Hands-On Upcountry Adventures

Beyond the Main Street: Hands-On Upcountry Adventures

Makawao is the perfect gateway to the wider world of Upcountry Maui, a region known for its rolling green hills, agricultural abundance, and unique, hands-on experiences. A growing number of visitors are seeking more than just a passive vacation; they want to connect, learn, and participate. Upcountry offers some of the most authentic and memorable opportunities to do just that.

Learn from Artisans: Hands-On Workshops

Glassblowing at Glass Experience Maui

Go beyond the gallery and step into the studio to create your own work of art. At Glass Experience Maui, professional glassblowers will expertly guide you through the process of soft glass blowing, flame working, or glass fusing to make your own unique masterpiece. It's a thrilling experience, and you get to take home the ultimate Maui souvenir. The Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center also regularly offers glassblowing classes for those looking for a more in-depth workshop.

The experience of working with molten glass is unlike anything else. The material is alive in your hands, responding to heat, breath, and movement. Under expert guidance, you'll learn to shape and color your piece, making decisions about form and decoration that make each creation truly unique. The finished pieces need to cool slowly in a special kiln, so you'll arrange to pick up your artwork or have it shipped to you—extending the excitement of your Maui experience.

Lei Making at Haku Maui

There are few things more beautiful or culturally significant in Hawaiʻi than a handmade lei. At a Haku Maui workshop, you can immerse yourself in this cherished tradition. You'll learn the traditional wili (wrapping) or kui (stringing) techniques using fresh, fragrant tropical flowers and foliage. More than just a craft class, it's a meditative and peaceful experience where you'll learn about the deep cultural importance of lei and the meaning behind the different materials used.

Taste the ʻĀina: Upcountry Farm Tours

The fertile volcanic soil of Upcountry makes it the agricultural heart of Maui. Visiting one of its beautiful farms is a fantastic way to connect with the land (ʻāina) and taste the freshness of the islands.

O'o Farm

This is a premier farm-to-table experience. Set on 8.5 pristine acres on the slopes of Haleakalā, O'o Farm offers two main tours by reservation only. The "Seed to Cup" tour focuses on their coffee, from the orchard to a fresh French press tasting, accompanied by a gourmet breakfast. The "Farm-to-Table" lunch tour is a culinary dream, where you walk through the gardens, help harvest ingredients, and then enjoy a spectacular meal prepared by a chef right before your eyes.

The farm-to-table lunch tour is truly unforgettable. You start with a walking tour of the organic gardens, learning about the crops and perhaps helping to harvest ingredients for your meal. Then you move to an outdoor kitchen where a professional chef prepares your lunch using what you've just picked, along with other ingredients from the farm. The setting, with panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and the distant ocean, makes this one of the most memorable meals you'll have on the island.

Surfing Goat Dairy

Perfect for families and animal lovers, this working goat dairy is a delight. They offer several tours, but the most memorable is the "Evening Chores & Milking Tour," where you get to help with farm duties, try your hand at milking a goat, and earn an "Official Goat Milker" ribbon. After the tour, be sure to sample their incredible array of award-winning goat cheeses and decadent goat cheese truffles.

The goats here have distinct personalities, and many have become celebrities in their own right. They're friendly, curious, and always ready to pose for photos. The cheese-making operation is sophisticated, producing artisanal cheeses that rival anything from the mainland. The tasting room offers samples of everything from mild, creamy fresh cheeses to aged varieties with complex flavors.