Upcountry Exploration

Maui’s Upcountry feels like another world. Misty and often significantly colder than the coast, with rolling hills that offer breathtaking views, the region is home to many of Maui’s farms, which grow everything from Maui onions and eucalyptus to coffee beans and orchids in the fertile volcanic soil.

Kick off an Upcountry road trip in Makawao, an old hippie town and artist community of glassblowers, printers and wood workers. Continue to Kula, and if it’s Saturday, visit Upcountry Farmer’s Market. Families with children will love the farm tour at Surfing Goat Dairy (3651 Omaopio Rd; 808-878-2870), while adults might prefer a tour and tasting at the Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery (4051 Omaopio Rd; 808) 877-0009), which produces vodka from organic sugar cane blended with ocean mineral water. All day trips in this area should include a tour and farm-to-table lunch at O’o Farm (651 Waipoli Rd; 808-667-4341), where guests enjoy incredible cuisine surrounded by sweeping views across the valley.