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If you’re ready to take a break from the beach, head up the slopes of Haleakala to discover the magic of Upcountry Maui—a truly beautiful region of the island known for its cool temperatures and sweeping bi-coastal views.
Upcountry is a patchwork of rolling pastures, family-run farms, botanical gardens, cozy eateries, and small-town charm. There’s more than enough to fill a full-day adventure.
These are my favorite Upcountry experiences. The ones I always recommend to visiting friends and family. I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me.
1. Explore Haleakala National Park
Let’s start with the star of the show—Haleakala, Maui’s massive dormant volcano and the highest point on the island at over 10,000 feet. While sunrise here is world-famous and absolutely worth experiencing once, Haleakala is stunning any time of day.
Hike through moonlike landscapes in the crater, marvel at the rare silversword plant, or come up for sunset and stay for one of the most unforgettable stargazing experiences on earth.
It’s a bit on the pricey side but Maui Stargazing does stargazing tours at the summit with a super powerful telescope. But honestly, the free ranger-led stargazing programs at Haleakala are a fun option too, just check the National Park website to see what’s coming up.
🔆 Tip: It’s freezing at the summit so bring layers. And if you’re visiting for sunrise, you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance at recreation.gov.
📖 Related Read: Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Maui: Top Adventurous Activities
2. Stroll Through Makawao Town
This artsy little town is where paniolo heritage meets bohemian flair. It’s full of local boutiques, galleries, and some of my favorite places to eat and shop. Here are my go-to’s:
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Komoda Store & Bakery
A Maui institution since 1916. Come early for cream puffs, stick donuts, and guava malasadas, they will sell out! -
Viewpoints Gallery
A must-stop for unique local artwork. -
The Maui Cookie Lady
Giant cookies and a delightfully whimsical shop. -
Freshies
Great for a casual lunch after strolling the town. -
Hot Island Glass
Watch glassblowers in action at this long-standing studio. -
Haku Maui
For a hands-on cultural experience, try a lei-making workshop using fresh, locally grown flowers.
Makawao has small-town charm with plenty to see and taste, plan to linger a while.
3. Sip Cocktails with a View
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm & Distillery
Set on 80 acres of lush farmland, Ocean Vodka offers a blend of sustainability, spectacular views, and seriously good drinks. Their spirits are made using deep ocean mineral water and organic sugar cane grown right on the property.
You can take a 30-minute guided tasting tour, but even if you skip it, the grounds are open to explore. Spread out on the lawn, sip a lilikoi crush cocktail, and enjoy bi-coastal views. There’s often live music in the afternoon, and their on-site café serves some pretty yummy dishes. Don’t skip the wild mushroom farmbread. It’s my go-to every time.
🔆 Bonus: It’s one of the best sunset spots in Upcountry.
4. O’o Farm-to-Table Tours
O’o Farm, tucked into the slopes of Haleakala, has two of the most delicious and educational experiences on the island:
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Coffee & Brunch Tour
Sample farm-grown coffee and homemade pastries, tour the orchards and gardens, and enjoy a three-course brunch made from the farm’s own produce. -
Farm-to-Table Lunch Tour
Learn about regenerative farming and tour the farm before sitting down to a four-course meal.
Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket for the cooler temps, and your favorite bubbly (BYOB is encouraged!).
📖 Related Read: Foodie’s Guide to Maui: Farm Tours and Culinary Delights
5. Pick Strawberries at Kula Country Farms
One of my personal favorites, this fourth-generation family farm has stunning views, friendly animals, and a year-round farm stand that’s hard to beat.
- Spring/Early Summer: Pick strawberries—Maui’s sweetest!
- Fall: Wander through their massive pumpkin patch, a favorite for families and fall festivities.
- Every 3rd Saturday: Pop-up market with local artisans, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Their market is open daily with fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, and much more. Kids love the animals and play area, while adults can sip tea from Maile Tea Company’s cart and relax on the deck.
📖 Related Read: Top Family-Friendly Things To Do on Maui with Kids
6. Upcountry Farmers Market
This bustling farmers market is hands down the best on Maui! It’s every Saturday morning at the Kulamalu Town Center.
Expect over 40 local farms and vendors selling fresh produce, locally caught fish, flowers, local-grown coffee, sugarcane juice, coconuts, hot food, handmade goods, and more. Arrive early for the best selection!
Tips:
- Bring cash (some vendors also take Venmo)
- Pair your visit with a stop at:
- Crema Maui – A cute cafe located in a repurposed trolley, beautifully decorated
- Marlow – An Italian restaurant and a popular spot for an espresso and light breakfast before or after the market
- Okoa Farms – Store selling all sorts of locally grown produce straight from their farm
- Food trucks nearby – Try Thai Mee Up or Maui Pizza Truck!
7. MauiWine and Ulupalakua Ranch Store
For a taste of Upcountry’s unexpected wine scene, head to MauiWine, known for its pineapple wines and historic estate. The grounds are peaceful and picturesque, with towering trees over 150 years old, great for a quiet stroll, though don’t expect rows of grapevines like you’d find at traditional vineyards.
The standard tasting is simple but enjoyable, especially when paired with their small bites like goat cheese drizzled with lilikoi pineapple wine syrup and crackers (yum!). For a more in-depth experience, consider booking their guided tasting. Walk-ins are welcome, but I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Afterward, cross the street to Ulupalakua Ranch Store for a hearty burger (elk, lamb, beef, or taro) and a front-row seat to sweeping views of South Maui. This rustic spot oozes cowboy charm and the gift shop is stocked with great locally made souvenirs like leather goods, cowboy hats, and sweet treats.
📖 Related Read: Most Romantic Things to Do on Maui: 22 Date Ideas for Couples
8. Wander Lavender Fields with a View
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
This is a beautiful farm located high up on the slopes of Haleakala. Wander the lavender fields, especially beautiful in late summer at peak bloom, or enjoy their year-round botanical garden. Browse their gift shop stocked with lavender goodies—lotions, soaps, jams, and more. And if you have time, grab a cup of lavender tea and a scone to enjoy on their back patio.
A heads-up: some paths are steep or uneven, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility concerns. And since it’s cooler at this elevation, bring a light jacket if you tend to get cold easily.
📖 Related Read: Beyond the Beach: Best Relaxing Activities to Do on Maui
9. Kula Marketplace
Whether you’re stopping for brunch or just a stretch break, Kula Lodge Restaurant has some of the best views in Upcountry. Grab a seat in one of their garden gazebos, and enjoy classic Hawaiian brunch fare with a side of panoramic scenery.
Update (August 2025): Sadly, the Kula Lodge Restaurant was destroyed in a fire on August 11, 2025. The owners plan to rebuild, and its lodge and marketplace remain open.
Right next door is the Kula Marketplace, a great store for locally made gifts, snacks, and art. And on select weekends, a small market pops up on the lawn just outside the shop with about a dozen or so artisan vendors.
📖 Related Read: Maui Shopping Guide: Best Souvenirs & Where to Shop Local
10. Maui Bees Farm
This little gem in Kula is part apiary, part organic farm, and part café. Stop in for raw local honey, and/or join one of their fascinating tours where you can actually open a hive with a beekeeper or learn about regenerative agriculture.
Also, check out their farm stand for some local produce, their cafe for a latte and baked treats, or their seven-course farm-to-table dinner!
11. Dine at a Local Favorite: Kula Bistro
Casual, family-style dining with a Hawaiian-meets-Italian menu. Think mahi mahi Benedicts, kalua pork pasta, and oversized dessert cases you won’t be able to resist. It’s BYOB, so bring that bottle you picked up at MauiWine or head across the street to Morihara Store!
12. Saddle Up for an Epic Ride at Triple L Ranch
Want to saddle up and ride through rolling pastureland with ocean views? Triple L Ranch offers private horseback rides through a working cattle ranch. You’ll learn about the local ranching history, ride through grazing cattle, and take in panoramic views of Maui’s southern coast, and sometimes you can even spot the Big Island!
Wrap up your visit with a juicy burger from Bully’s Burgers, made from the ranch’s own grass-fed beef.
📖 Related Read: This is one of the many great activities in my The Ultimate Maui Itinerary: 8 Days in Paradise with Customizable Options, check it out!
13. Fuel Up at a Cozy Historic Coffee Stop
Grandma’s Coffee House
A Keokea landmark since 1918, Grandma’s Coffee House serves strong local coffee and home-cooked comfort food. Go for a hearty loco moco or kalua pork breakfast, and don’t leave without something sweet from their pastry case! Everything here is definitely made with love.
14. Feed Some Adorable Goats
Surfing Goat Dairy
Meet friendly goats and sample award-winning cheeses at this beloved Upcountry farm. With over 30 varieties of goat cheese (including national award winners), you can try everything from creamy spreads to chocolate truffles (yum!). They have tours where you can feed and milk goats, learn about the cheese-making process, and enjoy a guided tasting. Springtime visits are extra special—it’s kidding season so adorable baby goats are scampering about everywhere!
Haleakala Creamery
Another gem for goat lovers, just up the road, this little farm serves up sweet and savory delights made from goat milk. During their tour, you’ll taste creamy yogurt, rich caramel sauces, and their signature goatlato (goat milk gelato).
15. Walk and Cuddle with Alpacas
Maui Alpaca Farm
Alpacas on Maui? Yes! At this cute farm you can walk, feed, and snuggle with alpacas and visit a bunny village full of fluffy Angoras. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the farm’s scenic grounds and take a fiber-spinning workshop to see how alpaca fleece become yarn. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages. They also have a gift shop if you’re looking for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs!
16. Maui Gold Pineapple Farm
This 1,350-acre plantation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how sweet Maui Gold pineapples are grown, harvested, and packed. Tours include tastings in the field and a boxed pineapple to take home.
🔆 Tip: Book earlier in the day to beat the midday heat and try to catch a harvest day to see the picking process in action.
Nearby Highlights:
- Hali’imaile Distilling Company – Craft spirits made from local ingredients (more below!)
- Makai Glass Studio – Live demos and stunning glass art
- Haliʻimaile General Store – Farm-to-table dining, don’t miss the pineapple upside-down cake!
17. Sip Spirits Made from Pineapple & Agave
Hali’imaile Distilling Company
Their 30-minute tour gives you a peek at small-batch spirits made from local ingredients, including PAU Vodka (pineapple-based), FID Street Gin, Paniolo Whiskey, and Wahine Rum. Great for a rainy day or if you’re already exploring the nearby pineapple farm or glass studio.
Waikulu Distillery
Just a 5-minute drive from Hali’imaile, this hidden gem specializes in tequila and other agave-based spirits. Tour their blue agave fields, learn how the plants are harvested and distilled, then sample silver and barrel-aged spirits that have gained a loyal following. Walk-ins welcome for tastings, but tours are best booked in advance.
18. Drink Beer with a View
Mahalo Aleworks
One of the best sunset spots in Upcountry. Grab a beer, borrow a card game, and head to the second-floor lanai for golden hour magic. Food options are limited, but you’re welcome to bring in pizza from their next-door neighbor, Marlow. Live music most nights and trivia Tuesdays make for a great atmosphere.
19. Crack into the World of Coconuts
Coconut Information Farm
This hands-on tour in Haiku (not technically Upcountry, but close) dives deep into the world of coconuts and sustainable farming. Learn to husk coconuts and make coconut noodles. The farm also grows starfruit, bananas, ulu, jackfruit, and more. Owner Ryan’s passion and knowledge make this an off-the-beaten-path favorite.
20. Kupa’a Organic Farm (Chocolate & Coffee)
On this private farm tour in Kula, you’ll learn how cacao and coffee are grown and transformed into tasty treats. Expect hands-on experiences, a friendly guide, and plenty of samples—plus the chance to make your own spiced hot chocolate! Reservation only. Great for families or couples looking for something unique.
21. Worcester Glassworks
Right next to Kula Bistro, this charming family-run studio offers live demos and a peek into the process of making beautiful hand-carved glass with a distinctive matte finish. The welcoming owners and intimate studio make this a special stop for art lovers looking for something off the typical gallery track.
22. Maui Goat Yoga
Yes, it’s a thing and yes, it’s super fun! Stretch with an incredible view high on Haleakala while playful goats roam around, sometimes hopping on your back mid-pose. Classes are held regularly, with a popular live music sunset session each week. Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera. Also, be sure to reserve ahead of time since spots fill up fast.
23. Take a Class at Hui No’eau Arts Center
Tucked away in a historic estate in Makawao, Hui No’eau Arts Center is a beautifully restored plantation-style home that serves as a gallery, studio space, and learning center. It offers classes in everything from ceramics and printmaking to painting and metalsmithing.
Stop by the gallery and gift shop for local art, or check the calendar for workshops, rotating exhibits, and special events. The property is so picturesque it often hosts weddings. Take a stroll through the gardens and bring a picnic to enjoy under the sprawling monkeypod trees if you have time!
📖 Related Read: Best Workshops, Lessons, and Classes on Maui: 22 Hands-On Experiences You’ll Never Forget
24. Dine Among the Clouds at This Hidden Vegan Gem
Moku Roots
Tucked away in Kula just below the lavender farm, Moku Roots is a true hidden gem. I’ve taken so many friends and family here; it’s a great experience every time. The views are breathtaking, and the food is outstanding—creative, farm-to-table vegan dishes like ulu (breadfruit) gnocchi, black pearl mushroom ceviche, and lilikoi mousse.
Friday sunset dinners and Sunday brunches are BYOB and often paired with yoga or sound baths beforehand. The menu changes weekly, and reservations are a must. Also, the owner has said farm tours are in the works, so keep an eye out!
25. Escape into the Forest on a Quiet Loop Trail
Makawao Forest Reserve
One of my favorite low-key trails on the island, the Kahakapao Loop Trail is about 5.5 miles long and winds through a lush forest canopy. You won’t get sweeping views here, but the dense eucalyptus, tropical ash, and occasional native koa trees create a peaceful, shaded atmosphere that feels worlds away from the beach.
It’s a cool, quiet hike where the only sounds are birdsong and the occasional mountain biker on nearby paths. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the nice rest spots along the way.
📖 Related Read: Maui on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Things to Do
I hope this guide helps you find your own favorite corner of Upcountry, happy exploring!