Upcountry Maui Activities
Top Activities in Upcountry Maui
Take a Tour of Upcountry Highlights
One of the most all-encompassing guided tours on Maui, Volcano Sightseeing Tours offers a Central Maui, Upcountry & Haleakala Park Tour that includes a visit to such Upcountry areas as the 10,000 foot summit of Haleakala National Park, the historic paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao, scenic forests and ranches, renowned churches and buildings, and even a classic picnic in a gorgeous Upcountry setting. Tours include round trip transportation in a custom built 12 passenger luxury van, as well as knowledgeable local guides, non-alcoholic beverages and two meals.
If you’re interested in seeing the most gorgeous areas of Upcountry, as well as making other stops at hotspots like Kepaniwai Gardens and Iao Valley State Park, this tour is an excellent way to sightsee while learning valuable insight about a range of Maui’s various landscapes.
Conquer Haleakala Volcano by Bike
If downhill biking along the slopes of one of the world’s most scenic volcanoes sounds like a dreamy bucket list item come to life, you’ll be thrilled to learn about the self-guided Haleakala biking tours with Bike Maui.
Choose from the Sunrise Special and Summit Deluxe to experience a guided van tour to the summit of Haleakala Volcano and through the National Park, or opt for the Haleakala Express Tour to get straight to the good stuff: the bike ride. Coast down some of the state’s most epic roads to conquer the 23-mile route back to Haiku, and take plenty of time for yourself along the way to stop for Maui photo ops, coffee, breakfast, shopping, talking story and plenty more.
You’ll see good reason why this is one of the top three most popular things to do when visiting Maui.
Conquer Haleakala Volcano by Bike
If downhill biking along the slopes of one of the world’s most scenic volcanoes sounds like a dreamy bucket list item come to life, you’ll be thrilled to learn about the self-guided Haleakala biking tours with Bike Maui.
Choose from the Sunrise Special and Summit Deluxe to experience a guided van tour to the summit of Haleakala Volcano and through the National Park, or opt for the Haleakala Express Tour to get straight to the good stuff: the bike ride. Coast down some of the state’s most epic roads to conquer the 23-mile route back to Haiku, and take plenty of time for yourself along the way to stop for photo ops, coffee, breakfast, shopping, talking story and plenty more.
Watch Glass Blowing
Either on your way up or down, stop at the sleepy cowboy town of Makawao for lunch, shopping, and glass blowing! Any Upcountry visit is considered incomplete without a trip to Hot Island Glass.
Founded in 1992, Chris Richards is often working on new one-of-a-kind glass sculptures that will BLOW YOUR MIND! The attention to detail and experienced techniques bring visitors daily to watch their superior craftsmanship.
Not only are the art pieces on display incredible and the glassblowing fun to watch, but the family that runs this business are some of the best on the Island!
Stop by, say hi, take in a glassworking show, and go home with a unique souvenir.
Watch Glass Blowing!
Either on your way up or down, stop at the sleepy cowboy town of Makawao for lunch, shopping, and glass blowing! Any Upcountry visit is considered incomplete without a trip to Hot Island Glass.
Founded in 1992, Chris Richards is often working on new one-of-a-kind glass sculptures that will BLOW YOUR MIND! The attention to detail and experienced techniques bring visitors daily to watch their superior craftsmanship.
Not only are the art pieces on display incredible and the glassblowing fun to watch, but the family that runs this business are some of the best on the Island! Stop by, say hi, take in a glassworking show, and go home with a unique souvenir.
Restaurant Marlow
Marlow is the latest addition to a limited number of Upcountry dinner options. Located in the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani, Marlow offers a chic, casual environment to warm up post-Haleakala sunset.
Restaurant Marlow is known for its sourdough Neapolitan style pizza and its authentic Italian wood-burning pizza oven that fires at 900 degrees. This not only keeps the dining room nice and cozy but pumps out pies at record speed.
You’ll also find a handful of delicious appetizers made with local ingredients sourced from surrounding Upcountry farms.
Restaurant Marlow
Marlow is the latest addition to a limited number of Upcountry dinner options. Located in the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani, Marlow offers a chic, casual environment to warm up post-Haleakala sunset.
Restaurant Marlow is known for its sourdough Neapolitan style pizza and its authentic Italian wood-burning pizza oven that fires at 900 degrees. This not only keeps the dining room nice and cozy but pumps out pies at record speed. You’ll also find a handful of Italian appetizers made with local ingredients sourced from surrounding Upcountry farms.
Mahalo Aleworks
While Mai Tais and Pina Coladas have long been the drink of choice for tropical vacationers, hops, malts, and barley are taking the reins in Upcountry Maui via Mahalo Aleworks.
Upcountry’s only brewery pays homage to Maui’s bounty of tropical flavors in the form of creative brews, like mango sours and hibiscus blondes.
However, since Mahalo Aleworks intends to keep it local, the beers on tap change consistently depending on what fruit is in season. And keep it local they do- most of the fruits and spices used in the brewing process were grown out of Haleakala’s rich volcanic soil, either wild or at the brewery’s own orchard.
Mahalo Aleworks
While Mai Tais and Pina Coladas have long been the drink of choice for tropical vacationers, hops, malts, and barley are taking the reins in Upcountry Maui via Mahalo Aleworks.
Upcountry’s only brewery pays homage to Maui’s bounty of tropical flavors in the form of creative brews, like mango sours and hibiscus blondes. However, since Mahalo Aleworks intends to keep it local, the beers on tap change consistently depending on what fruit is in season. And keep it local they do- most of the fruits and spices used in the brewing process were grown out of Haleakala’s rich volcanic soil, either wild or at the brewery’s own orchard.
Makawao Rodeo
Well known locally as Maui’s beloved Paniolo – or Hawaiian cowboy – town, Makawao continues to host yearly Makawao Rodeo events for locals and spectators alike. Presented by the Maui Roping Club at Upcountry’s Oskie Rice Arena, Makawao Rodeo’s most anticipated event is held annually on July 4th, when live music, food, and fun, family-friendly events are planned throughout the day. While rodeos aren’t an activity most people consider when traveling to a tropical island, rest assured that it is a memorable experience for all involved.
Hali’imaile General Store
Formerly a multi-use plantation store for Upcountry workers in Maui’s pineapple fields, Hali’imaile General Store was reopened as a restaurant in 1988 by owner and Head Chef, Bev Gannon, along with her husband. Winner of the Ai’pono Award for ‘Chef of the Year,’ as well as Maui’s Best Chef, Bev has created a menu focusing on locally sourced, quality ingredients inspired by the island experience and natural surroundings. One of the island’s top restaurant destinations, Hali’imaile General Store is open Monday through Friday for lunch and nightly for dinner.
Kula Lodge
Located at 3,200 feet elevation on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, Kula Lodge is one of Maui’s top locations for sweeping island and ocean views, all located in a lush private garden or cozy lodge with a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, wine, beer, and specialty cocktails. Grab a table in the Kula Lodge Garden Terrace and enjoy a variety of wood-oven pizzas and a scenic sunset, or their island-famous toasted macadamia nut pancakes with a view during breakfast hours.
Kula Country Farms’ Pumpkin Patch
If you plan on traveling to Maui during the month of October, don’t miss out on one of the country’s most unique pumpkin patches in Upcountry Maui. Run by a team of fourth-generation family farmers, Kula Country Farms is host to an annual pumpkin patch located at 3,000 feet of elevation and offers otherworldly panoramic views as well as live music, pumpkin carving, costume contests, and free entrance. Grab a pumpkin to-go, and get a true taste of what fall is all about on The Valley Isle.
O’o Farm
Supplying ingredients for local eateries. O’o Farm has grown from a modest citrus and stone fruit orchard into a world-class destination for Hawaiian coffee, lettuce, garden vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit, and more. Spanning 8 acres in a high altitude location of Kula, guests can opt for a more immersive, farm-to-table experience during their weekly Seed to Cup Gourmet Breakfast Tours or Gourmet Lunch & Farm Tours.
Grandma’s Coffee House
One of our favorite stops after watching a Haleakala sunrise or after a beautiful drive around the back side of Haleakala National Park, Grandma’s Coffee House is a true Maui gem and culinary highlight of the small town of Keokea. With a long history in local coffee roasting and blending beginning in 1918, Grandma’s is now in its fourth generation and remains one of the best places to drink a cup of coffee and treat yourself to delectable breakfast items while talking story with friends, family, locals and travelers.
Ulupalakua Ranch Store
One of the largest supporters in the effort to stock locally sourced ingredients, food, and gift items, Ulupalakua Ranch Store is a highly recommended pit stop for lunch in Upcountry Maui. Located across the street from MauiWine, Executive Chef Will Munder recommends the slow-roasted Maui Cattle Co. Beef Brisket with homemade BBQ sauce, the Ulupalakua Lamb Burger, or Upcountry Caesar Salad for a taste of authentic, local ingredients with a country twist. While you’re here, also be sure to stock up on locally-made souvenirs.
Farmers Market
Located at the Kula Malu Town Center in Pukalani, the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market is the perfect place to stock up on locally-grown food and support Maui’s farmers and small business owners in the process. A Maui event for over 40 years, guests are invited to grab ingredients for a fresh fish dinner or shop a variety of raw and vegan prepared food, Maui-grown coffee, and tropical plants and flowers. Alternately, Maui Nui Farm hosts a weekly farmers market on their 40-acre farm in Kula, and the excellent Kula Country Farm Stand is open Monday through Saturday.
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
A non-profit, community-based visual arts education organization, the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center is located Upcountry in the historic Kaluanui Estate. Featuring year-round classes, camps, and workshops in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry, glassblowing, ceramics, and more for a variety of ages and interests, guests can also visit to browse the latest exhibition or assortment of handmade gift items. Check their monthly calendar for galas, music, and arts events, and join a class for a memorable Maui experience.
Makawao Shopping
Widely regarded as one of Maui’s most charming and uniquely historic towns, Makawao is also home to a very talented artistic and creative community. Whether passing through or staying for an extended period, be sure to shop the range of local art galleries, boutique clothing and gift shops, Polynesian jewelry stores, photo shops, furniture stores, and glass-blowing studios for a look into the local life of this lesser visited Maui destination. And if you run out of things to shop for, warm treats from T Komoda Store & Bakery are highly recommended.
MauiWine
Founded in 1974 by a California winemaker and the owner of Ulupalakua Ranch, MauiWine remains Maui’s only winery and a stunning one to boot. Located on 23 acres of Haleakala’s volcanic-rich soil, visitors of MauiWine can spend the day sampling locally-made wine in the comfort of the scenic and historic King’s Cottage or Old Jail, or go all out on an exclusive vineyard experience. Sample their range of Pineapple, Estate, and Rose Ranch wines, and take home a bottle for a Maui-made souvenir unlike any other.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Home to 45 varieties and 55,000 lavender plants, the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is located at 4,000 feet on the slopes of Haleakala, offering dramatic views of the West Maui Mountains and Maui’s lush shoreline. Initially created in 2001 by Agricultural Artist and Horticultural Master, Ali’i Chang, Maui’s lavender farm is also home to olive trees, succulents, hydrangea, and other plant varieties. Take a tour of the farm on their daily Guided Walking, Guided Cart, and Gourmet Picnic Lunch Tours, and be sure to sip tea and try their homemade lavender scones on the deck.
Surfing Goat Dairy
A winner of 18 national awards, including the ‘Best Goat Cheese spread in North America,’ Surfing Goat Dairy is a goat farm producing artisanal goat cheeses on 42 acres of Haleakala’s lower slopes. Their casual 30-minute tours, 1-hour Evening Chores & Milking Tours, and 2-hour Grand Dairy Tours are a great option for visitors to the farm, or simply grab a seat, sample their variety of gourmet goat cheeses and gourmet goat cheese truffles, and say hi to the goats on your way out. Either way, it’s a win win.
Makawao Friday Parties
(Currently not being held. We’ll share once they can happen again.) Held every third Friday of the month in the Upcountry town of Makawao, Maui locals and travelers meet on Baldwin Avenue for the Makawao Friday Party, a staple for those who enjoy live music, shopping from local vendors, food trucks, keiki-friendly activities and more, all backed by a stunning view of the sunset from the slopes of Haleakala Volcano. Get there early to score a parking spot and browse the local art galleries, and head to nearby restaurants like Makawao Steakhouse or Polli’s Mexican Restaurant for a drink or dinner after.
