You Haven’t Really Seen Maui Until You’ve Explored its Stunning Upcountry🌿

Perched on the slopes of Haleakala, this lofty region is known for family farms and a rural charm that feels worlds away from Maui’s resorts.

It’s a refreshing change from the island’s beaches and a must-see when you visit. 

The Upcountry is dotted with paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of both the ocean and Haleakala Crater. It’s one of the best places on the island to slow down, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and connect with Maui’s more relaxed, pastoral side.

If you’re looking to balance your trip with something off the beaten path, Upcountry Maui is well worth the drive. 

But before I get to my favorite things to do, here are two quick tips for visiting this lovely part of Maui:

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

• Don’t forget to bring a light jacket, it gets chilly up there!
• Many places in Upcountry are open daily. But if you want to visit all 6 places on my list, you’ll need to go on a Friday or Saturday.   

Now let’s get to it! 

6 Fun Things to Do in Upcountry Maui

1. Stroll the Paniolo Streets of Makawao Town

If Paia is Maui’s surf town, Makawao is its cowboy-meets-boho mountain twin.

Once the heart of Maui’s paniolo country, this small Upcountry town still carries that rustic charm—but these days, it’s mixed with a heavy dose of artsy flair. Think: wooden sidewalks, charming storefronts, and a blend of western wear shops, glassblowing studios, and adorable cafés.

It’s the perfect spot to wander, window shop, and grab something sweet.

This tiny bakery has a cult following for its oversized, handmade cookies stuffed with decadent fillings like local macadamia nuts, lilikoi butter, and Kona coffee.

The “Butter Rum Triple Chunker” is the OG cookie here, but I’m also a fan of the Birthday Butter Cookie.

The shop itself is completely adorable, it’s like stepping into a fairytale. Do yourself a favor and grab more than just one (you’ll crave them later).

Beyond cookies, Makawao is known for its local art galleries. Pop into Hot Island Glass to watch live glassblowing or explore boutiques selling handmade jewelry, textiles, and pottery crafted by Maui-based artists.

And while you’re walking around, keep an eye out for cowboy nods that honor the town’s heritage. Makawao still hosts the island’s famous Rodeo Week, and you’ll find hints of paniolo culture in everything from the storefront decor to the leather shops.

Maui’s Ocean Vodka has become a favorite since we moved to Hawaii. So it’s no surprise that a visit to the Ocean Vodka Distillery was high on my husband’s to-do list on our first visit to the island. 

Set on a sprawling 22-acre farm, this family-owned distillery crafts Ocean organic vodka using deep ocean mineral water and local sugarcane, creating a truly Hawaiian spirit.

They also produce Kula Rum, Fy Gin, and Brum spirits, and you can try them all on the popular distillery tour.

The Distillery combines sustainability and stunning views with the opportunity to sample the organic spirits that are uniquely Maui.

It’s not just a tasting experience—it’s a chance to learn about Hawaii’s agricultural traditions and how they blend with modern craft distilling.

They also have a terrific cafe with island-fresh flatbreads and shareables like poke nachos and Thai veggie summer rolls. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch when you’re exploring Upcountry.

Take the tour to learn about the vodka-making process and enjoy tastings in a setting with stunning views of both the ocean and mountains (they also frequently have live music).

Walk-ins are always welcome, but if you want to be sure to get a spot on a tour, book in advance here.

What to Do at Maui’s Ocean Vodka Distillery:

• Take the distillery tour: Learn about the distillation process and see the sugarcane fields up close.
• Enjoy tastings: Sample the vodkas and rums, each with a unique Hawaiian twist.
• Soak up the views: The property overlooks both the ocean and Haleakala, so it’s a glorious spot for photos and the perfect place to unwind.
• Music on the lawn: Grab a seat at a picnic table and enjoy the laid-back Upcountry vibes with live music daily from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM.

More Info: Ocean Organic Vodka Farm & Distillery

Open Daily for Guided Tastings: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (every 30 minutes)

Farm Store: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Cafe: 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Home to over 45 varieties of lavender growing on its steep slopes, the farm offers a shop, a cafe, and guided tours. Learn all about the uses and benefits of lavender and even sample lavender-infused products like teas, lotions, and snacks. 

What to Do at Ali’i Kula Lavender:

• Take a walking tour: Stroll through the gardens and learn about the 45 varieties of lavender grown here. (Tip: pick up a handy map in the store!)
• Enjoy a tea service: Savor lavender-infused tea and scones on the shop’s deck.
• Shop for unique gifts: Their gift shop is packed with lavender-scented products, from bath salts to culinary treats.
• Relax and recharge: The farm’s peaceful atmosphere is perfect for slowing down and soaking in the natural beauty of Upcountry.

More Info: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

Hours: Friday-Monday 10:00 AM -4:00 PM (Closed Tuesday – Thursday)

4. Surfing Goat Dairy

Located right next door to Ocean Vodka, the Surfing Goat Dairy is a quirky and family-friendly stop where you can meet adorable goats and taste award-winning goat cheese and (my favorite) delicious truffles.

Do not miss the truffles, trust me.

While all of the Upcountry stops on my list are family-friendly, this dairy farm is one of the best things on the island to do with kiddos. 

This working farm is a fun blend of education and entertainment, giving visitors a glimpse into sustainable farming in Maui’s Upcountry. You can meet the goats, see how the cheese is crafted, and even try your hand at milking. 

There’s also a season “Kid” Goat Interaction Experience offered from December to Spring (baby goat season), where you can snuggle and play with a kid goat. And yes, there are surfboards in the pens (hence the dairy’s name).

What To Do at Surfing Goat Dairy:

• Go on a tour: Meet the goats on the Daily Casual Tour (30 minutes) to learn about the farm and cheese-making.
• Taste the cheese: Sample a variety of fresh, handcrafted goat cheeses, from classic flavors to unique tropical-inspired options.
• Participate in daily activities: Join the goats during their feeding time or watch them frolic in their paddocks. (You can purchase appropriate feed in the shop.)
• Pick up local goodies: The cute shop sells more than just cheese and chocolate. You’ll also find goat milk soaps, lotions, and other farm-made products.

More Info: Surfing Goat Dairy

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, (Closed Sunday & Monday)

Located along Haleakala Highway with panoramic views of Maui’s south shore, Kula Country Farms is a charming, fourth-generation family farm that’s been a local favorite for generations. It’s a great place to stop for a fresh taste of Upcountry Maui—literally.

Visit between February and June and you can pick your own strawberries. If you’re visiting Maui in October, a stop by the pumpkin patch is an absolute must. Even if you’re not there for picking season, their farm stand is always stocked with colorful fruits, veggies, jams, and locally made treats.

Don’t miss the scenic overlook behind the stand. It’s a great photo op and the kind of quiet, wide-open Maui view that’s hard to forget. Plus, there are lots of fun photo ops around the property for kids.

What To Do at Kula Country Farms:

• Pick your own: In season, enjoy strawberry picking or grab a pumpkin during their fall festival.
• Shop the farm stand: Stock up on local produce, baked goods, and small-batch products made on Maui.
• Enjoy the view: Walk out back for sweeping vistas across the Central Valley to the ocean beyond.
• Kid-friendly fun: The farm is great for little ones and often has seasonal events and photo-worthy setups.

More Info: Kula Country Farms

 Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, (Closed Sunday)

If you’ve never tried wine grown on volcanic soil at 1,800 feet above sea level, MauiWine is the place to do it.

Located in the tiny town of Ulupalakua on the slopes of Haleakala, this is Maui’s only commercial winery—and it’s a must-visit for wine lovers (and history buffs, too).

Set on the former estate of King Kalākaua, MauiWine combines historic charm with scenic beauty. Their tasting room is housed in a former jailhouse, and the grounds are surrounded by giant trees and old lava rock walls.

The wines include tropical fruit-forward options made from pineapple, as well as more traditional grape varietals grown right on the island. Full disclosure, I’m not a huge fan of the pineapple wine. But I do love the sparkling rosé, Lokelani.

A guided tasting is the best way to learn the story behind each pour, and reservations are recommended.

What To Do at MauiWine:

• Book a tasting: Choose from a classic tasting or the more in-depth King’s Visit for a seated experience with curated pairings.
• Explore the estate: Stroll the peaceful grounds and learn about the site’s royal and agricultural history.
• Try pineapple wine: A Maui specialty—refreshing, tropical, and unique to the island.
• Visit the Ulupalakua Ranch Store: Just across the road, it’s a good place to grab lunch or local snacks after your tasting.

More Info: MauiWine
Tasting Room Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Monday, Reservations recommended, especially for weekends)

More fun things to do Upcountry

The 5 stops above are my favorite, but there’s plenty more to see and do on this part of the island if you have more time. From farm tours to cattle ranches, here are a few more fun Upcountry hidden gems:

Ulupalakua Ranch Store – When it comes to Hawaiian cowboys, the original Ulupalakua ‘paniolos’ date back to the early 1960’s. Sample Maui’s grass-fed beef at the Ranch Store Grill and embrace the paniolo way of life. 

Kula Botanical Gardens – A popular spot for Maui weddings, this botanical garden is home to panoramic views and 8 acres of native tropical plants.

Maui Alpaca Farm Tours – If your kids like the goats, they’ll love walking the alpacas and meeting the fluffball Angora bunnies! Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (tour prices vary).

Can you stay Upcountry?

You sure can. In fact, there’s one pretty terrific option if you’re looking for the perfect Upcountry getaway.

Read More: Sinatra & Hepburn Adored This Sky-High Maui Retreat (& You Will, Too)

Located just off Haleakala Highway, the five rustic chalets at the Kula Lodge are a favorite with Maui visitors who prefer to leave the tourist crowds behind. The lodge also has a fantastic restaurant, beautiful gardens, and the most incredible pizza oven you’ve ever seen.  

So hit the road & head Upcountry!

Maui’s Upcountry is a refreshing change of pace from the island’s busier tourist hubs. Whether you’re sipping organic local vodka with a view, wandering through fragrant lavender fields, or surfing with playful goats, this region is full of unique and memorable experiences.

And they all deserve a spot on your Maui Bucket List!

Take a break from all those beautiful beaches and head uphill—Upcountry Maui might just be the highlight of your trip. 🌿

For more great things to do on Maui, start here:

The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale-Watching Tours

5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Don’t Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)

Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now 🌺📆💻

First Trip to Maui? Here Are 10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss!