Pictured in 1905, Pioneer Mill was once the business epicenter of West Maui. Photo courtesy of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation Collection.

LAHAINA — Living in Launiupoko today makes you part of a history of agriculture that has taken place on these sun drenched hills for centuries.

It started with early inhabitants growing taro in the valleys and sweet potato in the dry lands to feed their families and offer gifts to the ali‘i.

Then came the Pioneer Mill Company (founded in 1860), which became the agricultural epicenter of commerce in Lahaina for many years. Plantation camps that housed workers and their families once dotted the cane fields in Olowalu, Launiupoko and up the coast to Honokohau.

As the new millennium came, all that remained that would remind you of the mill’s (once) buzzing operation is a lonely smokestack, rustic old homes and barren fields that once produced sugar for the world.

Although time may have claimed the mill, agriculture on the slopes of West Maui has evolved and persevered. Today, we carry on this tradition of agriculture here in Launiupoko, and a great example of this is a newly listed property located at 480 Haniu Place. Situated on 5.11 acres, this working landscape nursery offers several different variations of landscape plants such as areka palms, ginger and many indigenous plant varieties to local landscapers and the general public.

This property, in addition to the working nursery, boasts a two-bedroom/two-bath cottage that also includes an office to get some work done in between your walks along scenic trails in the neighborhood and your glass of wine while the sun displays yet another amazing dip into the horizon.

Separated from the main house pad — which you still can build your dream home on — sits the beautiful cottage, as well as a 1,600-square-foot barn that has a full woodworking shop and an artist studio with two half-baths. A lanai allows you to enjoy the year-round sunsets and amazing views that extend from Kaho‘olawe to Lanai. 

Another great feature of this property is the dual water system, which is unique to the island and allows for a separate non-potable water meter. With great year-round weather and close proximity to Lahaina Town, as well as easy access to Kahului and the airport, this home is a great opportunity to own a unique piece of Maui.

For more information regarding this property, please contact Greg Burns at (808) 214-0302 or greg@westmauiland.com, or Deb Arakaki at (808) 283-7214 or debbie@westmauiland.com at West Maui Land Company Inc.