Maui’s Charming Upcountry and Northshore

While we may be a small island, there are numerous small villages and towns, all offering a unique flavor for your visit to Hawaii. Rent a car, take your time and let your wander-lust guide you!

Upcountry Maui at a Glance:

Haleakala National Park: Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest summit, at 10,023 feet above sea level. Her gentle slopes can be seen from just about anywhere on the island you happen to be. Literally translated, “Haleakala” means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian.

This comes from local legend that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood on the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the day last even longer.

Kula: Upcountry Maui’s rustic town of Kula is known for its produce farms and botanical gardens.Located in the central part of the island, Kula is also responsible for much of the local “farm to table” movement, providing most of the exotic produce served at Maui’s best Hawaii Regional Cuisine restaurants grown right here in the rich, volcanic soil.

Makawao: A rural, artistic community on the slopes of Upcountry Maui, this haven is home to the Paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy. Many would say that Makawao has one foot in its plantation past and another in a thriving arts community. This delightful town was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the country.

Paia: Just a few miles from the Kahului Airport is the historic town of Paia. Located on Maui’s famous North Shore, this quaint community was once a booming plantation town. Today Paia is a town of colorful storefronts filled with local art galleries, unique boutiques and a wide variety of restaurants.