Heaven on Earth in Upcountry Maui

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Outdoor space
Kitchen

Explore the area

Kula, HI

Kamaole Beach Park
‪32 min drive‬
Keawakapu Beach North
‪32 min drive‬
Wailea Beach
‪37 min drive‬
Kahului, HI (OGG)
‪39 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Star Bed (A sleeping alcove)

1 Queen Bed

2 half bathrooms

Main Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Welcome to The Star Lookout, a magical vacation cottage in Maui's Upcountry. Experience a taste of 'Old Hawaii' in our quiet, restful perch with privacy, sweeping views, magnificent sunsets, and oodles of stars. We are located at 622 Thompson Road, Kula, HI 96790.

The Star Lookout is the perfect retreat for nature lovers, star gazers, writers, outdoor enthusiasts, honeymooners, and well, just about anyone wanting to get away from it all. The Star Lookout is a one-in-a-million property with unobstructed views of both shores of Maui. To the south, the community of Kihei and glimpses of neighboring islands. To the north, Kahului and views of north shore beaches and sugar cane fields. The entire property is surrounded by pasture with grazing cattle and wild Axis deer. We have two pet sheep in our own small pasture, and there are resident cats that may try to keep you company on the lanai!

We are a permitted, legal vacation cottage as of April, 2009:
Ordinance #3627
Bill No. 14; CP 2002/0009
For assistance please call 907-250-2364.

Property manager

Janice Tower

Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

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G & Z Upcountry is located in beautiful and peaceful Kula

Sea view
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Our guests and neighbors seek the tranquility and calm of Thompson Road. We're sorry, but we do not allow parties or large gatherings.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

Property Registration Number TA-023-741-2352-01, GE-023-741-2352-01, 220010540000

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kula

Kula is home to this cottage. Kula Botanical Garden and Maui Gold Pineapple Farm are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Hali imaile Farmer's Market and Kihei Kalama Village. Maui Fish Pipe and Science City are also worth visiting. Explore all the area has to offer with hiking/biking trails, cycling and ecotours.

Kula, HI

What's nearby

Kamaole Beach Park 3 - 31 min drive - 14.0 km
Kamaole Beach Park - 32 min drive - 13.9 km
Keawakapu Beach North - 32 min drive - 14.0 km
Wailea Beach - 37 min drive - 17.0 km
Maluaka Beach - 45 min drive - 23.4 km

Getting around

Kahului, HI (OGG) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

‪Lappert's Hawai'i - ‬44 min drive
‪Monkeypod Kitchen - ‬45 min drive
‪Botero Bar - ‬44 min drive
‪Manoli's Pizza Company - ‬44 min drive
‪Oao - ‬45 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Heaven on Earth in Upcountry Maui pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Heaven on Earth in Upcountry Maui?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Heaven on Earth in Upcountry Maui?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Heaven on Earth in Upcountry Maui located?

Situated in Kula, this cottage is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Kaiser Permanente and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Sun Yat-sen Park. Kula Botanical Garden and Aliʻi Kula Lavender are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Tim P.

1 Mar, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

We had an amazing stay in upcountry Maui. The cottage was super clean, well-stocked and exactly as described. We loved the location, a very peaceful, rural countryside vibe. Loved the cats, we could see deer, sheep and of course chickens! If you want a quiet peaceful stay away from the crowds I would highly recommend.

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carmen L.

17 Jan, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cottage

We really enjoyed our stay here in Kula. The cottage was absolutely perfect with stunning views of the ocean and mountains. Thanks again to the host Zsuzsanna for welcoming us and making our stay very comfortable. Hope to see you again sometime soon

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary E.

1 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An amazing home with spectacular views ( & cats & sheep)

Star Lookout is located in upland Maui - the cottage has spectacular views of both east and west maui and amazing views of the night sky - so wonderful we deliberately got up in the middle of the night to see it

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bjoern

16 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

The amazing view

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

15 Apr, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

I cannot say enough good things about this place. The pictures seem almost too good to be true online, but then when you get here, you realize that the pictures cannot capture the beauty. Loved it.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Jayant P.

7 Sept, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Nice Place

Nice place with good location. However, my son missed his morning coffee since there was none. In the bathroom, there was only a bar soap. For the price paid, would expect some standard amenities. We would have liked if Ray’s Cat gave us some space and privacy to enjoy the patio for our prayer and breakfast.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynne G.

17 May, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

We have stayed here many times and each time is perfect. Tranquil, restful and stunning with dramatic cloud displays and grazing deer putting on a show for us. When I am tired and worn out I plan to return here and if that's not possible, I will return here in my mind. Thank you for sharing this special spot with us.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynne G.

4 Dec, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Stellar Visit

We try to return at least twice a year in spite of living just a short distance away. It is wonderfully restoring to be here.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan D.

16 Jul, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Literally the nicest place ive ever stayed in.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ronald T., Haiku, HI. USA

13 Aug, 2018

Loving upcountry Maui!!!!

My wife and I have stayed at this beautiful place 7 times and it keeps getting better each time.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lynne G.

17 Jun, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

We love Star Lookout. Will be back soon.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew O.

13 Apr, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Star Lookout

This is a very comfortable small house in a unique and different location at 3,000 feet elevation overlooking Maalea Bay, on a country road. Great views and lots of privacy and peace and quiet.

Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alicia G., Sonoma County

14 Apr, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly Heaven on Earth

I have rented numerous homes on VRBO and this home was definitely the Best! This property is absolutely beautiful! The location was perfect- away from the crowds yet close to beaches and tons of Maui attractions. I look forward to a time when I am able to stay at this home again. Thank you Janice for sharing your amazing home with my family.

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Liz P.

29 May, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highlight of Maui trip!

Outstanding property, outstanding host! Every bit of this sweet cottage made us feel at home and welcomed. The little details (like books and games and binoculars) and our feline visitors (shout out to Gin and Tawny) made this unforgettable. It's so peaceful and quiet and you can see straws for miles, not to mention the gorgeous Maui coastline. Loved the sheep and sightings of deer, birds and chickens. Apparently the road is one of the best in Maui for walking/running, you get the coast on one side and sweeping views of the emerald, undulating hills on the other. Waling distance to an adorable coffee shop. We love this place! Mahalo Janice, Ray and Barbara.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike T.

20 Apr, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking views that left us speechless

There are no words that can truly express the views from this lovely cottage. You can see both sides of the valley and the west Maui mountains. And the stars at night are spectacular. The owners and the caretakers are very friendly and accommodating. This is a wonderful place to stay. We are ready for our next visit.

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Helen M.

30 Jun, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on Maui

We had an amazing time in the Upcountry thanks to this amazing cottage. It was so comfortable and the views were stunning no matter the time of day. The outdoor firepit was put to good use, even in the summer as the nights were cool. And sitting in the hot tub enjoying the stars was an experience not to be missed. Add in the wonderful resident sheep, cats and local deer and birds, and this was a rejuvenating stay for the whole family. We will definitely be back!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P., Tulsa, Oklahoma

15 Sept, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of our favorite places ever!

This was such a wonderful getaway. We were in Maui for work but stayed extra days to enjoy the island. We spent some time on the coast, and then came to this gem in upcountry. It was a whole other world. Spending time on the deck or in the star bed with the breeze blowing was so relaxing, and we loved star gazing at night from the hot tub. It's also close to a great winery and the lavender farm. The friendly neighborhood kitties were a bonus. :-) We would love to stay here again!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brajesh D.

13 Dec, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular!!

The view and surroundings of the property are stunningly beautiful. Its so great that I don’t think a few tiny small issues matter at all. We enjoyed views, wildlife, nature walks around and used the kitchen to maximum due to covid situation. The caretakers live on the property which helped a lot. I felt a spiritual connection to this place.

Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W., Eugene, Oregon, USA

27 Feb, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A real hidden prize!

In researching Maui before this visit (our first), we were surprised and intrigued to read about the upcountry region on the flanks of Haleakala. We hoped staying here would give us a flavor of the area. It was even better than we had hoped! A wonderful small cottage with a glorious view. The caretaker was very helpful, not only about the cottage itself but also with advice about shopping etc. (The cottage is fairly isolated, although shopping is not far if you know where to go.) We would definitely want to come back here on any future visit to Maui.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian S., Toronto

27 Dec, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular

Stayed with my wife and two kids age 10 and 11. The location is really amazing and very quite. We did day trips all over the island and returned to our quiet cottage every night. (we appreciated the seclusion due to the current covid situation). My daughter enjoyed the loft bed and playing with the two friendly cats. everything was perfect from checkin to check out and Janice was easy to get in touch with if we had any questions. Be sure to check out Kula Bistro if you are looking to eat out. (BYOW)

Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Becky C.

21 Jan, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Slice of heaven

We have been to Maui many times and never stayed upcountry until now. This hidden gem was the perfect place to end our vacation and spend some quiet peaceful time reflecting and taking in the magnificent views. The property was amazing! The fresh fruit was the icing on the cake. I can’t say enough good things about our experience. We will definitely be back, and we have large aspirations of retiring in a place exactly like this. We were blessed to have this opportunity as a family to stay there. The kids had space to run and play and that was important too. We all loved it!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

10 Jul, 2013

Island Paradise Realized

Haven’t slept this good in weeks! With storybook charm The Star Lookout was everything we hoped for. Upcountry Maui neighborhood is super-quiet; a few horses along the road, grazing cows in the fields nearby and an occasional deer were a welcome change from crowded beach-side resorts. Porch surrounding cottage has great views and deck furniture was really comfortable for relaxing after a bike ride or hike. Queen bed in main cottage is raised to meet base of slider windows both behind and beside the bed. Luxury linens and down comforter were a great first impression but the real kicker is the star-filled sky view above island lights below and the cool breeze caressing you throughout the night. Heaven on earth!!! Cottage was super-clean, well-stocked with amenities, has beautiful wood floors, granite countertops, modern bathrooms, flat screen TV and cozy furniture with fun decorative pillows and unique art on the walls. Felt more like a home than a rental. Will definitely be going back.

10/10 Excellent

Hank B., Huntington Beach and sometimes Maui

11 Jul, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

ʻOia mau nō! (same as ever!)

Our third visit to The Star Lookout, and nothing has changed one bit really since our last trip in 2019. Seeing Ray once again was absolutely priceless, and hanging-out with Gin & Tonic (the cats) was perfect for us, as we have a pair just like them at home. Talk about "all the comforts" of home, we love those cats. The Star Lookout is the place to admire God's Art Gallery, both day and night. I am still honored to have contributed photos to the website of the night sky. This trip the clouds were playing and we shot day/night 4k timelapse and counted over 100 deer running in the wild. Janice, you really are a blessing to all of us who have experienced this place. Mahalo nui loa for sharing this amazing house with those of us who are able to stay here even for one night. There is no other place on Maui like this, but no kinder hosts and caretakers either. We sure love you people, and the house. I am already planning for next summer. Aloha, and fo shua, a hui ho! H&S

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deanna G., Middletown

23 Jul, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our Absolute Favorite

Our stay here in Kula was a D R E A M . The view is encapsulating at every second of the day, and absolutely never gets old. We enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub, and loved the view from the bed. The little kitchen were perfect, but the deck was where we spent the majority of our time. We made good friends with their cats, Gin and Tonic, and enjoyed watching Lenny and Squiggy and the herds of Axis in the fields ( thank you for providing binochulars!) The sunsets were incredible, and we even ventured out to grab some pizza at Marlow in Makawao and ended up grabbing a beer at Mahalo Aleworks next door, because they had live music going, and it turned out they were partnered, so we could eat the pizza inside! As an East Coaster/ Self-Proclaimed New Haven Pizza Elistist, I really enjoyed the white mushroom pizza, and the sour beers at Mahalo were a delight! This was the absolute highlight of our trip. We loved every second here. We got in our car at 10:59am on the day of our checkout and literally shed a tear, because we didnt want to leave. We can't wait to come back one day. Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience this absolute piece of Heaven. Mahalo. Dee & Kris

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angela L.

26 Jan, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Place to Stay in Maui

I stayed here a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed myself. So I returned to have an even better time than my last visit. As soon as I stepped out of my car, there was a noticeable peacefulness that just enveloped me. The garden is beautifully maintained. There are fruit trees with yummy tangerines. The view from the deck is absolutely breathtaking. The skyline is constantly changing. The view at sunset is absolutely breathtaking. The deck offers privacy. I had most meals here while I admired the view. The inside of the cottage is kept sparkling clean. The fridge was spacious enough for all of my groceries from Mana. The kitchen had everything I needed to cook simple meals. One of my favorite parts of the cottage is the bed that has an amazing view of the skyline. I can also view the sheep. The bed is super comfortable and the sheets were very nice quality. The bathroom has lots of natural light. The shower is beautiful. One of the biggest reasons for returning to this property is to see the cows and sheep. They are peaceful to be around. The walk on the road is special too. The property manager is friendly and pleasant. Janice was very responsive as well. Thank you for allowing me to stay at this very special place, Janice!

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Janice Tower

Janice Tower has owned The Star Lookout for over 24 years. She is an avid cyclist. You can find her riding up, down and around Maui with the Upcountry Cyclists.

Why they chose this property

This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

What makes this property unique

The Star Lookout offers the visitor peace, tranquility and an opportunity to commune quietly with nature. There's nothing like sitting out on the deck overlooking the north and south shores of Maui, listening to the birds and contemplating the curvature of the Earth.