(−)-Pulo'upone (1) was synthesized via an asymmetric, bornane-10,2-sultam- directed, intramolecular Diels- Alder reaction (3 → 2) and a 2-pyridylcuprate/allylacetate coupling (18 → 1). The (6'R, 9'S, 13'R, 14'R)-configuration of (−)-1 follows from an X-ray diffraction analysis of the cycloaddition product 2. (−)-Pulo'upone (1) was synthesized via an asymmetric intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction 3 → 2. The absolute configuration of (−)1 follows from X-ray studies of 2.