Upcountry Maui Practical Planner
Essential tips, itineraries, and planning information
Written by a Local Photographer
Jade KawanuiWhat to Wear: The Art of Layering
A little planning goes a long way in making your Upcountry adventure smooth and enjoyable. Here are a few essential tips.
The most important thing to remember about dressing for Upcountry is layering. Due to the elevation, there's a significant temperature difference from the coastal areas—a good rule of thumb is a drop of about 3°F for every 1,000 feet you climb. A perfect Upcountry outfit consists of a t-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt or light sweater, and a light rain jacket or windbreaker that you can easily take on or off as you move between elevations. And as mentioned before, if you are heading to the Haleakalā summit for sunrise, you need to pack true winter gear.
Layering Guide by Elevation
- Makawao (1,500 ft): T-shirt + light long-sleeve shirt
- Kula Farms (3,000-4,000 ft): T-shirt + sweater + light jacket
- Haleakalā Summit (10,023 ft): Full winter gear - insulated jacket, beanie, gloves, long pants
Driving in Upcountry: Tips for the Road
Driving in Upcountry is generally easy and scenic, but the pace is different from the mainland. The maximum speed limit on any road is 55 mph, but most of the winding, two-lane roads you'll be on have limits between 25 and 45 mph. Embrace the slower pace and "drive with aloha." Let people merge, give a friendly shaka wave if someone lets you in, and don't be afraid to pull over at a scenic lookout to let faster traffic pass. The roads can be narrow, so stay alert, and be especially watchful for cattle and Axis deer crossing the road around dawn and dusk. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary for any of the main attractions covered in this exploration.
Sample Itineraries for Your Upcountry Day
Upcountry has so much to offer that you could easily spend several days exploring. But if you only have one day, here are a couple of itineraries to help you make the most of it.
"The Foodie & Farm Tour" (Best on a Saturday)
Morning (7 AM): Upcountry Farmers Market
Start your day at the Upcountry Farmers Market for breakfast and to stock up on goodies.
Late Morning: O'o Farm
Head to O'o Farm for a pre-booked Seed-to-Cup Coffee Tour.
Lunch: Kula Bistro
Enjoy a delicious, hearty lunch at Kula Bistro.
Afternoon: Surfing Goat Dairy
Visit Surfing Goat Dairy for a tour and cheese tasting.
Late Afternoon: MauiWine
End your day with a relaxing wine tasting at MauiWine in Ulupalakua.
"The Art & Nature Explorer"
Morning: Makawao Town
Explore the charming galleries, boutiques, and bakery of Makawao town.
Lunch: Hali'imaile General Store
Have an iconic lunch at Hali'imaile General Store.
Afternoon: Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Haleakalā Summit
Drive up to the summit of Haleakalā National Park to explore the overlooks and watch a spectacular sunset.
Upcountry Maui At-a-Glance
| Attraction | Location | Best For... | Pro Tip / Don't Miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makawao Town | Makawao | Art, shopping, paniolo history | Arrive at Komoda Bakery by 7 AM for cream puffs |
| Ali'i Kula Lavender | Kula | Panoramic views, relaxation, photos | Try the lavender scones and lemonade on the porch |
| O'o Farm | Kula | Immersive farm-to-table dining | Book the Seed-to-Cup coffee tour well in advance |
| Upcountry Farmers Market | Pukalani | Produce, food, crafts | Saturdays only (7-11 AM). Go early for parking |
| MauiWine | Ulupalakua | Wine tasting, history, scenic drive | Try the unique pineapple wine. Reservations recommended |
| Haleakalā Summit | Kula | Sunrise/sunset, epic views, hiking | Reservations required for sunrise. Dress for winter! |
Planning Your Complete Hawaii Itinerary
Upcountry Maui nourishes the soul with its tranquility and natural beauty, but I know a complete Hawaiian adventure often calls for more. It's about balancing the peace of the mountains with the thrill of adventure and a deep connection to the islands' powerful history. For those looking to round out their trip, a short flight to Oahu opens up two essential, yet completely different, Hawaiian experiences that I always recommend.
For the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
Coral Crater Adventure Park, Oahu
For the best heart-pounding thrills in Hawaii, Coral Crater Adventure Park on Oahu is the place to be. This 35-acre outdoor playground offers side-by-side ATVs, ziplines, and an adventure tower with aerial obstacles—the perfect counterpoint to a relaxing day in Kula.
For a Deeper Understanding
Pearl Harbor & Punchbowl
To truly understand Hawaii's place in world history, a pilgrimage to Pearl Harbor is a must-do experience. A professional guided tour handles logistics and provides invaluable historical context, transforming the visit into a profound, moving experience.
📋 Quick Planning
- Best Day: Saturday (market)
- Time Needed: Full day
- Reservations: Book farms early
- Cash Needed: For market
🕐 Best Times
- Farmers Market: 7 AM
- Komoda Bakery: 7 AM
- Lavender Farm: 10-4 PM
- Haleakalā Sunrise: 3-7 AM