Haleakala Highway is a destination all it's own, but getting gas at Calasa's off mile marker 12 starts a trip back in time.
Once you pass the fire station look for the seven green tires on top of a telephone pole at Copp Road and Kula Highway.
Turn left and climb the old twisty road to the stop sign.
There on the corner is Calasa gas station.
It's an old two-pumper that's been around 70 years.
A teenage kid from up the street may well pump your gas.
This is where the locals go, so, there might be a few cars ahead of you.
Remember, you're Upcountry now, nothing moves fast, everybody's on a first name basis, and sanity is valued.
Life hasn't changed much in Kula since Eisenhower was president, except for the price of gas and real estate.
Dorothy Calasa, the daughter of the original owner sold the place a decade ago to Hans Kanuba, a local guy.
Hans sold it, but his brother, Ernie owns Morihara's market just down the street.
It's been around even longer than Calasa's.
One can't help but wonder how long this time capsule can last.
Where to Stay: oThe Big Red House, B&B, upcountrybandb@aol.
com Rates from $150 a night Where to Eat: o808 Diner, across the street from Morihara's market.
Very casual, $ More Local Locales: oPray for peace on Saturday or Sunday at the beautiful, white, octagonal Holy Ghost Catholic Church built by Portuguese sugar plantations workers and their families in 1894.
Be swept away by the view anytime, especially at night oAromatherapy at your fingers and toes, and ears and nose at Alii Lavender Gardens.
Ali'i Chang's tales of paradise found, prepare the palate for lavender tea, lavender scones, lavender chocolate, and more.
The usual lavender bath products are also available.
www.
aliikulalavender.
com o If you've never seen a Protea, Kula Botanical Gardens is the place.
Six acres of walking paths including a koi pond and koa trees.
www.
KulaBotanicalGarden.
com
Once you pass the fire station look for the seven green tires on top of a telephone pole at Copp Road and Kula Highway.
Turn left and climb the old twisty road to the stop sign.
There on the corner is Calasa gas station.
It's an old two-pumper that's been around 70 years.
A teenage kid from up the street may well pump your gas.
This is where the locals go, so, there might be a few cars ahead of you.
Remember, you're Upcountry now, nothing moves fast, everybody's on a first name basis, and sanity is valued.
Life hasn't changed much in Kula since Eisenhower was president, except for the price of gas and real estate.
Dorothy Calasa, the daughter of the original owner sold the place a decade ago to Hans Kanuba, a local guy.
Hans sold it, but his brother, Ernie owns Morihara's market just down the street.
It's been around even longer than Calasa's.
One can't help but wonder how long this time capsule can last.
Where to Stay: oThe Big Red House, B&B, upcountrybandb@aol.
com Rates from $150 a night Where to Eat: o808 Diner, across the street from Morihara's market.
Very casual, $ More Local Locales: oPray for peace on Saturday or Sunday at the beautiful, white, octagonal Holy Ghost Catholic Church built by Portuguese sugar plantations workers and their families in 1894.
Be swept away by the view anytime, especially at night oAromatherapy at your fingers and toes, and ears and nose at Alii Lavender Gardens.
Ali'i Chang's tales of paradise found, prepare the palate for lavender tea, lavender scones, lavender chocolate, and more.
The usual lavender bath products are also available.
www.
aliikulalavender.
com o If you've never seen a Protea, Kula Botanical Gardens is the place.
Six acres of walking paths including a koi pond and koa trees.
www.
KulaBotanicalGarden.
com