See The Very Best Of Upcountry Maui In One Day On This Epic Road Trip
By Megan Shute|Published April 12, 2018
×
Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Valley Isle is a place of uninterrupted natural beauty, and nowhere is that more true than upcountry Maui, on the slopes of Mount Haleakala. While it is easy to say that this area of Maui, comprised of Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Ulapalakua, is known for its magic landscapes and stunning vistas, there are some killer attractions to check out while you’re there. And this stellar road trip, which measures in at only 75 miles and three hours of drive time, takes you to nine of the best spots you’ll find in upcountry Maui. Without further ado, let’s start this ethereal journey.
If you’re looking for less drive time, consider visiting Mount Haleakala another day, as the drive to the summit alone adds at least an hour of drive time to your trip.
Ulupaluakua Ranch Store & Grill is a slice of paniolo history just waiting to be discovered. This Maui restaurant isn’t your typical roadside eatery. Located on the grounds of a vineyard and featuring a charming gift shop full of souvenirs and work from local artists, Ulupaluakua is known for their mouthwatering burgers and other deli favorites.
For more information about this store and eatery, click here.
Wines include estate wines, rose ranch wines, and pineapple varieties, and are handmade by the community that has worked at Ulupalakua Ranch for generations. Formerly known as Tedeschi Winery, the vineyard is located 1,800 feet above sea level, and is perfect for a romantic escape or a friendly gathering.
For more information about one of Hawaii’s best wineries, click here.
Founded in 1977, Kula Botanical Garden is Maui’s first public garden and features eight acres of beautiful flora, including an aviary, a koi pond, waterfalls, and covered bridge. Trust us, you won’t want to forget your camera!
For more information about this magical garden, click here.
Upcountry Maui gets a great deal of rain, resulting in lush, green scenery, and flourishing lavender at the Kula Lavender Farm. But the beautiful, fragrant lavender isn’t the only thing to see at this gorgeous farm — visitors will also be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire western half of the island.
For more information about this beautiful lavender farm, click here.
Just 27 square miles short of equaling the entire size of Oahu, Mount Haleakala is a gentle giant — a dormant volcano that has inspired those who make the journey to its summit for centuries. Translating to "House of the Sun," Haleakala rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level, comprises 75 percent of Maui Island, and is home to desert-like conditions, rainforests, and everything in between. The national park covers an area of approximately 33,000 acres, and the Haleakala crater is a massive seven miles across, two miles wide, and more than 2,600 feet deep.
For more information about this stunning mountain, click here.
This rustic, natural-wood lodge is the perfect place to enjoy lunch on your road trip. Because it was built as a private residence, you will find only five rooms at this Maui destination, and dates book quickly due to its proximity to sunrises at Haleakala (the summit is just 21 miles from the lodge). The well-known restaurant serves up mouthwatering American and Hawaiian cuisine.
For more information about this lodge and restaurant, click here.
Producing more than two dozen varieties of goat cheeses, many of which have won national cheese awards, Surfing Goat Dairy is one of only two goat dairies in Hawaii, as of 2014. Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the 42-acre farm was founded in 1998 and offers tours to visitors.
For more information about this dairy farm, click here.
Located on the rural northwest slopes of Mount Haleakala is a charming little town worthy of a visit — and a little recognition. With a population of approximately 7,100, Makawao is one of Hawaii’s biggest little towns. The town is famous for its Hawaiian cowboy, or paniolo, history, and is a haven for artists of all kinds.
For more information about this charming little town, click here.
Dinner time! Though called a general store, this establishment is actually a critically-acclaimed restaurant that serves up seafood and eclectic American food with Asian overtones. Located on the MauiGold Pineapple Plantation, the beautiful plantation setting and quaint country ambiance make this a must-visit destination in Makawao, and an incredible addition to any tour through Maui’s upcountry.
For more information about this renowned restaurant, click here.
