The resort's clubhouse is tucked inside a Tom Fazio-designed, 18-hole championship golf course with views of Maui, the mountains, and a chance to sight humpback whales off the coastline.
The luxury community also has an on-site farm that provides produce used by the restaurants daily. Bees kept nearby feed off Christmas berries and coconut palms for extravagant honey harvests.
To help residents explore the pristine surroundings, the Kukio staff offers almost every conceivable land and water activity, including surfing, swims with dolphins, and hikes to black sand beaches.
Kua’i’s Kukui’ula
Farther yet, on the south shore of the much smaller Hawaiian island of Kaua'i (nicknamed "The Garden Island" and known for being the least developed of the group) is a single private community. Kukui'ula, a former sugar plantation, boasts slightly more affordable home sites that start at around $700,000 and reach as high as $12 million.
Kaua'i is known for its more relaxed atmosphere, attracting residents such as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who is building a house in Kukui'ula.
Members can go canoeing, fish for exotic Peacock bass at the resort's lake, or gather organic eggs from the upcountry farm without worrying about wearing pearls to dinner if they don't want to, said Veronica Lovesy, senior marketing manager. "It's not your father's country club."
Shops are also nearby to make up a small village for dining, snacking, and hearing live music. The area is home to such events as an art walk and a gourmet farmers market, giving residents and their families even more options for entertainment.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.