Maui’s Best Upcountry & North Shore Attractions

There are so many amazing things to do on Maui, it’s tough to know where to start. Most visitor’s don’t realize the wonderful Maui’s Top Free and Inexpensive Attractions available to them.

Many locals are enthusiastic about sharing our love of the island and some of the things that are a bit more off the “beaten path”. Here are a few you may enjoy as a couple, family, group or individual.

Most have a nominal entry fee, inexpensive tours and even local products. ALL are a side of Maui many visitor’s never see and sure to please!

Let’s keep it simple and start with the some favorite top attractions on Maui that are close to each other. You can do multiple things in a day easily, with more to come.

1 – Haleakala Crater: This is literally translated into English as ” House of the Sun” and an absolute MUST. If not planning a guided tour with one of the great services, get up early, plan a day of it and get on the road … it’s worth it!

After seeing the sunrise, there are ample hiking trails to keep you busy. Make sure to stop by one of the visitor’s Centers to learn some of the history and mythology if you don’t have a guide.

2 – Surfing Goat Dairy: This sweet Hawaii dairy farm is located in lower Kula, on the slopes of Haleakala. They have been producing award winning “Maui Gourmet Goat Cheeses” for over 9 years (I first encountered them at a local farmer’s market). Join them for a tour and stay for the goodies! As they say locally … “Da’ Feta Mo’ Betta!”

3 – Ali’i Lavendar Farm:  There is always something to do at this beautiful locale! Whether you join in on activities, classes, tours or simply explore the farm on your own. It’s a beautiful place to share with special family and friends! Don’t miss the offerings in the store … indulgent foods, decadent body products, pet items and so many more of these items, I won’t try to list them here. I’ll let you enjoy discovering them for yourself!

4 – Ulupalakua Ranch and Store:  The heart of Ulupalakua Ranch sits on the leeward slopes of Haleakala at an elevation of slightly under 2,000 feet.  Arguably one of Maui’s most breath-taking drives, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Southern shores of Maui as well as neighbor islands while traversing pastures where cattle and horses graze and the impressive Jacaranda bloom. Make sure you get to the ranch’s General Store … this working cattle ranch is serving up the freshest beef to be had and the burgers are divine! Watch your time, however, as the grill keeps limited hours.

5 – Tedeschi Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch:  When you think of Maui, you’re probably thinking of beaches, swaying palms and tropical breezes. Do yourself the favor of exploring our Upcountry regions … quite spectacular! The scenic drive up the slopes of dormant Haleakala Volcano lends itself to the experience of this historic area.

Take your time on the rambling road and enjoy the views. You’ll know you’ve reached Ulupalakua when you see the huge, 100-year-old trees lining the roadway. The canopyof leaves lends an air of serenity as you drive into the tiny town.

There at the heart of Ulupalakua is Maui’s Winery, on the historic grounds of Rose Ranch where King Kalakaua came to relax. Stroll the grounds and enjoy the abundant flowers blooming in the original flowerbeds, lush green lawns and low, stone buildings.

Make sure to visit the shop for local crafts and the tasting room … they pack and ship!

These are some of the very best of the things you might not expect to find when visiting Hawai’i and are certainly some of best parts of Maui. Dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, grab your camera and hit the road and most of all, ENJOY!

Makawao – The Biggest Little Town in Upcountry Maui

Just a few miles up the mountain is my one of my favorite places … Makawao. Known as “The Biggest Little Town in Upcountry”, manages to maintain its plantation past, with the Hawaiian cowboys, Fourth of July parade rodeo and to support a thriving arts community.

Since ince the late 1800’s, paniolo (Hawaiian for Cowboy) have wrangled cattle on horse-back in the wide-open fields of Upcountry Maui. No Fourth of July would be complete without the Makawao Rodeo. This tradition is more than fifty years old and is Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition. Regardless of the date the fourth falls on, a weekend filled with events includes a parade and traditional rodeo competitions such as barrel racing, calf roping and bareback bronco riding … with a few “Hawaiian twists”, of course!

Even if you aren’t on island during Rodeo time, Makawao still offers up quite a lot, including EATS! No visit is complete without a stop at the Komoda Bakery. Established in 1916 by Takezo Komoda, a Japanese plantation worker, this little store and bakery does big business. Lines can be long in the morning when everything’s fresh, so come early. The bakery is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays; when they ae open, it’s early and they sell out quickly so make this an early stop. My personal fave are the donuts on a stick but everyone has their own.

Spend part of your day meandering through numerous eclectic shops, boutiques and art galleries. This town is home to working artists, allowing you to watch glassblowers, wood sculptors and painters as they work on your personal commission or any of the pieces they may be currently involved in. Maui Hands is an especially wonderful place as it’s owner has spent years finding and show-casing Maui’s finest artists, always ensuring that what you buy is truly Maui Made! This is but one of many wonderful places to spend some time. I always find something new and even after sixteen years on Island, am always in awe.

For the shoppers in the group, there is no shortage of unique clothing boutiques offering everything from t-shorts and flip flops to real Hawaiian Cowboy and Cowgirl attire. Not feeling proerly dressed? That can be quickly fixed whether you wish to dress up a bit or down a lot!

Not to worry, there are numerous eateries, with everything from a quick bite at a sandwich shop to a sit down dinner. One of the okdest of these establishments is Makawao Steak House. This warm and inviting space is like a small step back in time with it’s stone fireplace and ranch style wool blankets on the chairs (yes, it can get chilly when in the upper areas of Maui … often 15-30 degrees cooler than sea level). Open for dinner, there is no dress code. As it is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, reservations are recommended, especially for large parties.

The Makawao Forest Reserve is one of the most beautiful reserve areas that is publicly accessible to bikes on Maui. The Kahakapao Loop Recreational Area was recently redesigned by a collaboration between the State of Hawaii, IMBA and the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition. This collaboration resulted in a well designed, six plus mile loop that has something for everyone, from kids to adults, from beginner to advanced. There is a kid’s track, pump track, DH flow line, an advanced skills area and a cross country loop.

Ready to explore something other than the beaches? Try riding a bike or hiking under a canopy of fragrant trees!

Finally, among numerous other things, Makawao is home to the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, where visitors can take classes and explore free gallery exhibits. Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is a nonprofit, community based visual arts education organization offering open access to quality arts instruction by  teaching artists. Programs and services are accessible to all, regardless of artistic aptitude. Their mission is to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education. Providing an array of programs that support lifelong learning in the arts including public workshops and classes, lectures, exhibitions, art events, historical house tours, family fun nights and educational outreach programs with schools and community partner organizations.

Throw items of clothing that can be layered and comfortable walking shoes into the car and head up (or down, depending on where you happen to be) and fall in love with Makawao, Maui, Hawaii! Enjoy!

If you’re heading up the Hana Highway or even staying on Maui’s North Shore, you’ll be experiencing a very different slice of the island if you’ve only found yourself in the resort areas of South and West Maui, so far. Let’s visit Maui’s BEST North shore beaches!

We’ll make it simple and start from the beginning. You will be able to visit all of these locations on the trip to Hana, so do plan accordingly and bring swim wear and towels.

A few miles past the intersection of Hana and Haleakala Highways,  you’ll pass the neighborhood of Spreckelsville and find Baldwin Beach Park.

This is actually more like  the equivalent of three great Maui beaches all rolled into one and is several miles long. Visitors and locals alike frequent this spot as there is something for just about everyone.

1 – Baby Beach: This lovely little beach is found at the far end of Baldwin and can also be accessed through the neighborhood of Spreckelsville. Protected by a good chunk of reef, creating a kind of sandy swimming pool that is ideal for children and families. The far end is rocky and small fishes can often be seen while the middle is sandy and relatively shallow.

2 – Baldwin Beach: The main part of Baldwin Beach is always tons of fun with a pavilion, grills and plenty of room to spread out. Lifeguards are on duty here during daytime hours. If you’re looking for a good work-out, walk from one end to the other then jump in to cool off!

3 – Baldwin Beach Cove: This lovely little spot marks the end of Baldwin Beach and offers lovely, crystal clear water. Spread out a blanket under the trees or at the water’s edge and take some time to check out the area. If you walk up the hill a bit, you’ll find the hidden gem coming up next! *** Be sure to wear flip flops or shoes as some of the walk is rocky terrain (easy to walk on … no worries!).

4 – Secret Beach (Paia): This stretch of beach offers lovely views and can take you all the way into the town of Paia if you keep going. For those looking for someplace a bit out of the way, this is it. While there are legally no nude beaches on Maui, you will find this area can be “clothing optional” … so don’t be surprised if you happen upon a nude sunbather or two. After you pass under the Ironwood trees, you will find yourself at Paia Bay.

5 – Paia Bay: This little crescent of white sand is a very popular beach and adjacent park, with basketball courts, green grass for lounging and a Youth Center. It’s a fun spot to surf or boogie-board for those with a bit more experience and there’s always something fun going on! If you walk up the street a bit, you will be in Paia Town.

From here, you will need to drive to the next beaches unless you’re REALLY up for a hike! After exploring the funky and fun village of Paia a bit, head out of town and you will soon discover Tavares. You may want to grab a bite in Paia Town, as there aren’t many places past to do so, other than small general stores, and they are limited.

6 – Tavares Beach: This is a small beach, surrounded by reef and rocks. Experienced surfers and paddlers use it by going out through a small channel but at high tide, it makes for a refreshing place to take a dip. Mornings find it pretty empty but it does get a bit crowded as the day wears on.

If you’re planning to have lunch or dinner at Mama’s Fish House (Most visitors find it next to impossible to visit Maui without it!), you may wish to reverse the next two listings; however, I will stick to the current route for ease.

7 – Kuau Cove: We are SO lucky in Hawaii to have laws in place allowing public access to all beaches … no such thing as a “private” beach anywhere in the state! This little beach sits on a lovely tide pool and is surrounded by swaying palms, stunning homes and, of course, Mama’s Fish House and Inn. While not usually the best for swimming (fun for little ones but not very deep), it’s a great place to hang out for sunset or just enjoying the views.

8 – Ho’okipa Beach Park: A favorite surf spot for experienced surfers and one of the top windsurfing destinations in the world, you can always expect a spectacular show of some kind at this beach park! I watch sunset from this spot almost daily.

Watch along the reef for sea turtles, as they like this spot and are seen here very frequently. Also look for monk seals in the mornings as they sometimes like to come up for a little time on the sand. There is actually one who seems to love the tournaments … every year, she comes up and sits right in front of the entrance to the water during an entire wind surfing competition!

While parking can be a challenge, there is an upper level lot for over flow that offer stellar views. Definitely stop and soak it all in before you walk down to the beach.

This concludes our tour of  some of the best Maui beaches you’ll experience when visiting the Northern side of the island. While it seems like a lot, you’re really only looking at about 10 miles or so total. Grab your sunscreen, hit the road and have a a great time!