Ulupalakua Deli - Hawaii Restaurant
#5 of 11 Restaurants in Kula American

Ulupalakua Deli

4.7(29 community reviews)
Budget ($)

About

Discover Ulupalakua Deli, offering the best American experience in Kula. Enjoy Budget ($) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Taste of Upcountry Maui History

Sitting on the historic grounds of the Ulupalakua Ranch, this deli is far more than a quick stop for hikers exploring the slopes of Haleakalā. Originally established in the 1800s as a trading post, the location retains a sense of rugged, volcanic-soil authenticity that modern restaurants simply cannot replicate. You will find yourself breathing in the crisp, cool air of Kula while surrounded by sweeping views of the Pacific below.

Signature Elk and Wild Game

The menu is famous for its commitment to local sourcing, specifically the wild game harvested right from the ranch. The elk burger is the undisputed champion here, offering a lean, savory profile that pairs perfectly with the house-made seasoning. If you arrive early, the breakfast burrito is a local favorite, packed with fresh ingredients that sustain you for the winding drive back down the mountain. Be prepared for a casual experience—you are ordering at a counter and grabbing a seat on the veranda where the wind can occasionally be quite brisk.

The Ranch Atmosphere

The vibe is quintessentially Maui Upcountry: laid-back, unpretentious, and deeply connected to the land. You might find yourself sharing a picnic table with a local rancher or a weary traveler who just finished a winery tour nearby. While the parking lot can get congested when the tour buses roll through, the surrounding kiawe trees and the sheer quiet of the high-altitude meadow make the slight crowding worth it. It is the ideal pit stop for those who value fresh, hearty food over white tablecloths and formal service.

Location

902 HC 1, Kula, Hawaii, 96790-9302

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 29 community reviews
K

Kunwar dev SinghGoogle Maps

Recently

We were recommended this place by a local, and it was worth it. The place was really welcoming. My wife ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, and I ordered a Bistro Burger. I would say that the meat could have used a little more flavors. I really liked the fries that we ordered as side. The servers were really nice, and welcoming even though the place was packed. Overall, It was a nice and I would recommend people to give it a go.

M

Michelle WelchGoogle Maps

Recently

Hubs had the eggs Benedict hash & the brisket was AMAZING. I had the fried rice with three different meats and eggs sunny side up. It’s very difficult for to get eggs cooked this perfectly - they were perfect. This chef is an amazing cook, thank you! Fried rice was very flavorful and filling. Highly recommend this place, it’s off the beaten path a bit, but well worth it. We came after sunrise at Haleakala

M

Mark Tianfang YangGoogle Maps

Recently

If you’ve just subjected yourself to a 2:30 AM wake-up call and navigated the winding ascent of Haleakalā for the 5:50 AM sunrise, you are likely two things: spiritually moved and physically exhausted. After lingering at the scenic lookouts until 7:00 AM to capture the perfect shots, we found ourselves descending the mountain with one singular mission: Survival via Brunch. Enter Kula Bistro. Strategically located about 20–30 minutes downhill from the summit, this gem opens its doors at 7:30 AM—perfectly timed for the post-sunrise migration. It wasn't just a meal; it was a hospitality masterclass. The staff here aren't just efficient; they are genuinely brilliant and kind humans who understand exactly what a sleep-deprived traveler needs. Our Order of Operations: • 20oz Vanilla Latte: Essential fuel. Smooth, balanced, and sized for those who have been awake since the middle of the night. • Loco Moco: A hearty, savory hug on a plate. • Mama J’s Chicken and Waffle: Perfectly executed comfort food. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly Mama J herself. Beyond her culinary prowess, she was incredibly generous with her local knowledge, providing us with a curated list of Maui hidden gems to explore. The Verdict: If you are planning the Haleakalā sunrise pilgrimage, do yourself a favor and make Kula Bistro your official "descent destination." Between the stellar coffee and the warmth of the team, it is the best decision you’ll make all day.

B

Bonnie SGoogle Maps

Recently

The food was excellent, the service was even better! A true small town atmosphere. We ordered the meatballs and bread from the appetizer menu and it was still too much food for two of us. Definitely recommend this place.

R

robert gardnerGoogle Maps

Recently

Always a great time at Kula Bistro!! Mahi-mahi Carbonara and Asian Chicken salad were on point! I will always go back!

S

Shaine CarterGoogle Maps

Recently

My family and I visited the bistro after our long trek up to Haleakala and let me just say: the food, the service, the vibe of the bistro was incredible. Our server Mama J was the sweetest most incredible server. She made our experience worth the while.

K

Kathy DLTGoogle Maps

Recently

Had a huge breakfast this morning. The veggie frittata was enormous. I could only finish less than half, so the leftovers became my lunch later. The staff is friendly and our waiter, Bennie, was very helpful, cheerful, and attentive. A good stop for breakfast, but remember to bring your appetite.

S

Sarvesh PaiGoogle Maps

Recently

Wow, Maui—this place is a true gem. The food was hearty, earthy, and incredibly satisfying. We ordered the veggie panini and the salmon entrée, and both were excellent. The panini was toasted just right, with rustic focaccia that had the perfect texture and bite. The salmon was cooked perfectly and paired beautifully with the vegetables on the side—well balanced, well seasoned, and full of flavor. It was exactly the kind of nourishing, delicious meal we needed after paragliding. Couldn’t have asked for a better lunch experience. Highly recommended!

C

Craig FerraraGoogle Maps

Recently

This is an awesome spot off the beaten path. Their menu goes from grilled cheese sandwiches to blackened New York steak or lobster risotto. They don’t serve alcohol, but they encourage you to go across the street to grab a beer or a bottle of wine to bring it in for dinner from a local market. We came here with four kids, it was chaos amidst amazing food. We will be back. Ask for Liz.

M

Matthew HoltGoogle Maps

Recently

We stopped at Kula Bistro for breakfast after watching the sunrise at Haleakalā while on our honeymoon, and it was the best decision! We ordered the corned beef hash eggs benedict and the steak and eggs—hands down the best breakfast we had on the island. Everything was cooked perfectly and so flavorful. The service was wonderful too, super friendly and attentive. Highly recommend this spot if you’re in Maui!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ulupalakua Deli

Common questions from diners about Ulupalakua Deli in Kula.

Yes, they offer vegetarian friendly options.

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