Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn't— Ep 137

Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn'tWho this episode is for: Anyone visiting Maui who's only planning to drive through Upcountry on the way to Haleakalā and doesn't realize it's worth stopping for on its own.What you'll learn: What Upcountry Maui actually is, where to eat and shop in Makawao, family-friendly stops like Surfing Goat Dairy and Kula Botanical Garden, the Maui Pineapple Tour, Ulupalakua Ranch, and how to build Upcountry into a half or full day.Places discussed:Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao, Hali'imaile)MakawaoKula Botanical GardenAli'i Kula Lavender FarmHali'imaileUlupalakua RanchHaleakalā (referenced as the usual reason people pass through)Activities discussed:Driving through Upcountry (2,000–4,000 ft elevation, paniolo/cowboy culture)Shopping and wandering in MakawaoBooking a Flytographer photo shoot and pairing it with a lei po'oTouring Surfing Goat Dairy (casual farm tour, evening/milking tour, Saturday grand tour, cheese flight and truffle tasting add-ons)Visiting Kula Botanical GardenVisiting Ali'i Kula Lavender FarmTaking the Maui Pineapple Tour (basic tour, tour with lunch, farm and feast with dinner at Hali'imaile General Store, planting experience)Driving to Ulupalakua RanchRestaurants discussed:T. Komodo Store & Bakery (Makawao) — open since 1916; cream puffs and stick donuts; closes at 1 PM and sells out early; closed Wednesdays and Sundays; aim to arrive by 9–10 AMMaui Cookie Lady (Makawao) — white chunk mac nut is the best-seller (featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Forbes); also recommends salted caramel bliss and the limited-edition Waipoli Twilight (dark chocolate, rum, black cherry, blood orange)Hali'imaile General Store — dinner destination on the Maui Pineapple Tour's farm and feast optionUlupalakua Ranch Store and Grill — burgers made from ranch-raised beef, venison, and elk; store open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; grill 11 AM–4 PM, last call 3:30 PM; closed MondaysShopping discussed:Holo Holo Surf (Makawao) — Hawaiian print clothing for the whole family, Marcie's favorite shop on the islandHaku Maui — makes lei po'o (the correct term for what's often called a "flower crown"); good to pair with a photo shootMaui Pineapple Store — even if the full tour doesn't fit your schedule, worth a stop for Maui Gold pineapple and merchandiseMarcie's recommendations:Don't just drive straight back down after Haleakalā sunrise — stop in Upcountry on the wayGet to Komodo's by 9–10 AM at the latest for cream puffs and stick donuts before they sell out; check their Wed/Sun closure against your scheduleHolo Holo Surf is worth a real browse, not just a walk-pastCheck Surfing Goat Dairy's current tour options before you go, since the offerings have expanded significantly since a 2023 ownership changeDouble-check Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm's hours before building it into your day — open Friday–Monday only, 10 AM–4 PM, last entry 3:45 PM, $5/person entryThe Maui Pineapple Tour (starting around $95) is worth it, especially for families or anyone wanting real agricultural context, not just a postcard version of HawaiiEven a quick stop at the Maui Pineapple Store is worthwhile if the full tour doesn't fitFactor in Ulupalakua Ranch's Monday closure if coming down from a Monday sunriseEasiest way to fit Upcountry in: pair it with a Haleakalā trip and stop at Komodo's plus a Makawao wander on the way downFor a full day: pineapple tour in the morning, lunch at Ulupalakua, afternoon in MakawaoA rental car is required — no way around itUpcountry weather is often completely different from the coast (cooler, mistier) — a good backup plan for a hot, crowded beach dayRelated Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47The Slow Maui Trip I Needed — 2026 Trip Report— Ep 92Additional resources:Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)Flytographer (link with discount, per show notes)Itinerary Audit ($50, written feedback within 2 business days) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary ReviewHawaii Travel Consultation (60/90-min) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel ConsultantFull resource list — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii ResourcesAbout Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.comConnect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/