Aloha from paradise!
Have you ever felt like your beach days start to blur together—sun, sand, swim, repeat? As breathtaking as Maui’s shoreline is, sometimes your body craves cooler breezes, your spirit longs for a change of pace, and your curiosity pulls you off the beaten path.
That’s where Upcountry Maui steps in. Perched high on the slopes of Haleakalā, this region offers fragrant lavender fields, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, boutique art towns, and sweeping views of the island.
And here’s the best part: from a Kihei or Wailea vacation rental, it’s less than an hour away. You can explore it all in a single day—then still make it back for sunset on the beach.
What Is Upcountry Maui?
Upcountry Maui covers the elevated communities of Kula, Makawao, Pukalani, and Ulupalakua.
Unlike the coastal resorts, this is farming and ranching country. Temperatures dip pleasantly at higher elevations, making it the perfect contrast to warm afternoons by the ocean.
This region also carries Maui’s paniolo heritage. Rodeos are still held in Makawao, and the cowboy culture lives alongside thriving art galleries, boutiques, and family-owned eateries.
For travelers, the benefit is balance: experience a different side of Maui without sacrificing beach time. It’s a day that adds dimension to your vacation, giving you stories and memories beyond the shoreline.
Morning Stop — Coffee & Lavender in Kula
Slow-Stroll Views at Aliʻi Kula Lavender
Website | Instagram | Location | Open Friday to Monday | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Start your day at Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm, perched at 4,000 feet above sea level. Imagine wandering through fragrant rows of lavender, with views stretching over Maui’s central valley all the way to the Pacific. The gardens aren’t just about lavender—they also feature protea and succulents, perfect for photo-worthy strolls.
The real benefit? Peaceful moments away from the crowds. Sip lavender tea, enjoy a lavender scone, and let the cool breeze remind you that Maui’s beauty goes far beyond the shoreline.
Breakfast-with-a-View at Grandma’s Coffee House
Website | Instagram | Location | Open Monday to Sunday | 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Just a short drive up the road sits Grandma’s Coffee House, a family-run café that’s been roasting organic Maui coffee since 1918. Locals line up for the strong brews and hearty breakfasts—omelets, pancakes, and flaky pastries served alongside sweeping views of Haleakalā’s slopes.
The payoff here is simple: energy and comfort. A hearty breakfast fuels the adventures ahead, while the rustic setting reminds you that Maui’s best flavors come with a side of authenticity.
Getting There: From Kihei, it’s about a 45-minute scenic drive through pastures and eucalyptus groves, with plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way.
Midday Magic — Explore Makawao’s Art & Cowboy Charm
Wander Baldwin Avenue
From Kula, the road leads to Makawao, a town that blends ranching grit with artistic flair. On Baldwin Avenue, boutique shops and galleries line the streets, inviting you to browse handcrafted jewelry, island-inspired art, and even live glassblowing demonstrations at Hot Island Glass.
This isn’t just shopping—it’s a chance to connect with local creativity and bring home something that feels uniquely Maui.
Old-School Sweet Tooth: T. Komoda Store & Bakery
Open since 1916, T. Komoda Store & Bakery is legendary for cream puffs and stick donuts. Walking through its old-fashioned doors is like stepping back in time, and biting into one of their pastries is like tasting a piece of Maui’s history.
The benefit? You don’t just satisfy a craving—you create a sweet memory tied to a century-old tradition.
Optional Detour: Makawao Forest Reserve
Need to stretch your legs? The Kahakapao Loop Trail in Makawao Forest Reserve offers shaded paths through eucalyptus and pine, a cool and serene contrast to beachside trails. It’s the perfect reset before continuing your journey uphill.
Take a piece of Maui home—whether it’s a cream puff, a handblown glass keepsake, or simply the memory of a forest walk in the cool mountain air.
Afternoon Tasting — Wine & Ranch Views in Ulupalakua
The drive to Ulupalakua feels like a storybook journey, winding past sweeping ranchlands with breathtaking views of Maui’s south coast and neighbor islands.
Raise a Glass at MauiWine
Website | Instagram | Location | Open Tuesday to Sunday | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
As the road climbs higher, the landscape opens to sweeping views of Maui’s south coast and neighbor islands. At MauiWine, you can sample locally made wines in a historic 19th-century building once visited by Hawaiian royalty.
A favorite? Their pineapple sparkling wine—light, crisp, and unmistakably Maui. Tasting here isn’t just about the wine; it’s about slowing down, sipping, and savoring the island in a new way.
Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill
Website | Instagram | Location | Open Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Just across the road, the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill serves grass-fed beef, venison, and elk burgers with hearty sides.
Eating here is more than a meal—it’s a way to taste the island’s ranching legacy while soaking in breathtaking coastal views.
Bonus Stop: Sun Yat-sen Park
On your way back, stop at this small park honoring Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China, who once lived on Maui.
Beyond the history, you’ll find expansive views across the island—a quiet, reflective pause before heading downhill.
Raise a glass, savor a burger, and let Ulupalakua remind you that Maui is as much about its hills as it is about its beaches.
Golden Hour Return – South Maui Sunsets Await
By late afternoon, the winding drive down from Upcountry delivers you back to South Maui—just in time to slip off your shoes and step into warm sand.
The golden hour paints the ocean in fiery hues, while the day’s mountain air lingers like a gentle memory.
And this is where your stay matters. Choosing the right South Maui rental means your day doesn’t end when you leave Upcountry—it continues into a sunset toast on your lanai, a soak in a hot tub, or a beachfront dinner steps away.
South Maui Stays That Make This Day Trip Easy
Here are a few Rentals Maui stays that pair perfectly with an Upcountry adventure:
- Maui Kamaole – Spacious resort across from Kamaole III. End your day with a soak in one of two hot tubs while the sun sets over the ocean.
- Kihei Garden Estates – Central Kihei hideaway with a tropical courtyard and oversized hot tub—perfect after a forest hike or lavender farm stroll.
- Kihei Akahi – Steps from Kamaole II, with pools and tennis courts. Ideal for those who want an active morning in the hills and easy beach access afterward.
- Kamaole Beach Royale – Across from Kamaole I, featuring a rooftop BBQ and ocean-view lanais. Perfect if you’d like to grill ranch-inspired burgers while watching the sunset.
- Shores of Maui – Relaxed complex across from Cove Park with sunset-facing lanais and a pool that feels like your own private retreat.
Each one makes it effortless to combine mountain exploration with seaside relaxation.
Ready to Trade Sand for Sky?
Maui is more than its beaches. It’s lavender fields kissed by mountain breezes, cowboy towns alive with history, and vineyard roads that lead to sweeping island views.
The beauty lies in the balance: with Kihei or Wailea as your home base, you can surf at sunrise, wander the hills by midday, and still catch a barefoot sunset on the sand.
Don’t just visit Maui—experience all of its sides.
Browse vacation rentals in Kihei and Wailea today on RentalsMaui.com and make your South Maui stay the perfect launchpad for both beach bliss and mountain adventure.
