Top 10 Things to Do in Upcountry Maui

Mapuana Andrade - March 16, 2022

Explore Haleakala National Park 

Magnificent Haleakala (House of The Sun), Maui’s dormant volcano and one of the most treasured sites on the island, sits at 10,023 feet above sea level and is home to some of the most breathtaking sights. Sunrise at Haleakala is like nothing else in this world. But if you're looking for a unique hiking experience, Keoneheehee Trail, or Sliding Sands, is for you. This challenging 17.5-mile trail runs through roughly 1,400 feet of elevation and faces the crater's vibrant fauna and flora, giving you an unfiltered glance into an ancient land. Always check the national park website for updates before you plan your trip.

Kula Farmers Market

Living among Maui’s bountiful ecosystem, we are lucky enough to have the most delicious organic produce right in our backyard. The Kula Farmers Market is the perfect place to head when you want to fill your belly with fresh produce and locally-made goods. Shop everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, locally prepared dishes, natural products, and more at this famous Saturday morning farmers market, the biggest on Maui! 

Dinner in The Garden at Maui Bee’s (Book Maui Bees)

Straight out of a romance novel is an opportunity to dine under the stars in the garden of a quaint little Maui bee farm! Included in the experience is a full garden and property tour, an introduction to the bees, an incredible six+ course meal, and gorgeous sunset views from the slopes of Haleakala. Dishes include locally-sourced ingredients like honeycomb, macadamia nuts, goat cheese, pan-seared mahi-mahi, locally-harvested venison, liliko’i curd, kimchi, and more! 

Shopping in Makawao Town

Nestled into the lush town of Makawao sits small boutique shops and eateries, all curating a beautiful collection of clothing, jewelry, produce, food, and accessories that combine the laid-back island aesthetic with the Makawao country flair. Peruse along the sidewalks and discover a town of full of hidden gems, brilliant artists, generous creators, and hard-working small business owners who make Makawao Town the beautiful place that is. When your in the neighborhood, check out our office, Island Sotheby’s International Reatly!

Hike Kahakapao Forest

Kahakapao Loop Trail is one of the many popular trails in the heart of Makawao Forest. Perfect for a leisure walk, hiking, mountain biking, running, or even horseback riding. It is a moderate 5.7-mile loop that winds through towering eucalyptus and pine trees with a calm and rejuvenating breeze at 3,000 feet elevation.

Walk Thompson Road

Nestled away in a quiet corner of rural Keokea, Thompson Road is one of our favorite spots on Maui for a sunrise jog or afternoon walk. Pass by pastures and lava rock walls while heading down the single-lane road while marveling at the mountain slopes down to sandy south Maui shoreline nearly 3,000 feet below. Once you’ve gotten your dose of fresh Kula air, treat yourself to a coffee and pastry from Grandma’s Coffee House.. 

Have Breakfast at La Provence

Bringing the flavors and essence of French dining, La Provence is the perfect bakery to spend an afternoon in Kula. Sitting in the quaint cafe that feels like something out of a European movie (and a truly French host), guests enjoy delicious crepes, sandwiches, dessert pastries, buns, scones, croissants, Napoleons, tarts, mini cakes, pies, and more. All this while overlooking a view of central Maui. 

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

If 55,000 lavender plants perched on the slopes of Haleakala is enough to make you swoon, you are in luck. The Ali’i Kula Lavender farm is an enormous flora and fauna farm with everything from aromatherapy, culinary-based products, bath and body soaps, pet shampoos, essential oils, ice cream, and more. So make a drive to the farm, perch against an old bench and take in the serene backdrop of a beautiful, world-renowned garden that is the Kula lavender farm. 

Photo: huinoeau.com

Hui No’eau 

The only non-profit visual arts center on the island, Hui No’eau offers an incredibly expansive array of art classes with professional equipment and leadership. Choose from painting, ceramics, floral design, photography, printmaking, jewelry design, and more.

If you enjoy a more visual appreciation, they have exhibits on display for casual strolling as well. A great way to spend an afternoon in Makawao, soaking in all the creativity and fun that the Hui has to offer!

Maui Wine 

Sourced straight from Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui Wine is the only winery on the island and one of our favorite ways to spend Upcountry. Maui Wine remains true to its local roots by using the freshest ingredients and sourcing flavors from local vendors like Maui Gold pineapples. Being grown on the lush Haleakala mountainside, the plethora of wines reflects the rich and unique soil, process, and aromas that surround the farm. 

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