Are you wondering what to do on your Maui vacation? We will divide the island by area with examples of things to do so you can mix and match some of our ideas with your own itinerary. This blog is all about Upcountry. Upcountry Maui is an area most people don’t visit during their vacation. When many people visit Maui, they get stuck around the pool or beach near their hotel. But, for a better taste of Maui, head up the mountain to cool down and experience some of Maui’s unique sites on the slopes of Haleakalā. Here are just a few of the many things that you can do in Upcountry:

1. Haleakalā National Park: If you don’t want to take a guided Sunrise tour, keep in mind the National Park requires sunrise reservations to be made ahead of time. Otherwise, you can visit the park after 7:00 a.m. every day without a reservation. The park contains 2 districts: Summit and Kipahulu. The entrance fee is $25 for a 3-day pass. This pass can be used in both districts. The district that Upcountry is in is the Summit District. The Kipahulu District can be accessed from the Road to Hana and contains a rainforest landscape.
2. Skyline Eco-Adventures Haleakalā Zipline: First time ziplining? This course is the perfect way to start! The lines gradually get longer and higher as you go through the course. Each line is dedicated to a native bird. By joining us for a zipline tour, you are participating in conservation efforts to protect those birds!
3. Makawao Forest Hiking or Mountain Biking: Rent bikes from Krank Cycles in Makawao and bring them up to Makawao forest for fun trails and bike jumps! If you just want to hike, you can enjoy 6-miles of trails through a eucalyptus forest. It is peaceful and smells delicious!
4. Historic Makawao Town: Makawao is an old cowboy town in Upcountry Maui. When you visit this unique town, you can learn about the town's history in the small museum while also enjoying local art and food. There are lots of great food options in Makawao. Some restaurants include Italian cuisine at Casanova, sushi at Makawao sushi, Middle Eastern entrees at Habibi, American food at Makawao Steakhouse, and Mexican cuisine at Polli’s. And of course, we can’t forget about the famous Komoda donuts!
5. Alii Kula Lavender Farm: Get revitalized with fresh scents of lavender while sipping on a lavender coffee, tea, or lemonade. Stroll through peaceful gardens of succulents, lavender, and proteas. Bring home the sweet taste of a lavender brownie or lavender scone mix. The lavender farm in Kula provides unforgettable panoramic views of Maui. Here's an insider tip: bring canned foods and get free entrance and bring your own coffee mug for a free coffee or tea. The lavender scones are a must have, too!
6. Grandma’s Coffee House: A favorite spot among locals! Try the baked goods with Grandma’s coffee to warm up after the Haleakalā sunrise. Grandma began roasting coffee in 1918 and has since become a popular morning spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy delicious baked goods and fresh coffee in Maui’s cool, upcountry air!
7. MauiWine and Ulupalukua Ranch Store: The winery and ranch store hold a lot of history! From early ranching days to modern use, you can be transported back in time while enjoying sweeping views of the valley isle.
8. Hali’imaile General Store: The original store was a butcher shop, fish market, post office, and had departments for clothes and household appliances. The store was built originally as a one-stop-shop for pineapple plantation workers. Bev Gannon aspired to do more with her catering business when she and her husband saw the perfect opportunity to expand when the store became available for lease in late 1987. Since the reopening, it became a well-known restaurant and is a favorite among many.
9. Upcountry Farmers Markets: The market is held every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Waipuna Chapel on Omaopio Road. It's also held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Kula Malu Town Center off of Highway 37 next to the Longs Drugs and football field.
10. Friday Town Parties: Makawao 3rd Friday: Every Friday of each month there are different town parties! For Upcountry, the Friday town party is held on the third Friday of every month. Experience local vendors, delicious food, and live music in Makawao town.

Here are a few example itineraries that you can use when planning your perfect Maui vacation! Everyday itinerary:

1. Skyline Hawaii Sunrise tours (8-12 hours) OR Mid-morning/afternoon Skyline Eco-Adventures zipline tour (2 hours)
2. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm (1-2 hours)
3. Explore historic Makawao town (1 hour)
4. Bring a change of clothes for dinner at Haliimaile General Store (2-3 hours)
5. Back to Hotel

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday itinerary:

1. Skyline Eco-Adventures Haleakalā zipline tour (2 hours)
2. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm (1 hour)
3. MauiWine and Ulupalukua Ranch store for lunch or Grandma’s Coffee House (2 hours)
4. Makawao town to browse art and local history (1-2 hours)
5. Back to Hotel

Wednesday and Saturday itinerary:

1. Farmer’s market for breakfast and local produce (1-2 hours)
2. Skyline Eco-Adventures Haleakalā zipline tour (2 hours)
3. Makawao town for lunch (2-3 hours)
4. Makawao forest hike or bike ride (2 hours)
5. Back to Hotel

Friday itinerary:

1. Haleakalā National Park (2-3 hours, open after sunrise at 7am)
2. Skyline Eco-Adventures zipline tour (2 hours)
3. Ulupalukua Ranch and MauiWine for lunch (2-3 hours)
4. Explore historic Makawao town and enjoy the 3rd Friday of the month town party (2 hours)
5. Back to Hotel