*This story was originally published on Dec. 24, 2024, and updated in December 2025. With its year-round tropical climate and an endless-summer energy, it’s no surprise snowbirds flock to Maui every winter. But that doesn’t mean the island lacks holiday spirit. Across the Valley Isle, you can enjoy festive celebrations throughout December. From […]
Maui is known for its golden shores, from Mākena to Kāʻanapali. But the beauty of the Valley Isle extends beyond its gorgeous beaches, all the way to its tallest mountain. Upcountry Maui is a peaceful region marked by pastures, rolling hills, a sea of purple jacaranda trees and panoramic views. Among it all, you’ll discover
So you’re taking a vacation to Hawaiʻi—and you want to squeeze in a side trip to Maui? We won’t talk you out of it! If you’re going to spend at least a week in Hawaiʻi, you might want to consider visiting more than one island. Most flights from Honolulu take less than an hour—it’s only
Planning a trip to Maui—but not sure if you should go? Many visitors are opting to postpone or cancel vacations to Maui right now, three weeks after deadly wildfires destroyed Lahaina and killed at least 115 people. But the state is urging people to keep their travel plans to the Valley Isle—just don’t visit West
Maui has something for everyone. Hikers can trek through the otherworldly Haleakalā National Park, couples can stroll along Mākena Beach at sunset, families can snorkel near honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) at Maluaka Beach (aka Turtle Town). Here are 10 essential experiences every traveler should have while on the Valley Isle. 1. Catch Sunrise (or
Sprawling green hills, fields of lavender, vibrant jacaranda trees and panoramic views are all trademarks of Upcountry, Maui. But those that venture a little further passed Kula Country Farms and Grandma’s Coffee House will find Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park in Keokea. Here, all the splendors of Upcountry and more can be enjoyed. Resting high
Near the intersection of Old Haleakalā Highway and Makawao Avenue, where the towns of Pukalani, Kula and Makawao meet, stands a bright green building. Since 1955, Pukalani Superette has been at this corner serving the Upcountry community. From fresh produce to firewood and lightbulbs, it’s the main convenience store for essentials for residents. Affectionately nicknamed
There’s no doubt about it: The upcountry Maui town of Makawao is a must-see for visitors. It’s surrounded by beautiful ranchland, filled to the brim with chic boutiques, too-cool-for-school cafes and delectable breakfast, brunch and lunch spots, all the while sporting an unassuming but charming paniolo appeal. And although it’s small—you can probably visit every
No matter how many times you visit Maui, you’ll never have “done it all.” It’s somehow packed with so many adventures that even repeat visitors—and locals—are constantly exploring new and exciting ways to experience the island. There are dozens of beaches for leaving your footprints, hundreds of places to dine and thousands of scenic, island
I was on an Upcountry Maui mission. There were specific places I wanted—no, needed—to stop on a whirlwind day exploring the island’s Kula district. I craved fresh cream puffs from Komoda Bakery in the cowboy town of Makawao. I had plans to stroll the fields of Alii Kula Lavender Farm, high up on the mist-kissed
I wasn’t even there yet, but already I was more relaxed. I was driving east in my compact rental car to Upcountry Maui. The area, hugging the slopes of Haleakala, is known for its agriculture and has been farmed since early times. Today, Upcountry has cultivated a reputation for harvesting strawberries, onions, protea and lavender and
The 10-acre forest reserve known as Polipoli sits at 6,400 feet on the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui. Its trails wind through redwood trees and misty mountaintops, producing a dreamlike experience—and a distinct feeling of not being on Maui anymore. You start with a winding road from Kula to Polipoli… …that climbs above the morning
