By Harrison McCandless
Many people flock to Maui’s picture-perfect coastline, with its soft sand and thrilling surf, but Upcountry is just as delightful. Located among Haleakala’s slopes, Makawao is a ranching town that still looks the part, and nearby Kula brings cooler air and sweeping views. Between Kula’s gardens and farms, Makawao’s galleries, and the wine and ranch country of Ulupalakua, the things to do in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii fill a day as easily as any shoreline.
Key Takeaways
- Scenic drives and Haleakala National Park sit just above the Upcountry towns.
- Kula has gardens and working farms that welcome visitors.
- Makawao is a former cowboy town with galleries, shops, and bakeries.
- Upcountry food, coffee, and wine stops are easy to fit into the same day.
Scenic Stops in Nature
Haleakala National Park lies above the Upcountry towns, and the Haleakala Highway is the route up. Along the way you pass open pasture, ranch land, and wide views across the island. Conditions at higher elevations can differ from the beaches, so it helps to check the National Park Service for current visiting information before you go.
Ways to Enjoy the Scenery
- Drive the Haleakala Highway at an easy pace and plan for stops along the way.
- Check the National Park Service for current information and any reservation needs.
- Pause at a viewpoint to take in the island from above.
- Bring an extra layer, since Upcountry is cooler than the beaches.
Gardens and Farm Visits
Kula is known for its cooler air and working farms. Kula Botanical Garden has self-guided paths through native Hawaiian plants, and Surfing Goat Dairy has a farm shop where you can taste local cheese. You can also tour a lavender farm with views across the central valley. Many of these stops are small, so they are easy to combine in a single outing.
Stops for Gardens and Farms
- Stroll the paths at Kula Botanical Garden and look for native plants.
- Tour a lavender farm and take in the view of the central valley.
- Taste local cheese at the Surfing Goat Dairy farm shop.
- Confirm hours and tour options before you go, since they change by season.
Shopping and Galleries in Makawao
Makawao began as a ranching town, and its main street still has that character. Today it is lined with galleries, shops, and bakeries. Nearby, a nonprofit arts center hosts rotating exhibitions and classes, which makes it one of the things to do in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii for anyone who likes art.
Ways to Spend Time in Makawao
- Browse local artists' work in the town's galleries.
- Visit the arts center to see a current exhibition.
- Join a class if you want hands-on time with art.
- Stop at a bakery for a pastry to take along.
Food, Coffee, and Wine
Upcountry has restaurants, bakeries, and coffee stops spread across the towns. Many are small, so booking ahead is a good idea. Farther up the slope in Ulupalakua, the MauiWine tasting room welcomes walk-ins and also takes reservations.
Planning Your Food Stops
- Taste wine at the MauiWine tasting room in Ulupalakua.
- Book ahead for dinner at a popular Upcountry restaurant.
- Grab coffee or baked goods earlier in the day.
- Ask locals for their current favorites, since menus and hours change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii?
Popular options include scenic drives toward Haleakala, visiting Kula Botanical Garden or a farm, browsing galleries in Makawao, and tasting wine in Ulupalakua. Which ones suit you depends on how much time you have and what you enjoy.
Is Upcountry Maui cooler than the beaches?
Yes. Upcountry sits on the slopes of Haleakala, so the air is cooler than at the beaches. An extra layer is a good idea, especially if you plan to head higher up the mountain.
Do I need reservations for Upcountry attractions?
It depends on the stop. Some wineries and farm tours take reservations, and popular restaurants can fill up. Hours and availability change, so check each place before you go.
Things to Do in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii With Harrison McCandless
Upcountry is one of the areas I cover alongside Wailea, Makena, and Kapalua, so I can compare the cooler slopes of Kula and Makawao with the beachfront communities. With my expertise, I can help you see how each area fits the way you want to spend your days.
If these things to do in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii sound like your kind of weekend, contact me, Harrison Mccandless, and we can talk about homes in Kula, Makawao, and the surrounding area.
If these things to do in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii sound like your kind of weekend, contact me, Harrison Mccandless, and we can talk about homes in Kula, Makawao, and the surrounding area.
