Top 10 Things to Do in Upcountry Maui

Along with the breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset, Haleakala National Park offers several hiking trails along the crater for the more active individual, and there are a handful of companies that offer biking tours down the mountain as well, such as Haleakala Bike Company. Downhill biking tours are available after sunrise and are a great way to cruise down the mountain. Another great way to take your Haleakala adventure to the next level is to rent a cabin down in the crater and stargaze after sunset.

No matter how you choose to enjoy this unique volcano, always keep safety in mind, as there is less oxygen available at such high altitudes.

Ideally, it is best to plan a visit to the winery around the time of 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., where you can participate in a free walking tour. Starting in the beautiful tasting room, take the opportunity to try some of the wines that have been grown, produced, and bottled right at this very property. As you continue into the King’s quarters, enjoy a tour that begins with an introduction of the rich history, and goes on to explain the processes of making and producing some of Maui’s most memorable wines. The tour takes you through every aspect of production, including the cellar where the wine is in storage for fermentation.

After your tour, be sure to snag some of your favorite bottles to share the experience with friends and family. They even ship bottles to the mainland!

Executive Chef, Will Munder, cooks up some delicious meals including slow-roasted beef brisket, and burgers made from lamb, beef or elk. Everything at the ranch is now made from scratch and sourced as local as possible. With the charm of the old cowboy heritage to pair with the delicious selection of food and unique gifts, you can’t go wrong with this destination Upcountry.

Another unique way to experience the farm is by taking a crafting class. Throughout the year, AKL offers a variety of classes to engage your inner artist, including everything from wreath making to living container gardens. And for the kids – look no further than AKL’s treasure hunt. Starting at the Gallery Gift Shop, the treasure hunt will take you through less-traveled sections of the farm as you uncover hidden treasures.
Alii Kula Lavender Farm

When you’re ready to wrap it all up, be sure to exit through the gift shop as the farm has an outstanding gallery and cafe filled with everything imaginable that can be made using lavender infusions.

In this unique tour, guests have the opportunity to learn and see first hand the farming practices of an organic and biodynamic farm while helping to harvest and create a beautiful salad to go with their lunch. Once the walking tour is complete, the tour group will then proceed to the outdoor kitchen and dining area where the farm chef has prepared a special meal sourced directly on site. The only thing left to do at this point is to sit down, soak up the beautiful country scenery, and appreciate the care and hard work that goes into creating a beautiful meal as you enjoy every moment, from one bite to the next.

No matter which tour you choose at O’o Farms, having the unique opportunity to dine and tour at the very place your food is being grown and cultivated is something very special that just about anyone would enjoy.

Set along the hillside of Haleakala, you can enjoy the beauty of this open-air market as you try something unique like some freshly juiced sugarcane to go alongside with some homemade banana bread.
No matter how you choose to indulge at the Upcountry Farmer’s Market, you will want to make it a point to get there early before the goods sell out!

Many of the shops sell locally made goods, and some offer great consignment finds. As you take in the scenery of fantastic artwork and peruse the shops seeking out little treasures, be sure to save time for the delicious fresh-baked creme puffs at Komoda Bakery. These delightful baked pastries sell out fast, so you will want to hit this spot early! Some other great options for grabbing a bite to eat are Polli’s, Sip Me Maui, Habibi, and a variety of food trucks located in the courtyard across the street from Rodeo General Store.

However, if it’s a taste of the rich history of this historic cowboy town that you’re looking for, look no further than the Makawao History Museum. You will find this museum tucked between the little shops that line the east side of Baldwin Avenue. This small but charming museum chronicles the history of Makawao from its establishment in ancient Hawaii to its rodeo culture.

If you’re visiting Maui during 4th of July, make sure to head to Makawao Town for their lively annual parade and rodeo.

Enjoy free entry into the historic Kaluanui Estate where you can view the Hui’s current art exhibition, peruse the gallery shop for unique gifts made by local artists, and watch the artists in action creating everything from ceramics to paintings, photography and more!

Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the Hui grounds on either a guided or self-guided tour taking in the breathtaking surroundings.

In Hawaiian, the word Pukalani means “Entrance to Heaven,” and this is what you will get at the golf course of Pukalani Country Club. Offering an 18-hole course across the span of nearly 160 acres at a par 72, Pukalani Country Club offers some tremendous golfing to even the well-seasoned golfer. Set along the gentle hillside of Upcountry, this golfing destination provides remarkable views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Valley.

You can choose from three different types of tours: The Daily Casual Tour is only 30 minutes and gives you an overview of farm life – and you get to meet some goats!

The Evening Chore and Milking Tour lets you assist in the evening chores while touring the farm and experiencing a day in the life of a goat farmer. You will learn to hand-milk a goat, then help with the evening feedings and learn more about our award-winning cheeses. You’ll even go home with a ribbon saying, “I Milked a Goat Today!” This is a great behind-the-scenes look at a working farm.

One of the most popular tours is the Grand Dairy Tour. You will learn about the farm’s history and then learn how to hand-milk a goat. Be a goat herder and help lead a herd from the milk stand out to the pasture. Learn about the entire process of cheesemaking through the dairy viewing window. And you’ll enjoy a fantastic goat cheese tasting and can pick up some tasty treats from the gift shop for when you get home.

This family-friendly goat farm tour is sure to give your group lots of fun and delicious memories for years to come.