An invitation to living in Ukumehame is an invitation to learning about its fascinating past. In 1848, during that tumultuous time when lands in Hawaii became privatized, famed scholar David Malo moved his residence to Ukumehame and encouraged his new neighbors to claim ownership over their lots as well. But Ukumehame was so valuable that many parts of the valley officially became royal lands, until, in 1864, sugar came to rule West Maui. At that time, King Kamehameha V leased the land to the West Maui Sugar Association—to be planted with cane. Eventually, sugar agencies owned most of Ukumehame. Today, Ukumehame is once more available for residents. This time, with a subdivision that pays tribute to the people who lived and worked on this beautiful land.