals, and it’s easy to see why.
The menu features both elegant classics like Poisson Cru and Hawaiian-inspired dishes like Volcano Spiced Ahi.
I ordered the Charred Lamb Chops with a Chimichurri rub and saffron Farro Pilaf, and it was outstanding.
My husband opted for the seafood stew with Kauai prawns, local fish, and clams in a saffron fennel broth.
Obviously, I had to taste that, too, and it was also delicious (the broth was fantastic).
But the highlight for both of us was dessert, a molten chocolate lava cake that was one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten. Warm, decadent, and worth every calorie.
As we enjoyed our meal overlooking the valley, we watched neighbors walk table to table, greeting each other warmly. Everyone seems to know everyone here, and there’s a genuine community vibe rarely felt at Maui’s large beach resorts.
Dinner was accompanied by the musical stylings of the talented local musician, Willy Wainwright, who performs at the lodge every weekend.
Between the food, the music, and the views, it was an unforgettable evening.
Brunch and a Garden Tour
Thanks to the cool mountain air (and a decadent meal the night before!), we slept like champs in our cozy lodge and awoke to sunshine and brilliant views over the gardens below.
For brunch, we head back to the restaurant for a terrific meal overlooking Maui on a spectacular bluebird day.
I ordered the “Lodge Benedict” with cured ham and white cheddar while Dave opted for the Oatmeal Brulee – steel cut oats, vanilla bean custard, Turinado sugar, and fresh local fruit.
After brunch, we explored the famed Garden Terrace, anchored by the whimsical brick wood-burning pizza oven, unlike anything I’ve seen before.
The Magical Garden Terrace
Completed in 1998 after three painstaking years of construction by hand, the Garden Terrace feels like a secret sanctuary.
Crews gathered basalt stones from a beach at Kaupo and recycled bricks from Honolulu buildings. The result? A dreamy terraced dining area adorned with flowing streams, waterfalls, wooden tables crafted from reclaimed redwood wine vats, and charming gazebos.
And can we talk about this pizza oven?
Let’s just say it’s a showstopper.
Built right into the terrace, the lodge’s one-of-a-kind wood-burning oven serves up crave-worthy pizzas.
Featuring fresh local ingredients like Maui onions, local mushrooms, and Maui Nui Venison sausage, the Garden Terrace is the perfect place to stop for lunch while exploring Maui’s Upcountry.
Strolling Through a Garden Paradise
From the terrace, we wandered through the lodge’s lush gardens, a colorful collection of exotic and native Hawaiian plants lovingly cultivated over decades. Bursting with protea and vibrant blooms, the gardens at Kula Lodge rival some of the actual botanical gardens I’ve visited in Hawaii.
In fact, we had planned to visit the Kula Botanical Garden while we were in the area, but ran out of time.
Thanks to this beautiful garden, we still got our flora and fauna fix while in Kula.
Experience the Authentic Side of Maui
Our weekend at Kula Lodge reminds me that there’s much more to Maui than just pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Staying here, amid fresh mountain air and friendly neighbors, feels genuinely restorative and refreshingly authentic.
And it was the perfect escape from our home in busy Waikiki.
Whether you’re spending time exploring Haleakala National Park, driving the Road to Hana, or visiting Ulupalakua Winery, Kula Lodge makes a cozy and convenient home base.
Read More: Maui’s Road to Hana: Iconic Adventure 🌈 or Risky Road Trip? ⚠️
So the next time you’re planning a trip to Maui, consider stepping away from the ordinary. Book a lodge—or at least reserve a table for dinner—at the historic Kula Lodge.
Trust me, it’ll be one of your favorite Maui memories.
Disclosure: One night’s accommodation, dinner, and brunch provided courtesy of Kula Lodge & Restaurant. But all opinions expressed here are my own.
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