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Upcountry Maui

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Upcountry Maui

Golden beaches give way to rolling hills and misty mountains as you ascend into Upcountry Maui, which is located on the higher elevations surrounding Haleakalā — the island’s highest peak. Since early times, Hawaiians have farmed the volcanic soil of Upcountry fields, growing taro and sweet potato. Today, you can take farm tours, visit a goat dairy or even sip Maui-made wines and spirits in the rustic outposts of Kula and Makawao.
 
Upcountry is also the stomping ground of the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys—a culture that arose in the 19th century when King Kamehameha III invited vaqueros from California to teach islanders to wrangle cattle. Further east, the 10,023-foot Haleakalā presides over the "Valley Isle," with epic sunrises and otherworldly landscapes that feel more like the moon than Maui. It’s a dramatic departure from the coconut palms of Kāʻanapali and Kapalua, but a day trip to the Upcountry will bring you closer to Maui’s heartland.

Regions of Maui

Maui
Wailuku
Visit Wailuku and explore the charming wooden storefronts around Market Street, showcasing dozens of family businesses, many of which have been in continuous operation for generations.
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Iao Valley State Park
This peaceful 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park is home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot ʻĪao Needle.
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Hana
Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hāna, nestled in a remote and beautiful corner of the island.
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Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay on Maui's northwest shore is a favorite spot for experienced surfers.
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Once known as Lele, which means “relentless sun” in Hawaiian, Lahaina is a historic town that has been transformed into a Maui hotspot with dozens of art galleries and a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
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Kapalua
Kapalua, loosely translated to “arms embracing the sea,” is one of Maui’s premier resort areas located at the foot of the verdant Mauna Mauna Kahālāwai, or West Maui mountains.
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Kaanapali Beach
With three miles of white sand and crystal clear water, it’s no wonder why Kāʻanapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach.
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Paia
Just four miles into your drive to Hāna from Kahului, you'll discover the historic town of Pāʻia on Maui's north coast.
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Haleakala National Park
Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakalā Crater is a force of nature in every sense.
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Kula
In the heart of Upcountry Maui, Kula is a quaint, rustic area on the slopes of Haleakalā.
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Makawao
Located on the mid-slopes of Maui’s Haleakalā volcano, Makawao has one foot in its plantation past and another in its thriving arts community.
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Kihei
Kīhei is beach-combing territory on Maui’s southwest shore, the sunniest, driest end of the island.
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Makena Beach State Park
Maui's southwestern shores are home to many extraordinary beaches, including Mākena Beach, also known as "Big Beach" and considered one of the island's best.
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Molokini
Molokini is a small, crescent moon-shaped islet that is a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District.
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Wailea
Known for its five beautiful, crescent-shaped beaches and stellar golf courses, Wailea is a luxurious resort community in South Maui that spans 1,500 acres of land with staggering ocean views.
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Central Maui
Iao Valley State Park in Central Maui
Kahului is home to the island’s main airport and interesting attractions. Head to Wailuku for mom-and-pop shops and eateries along the way to the ʻĪao Valley State Park.
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East Maui
Waterfall off the Hana Highway in East Maui
Visitors who brave the Hāna Highway’s signature hairpin turns and narrow bridges are rewarded with out-of-this-world views of lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls and exotic beaches.
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South Maui
Wailea in South Maui
Escape to the tropical beaches of Kīhei, Mākena and Wailea; relax and unwind at a world-class resort or tee off at one of the 13 world-renowned golf courses.
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West Maui
Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui
One of Maui’s most famous stretches of coastline, Kāʻanapali Beach offers three miles of paradise where ocean adventures and total relaxation await.
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Upcountry Maui
Child feeding goats in Upcountry Maui
Watch the sunrise from the peak of Haleakalā, see ancient Hawaiʻi’s desert landscapes and discover unique, locally grown food.
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Upcountry Maui Highlights

Paia

Pāʻia

Just four miles into your drive to Hāna from Kahului, you'll discover the historic town of Pāʻia on Maui's north coast.

More
Haleakala National Park

Haleakalā National Park

Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakalā Crater is a force of nature in every sense.

More
Kula

Kula

In the heart of Upcountry Maui, Kula is a quaint, rustic area on the slopes of Haleakalā.

More
Makawao

Makawao

Located on the mid-slopes of Maui’s Haleakalā volcano, Makawao has one foot in its plantation past and another in its thriving arts community.

More

Read More About Sunrise and Sunset on Haleakalā

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View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide

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