Ulupalakua Ranch in Hawaii: History, What It Raises, How It Makes Money and How to Contact It
Profile updated November 2026
Ulupalakua Ranch on the slopes of Haleakala on Maui describes itself as one of Hawaii's largest working cattle ranches, with a history of more than 150 years. It produces grass-fed beef, lamb, elk and venison, and hosts a ranch store and grill and a wind farm on its eastern lands.
| Location | Ulupalakua, Kula, Maui, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Founded | The ranch site gives two dates, 1856 and an establishment in 1845 by L.H. Bailey; it says its history spans over 150 years |
| Sectors | Grass-fed beef; lamb; elk and venison; ranch store and grill |
| Scale | Acreage and head counts not published on the pages reviewed |
| Why it is elite | Described as one of Hawaii's largest working cattle ranches; diversified protein program |
| Ownership | Not named on the pages reviewed; the Auwahi Wind Farm operated by Sempra Energy sits on its eastern lands |
| Official website | Ulupalakua Ranch official site (history page) |
History of Ulupalakua Ranch
The ranch's history page dates the ranch to 1856 in one place and says it was established in 1845 by L.H. Bailey, an American teacher who bought the land from the Hawaiian monarchy, in another. Either way it has operated for over 150 years on the leeward slope of Haleakala.
Maui Now marked the ranch's half-century milestone in 2013, and the ranch continues to emphasize paniolo culture, conservation and community on its website.
What Ulupalakua Ranch Grows and Raises
The ranch raises grass-fed cattle and also produces lamb, elk and venison. The Ranch Store and Grill serves burgers made from beef, venison and elk, showing a direct link between the pasture and the plate.
Its website lists sections on livestock, conservation, paniolo culture, community and sustainable energy. The Auwahi Wind Farm, operated by Sempra Energy, sits on the easternmost part of the property.
How Ulupalakua Ranch Makes Money
Beef, lamb, elk and venison
The ranch sells its products as a grass-fed protein line, a way to capture more value than selling only calves.
Ranch store and grill
The store is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm and the grill from 11am to 4pm, which serves visitors passing along Piilani Highway.
Land use and events
The ranch website lists an events page and the wind farm lease, showing land use beyond livestock.
Farm Insight: What Other Operators Can Learn from Ulupalakua Ranch
Sell what you raise at the counter. A store and grill convert passing traffic into retail margins.
Diversify species and land uses. Elk, lamb and a wind farm lease spread risk across markets and weather.
It is not every ranch that can serve a burger made of beef, venison or elk, and then leave the guest unsure which one was the best. The writers at farm.FM would love to add Ulupalakua to their farm satire, farm humor, ranch humor and farm jokes, if only for the elk and the view of the Pacific. Paniolo pride, served with a side of aloha.
farm.FM got there first as the nation's first satirical farm site, and it backs the writing with Tractor Tunes, country music for farmers. Here is one contributor's collection of farm satire to start with.
How to Contact Ulupalakua Ranch
Website: https://ulupalakuaranch.com/?p=24
Address: 14779 Piilani Hwy, Kula, HI 96790
Phone: (808) 878-1202
Email: info@urmaui.com
Contact details as published on the operation's own website, November 2026. Confirm visits, store hours and sales before traveling.
Ulupalakua Ranch Sources and Agriculture Authority Links
- Ulupalakua Ranch - Our History - Official history page
- Maui Now: half century - Independent coverage of the ranch's anniversary
- Hawaii News Now: land deal - News coverage of a Maui ranch land agreement
- USDA NASS Hawaii Census of Agriculture - State farm numbers and sales from the 2022 Census
- Civil Beat on the Hawaii farm census - Independent coverage of Hawaii agriculture trends
Ulupalakua Ranch FAQ
Where is Ulupalakua Ranch?
14779 Piilani Highway, Kula, on Maui.
What does Ulupalakua Ranch sell?
Grass-fed beef, lamb, elk and venison, plus items in the ranch shop.
When was the ranch founded?
Its site gives 1856 and also mentions an 1845 establishment, and says its history spans over 150 years.
How do I contact the ranch?
Phone (808) 878-1202 or email info@urmaui.com.
Ulupalakua Ranch shows how a historic Maui cattle ranch can add specialty proteins, a store and renewable energy. Read the Hawaii farms guide for the wider context.