Upcountry Maui’s slow roads, cool air + local charm
There’s a moment, as you drive the winding roads above Pa’ia and the North Shore, when the air changes. The ocean fades behind you and and the landscape opens into rolling pastures and quiet towns. This is Upcountry Maui! Here, life moves slower and the nights are cool.
Most travelers never make it this far. But for those with a camper van, it’s one of the most peaceful, grounding places to explore!
Makawao Town: Art, Paniolo, and Good Food
Makawao is the kind of place that still feels like “old Maui.” Once a bustling paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town, it’s now a blend of western heritage, local artisans, and laid-back cafes. Spend the morning wandering through galleries, checking out glassblowers and boutique shops, then grab lunch at Satori for sushi or Freshies (you might recognize from our “Eat Where the Locals Eat” guide).
Insider tip: Park the camper van on Baldwin Avenue (or in the large dirt parking lot down the stairs from Vida coffee shop off Brewer Road) and stroll. The town is small but packed with charm! Weekends are especially fun, with fresh pastries, local art and lively conversations.
Kula: Farms, Flowers + Big Skies
As you climb higher, the landscape turns golden — wide open and dotted with jacaranda trees, goats roaming, protea farms, and panoramic views that stretch all the way to the sea. Kula is where you’ll find crisp mornings, farmers markets, and quiet moments.
Don’t miss:
Kula Botanical Garden for tropical blooms and cool shade.
Kula Country Farms for seasonal berries + local produce.
Grandma’s Coffee House for a hot cup and the best homemade pie.
Insider tip: The parking area across from Kula Country Farms has epic sunset views — perfect for pulling over, cooking dinner in your van, and watching the sky change colors. Or continue on to your campsite at Wahi Nanea — one of our favorites!
Ulupalakua: Wine Country, Maui-Style
Just past Kula, the road curves through open ranchland and into Ulupalakua Ranch — home to MauiWine, a local winery that’s been operating for over 50 years. Sip a glass of pineapple wine and take a walk through the old plantation grounds.
Insider tip: The drive here is as beautiful as the destination — rolling green hills, views of the ocean far below, and the scent of eucalyptus in the air. And listen, you’re not in Napa so don’t bring your Napa palette! Keep your tastebuds open for unique island flavors and experience.
Upcountry is quiet after dark — you’ll hear crickets, maybe a few roosters, and the occasional breeze through the trees. It’s a peaceful contrast to the beach days down below, and that’s what makes it so special!
Park under a sky full of stars at your campground, make a warm drink, and settle into the stillness. From this high up, you can see the curve of the island and feel just how small (and magical) it really is.
Local reminder: Overnight camping is limited in Upcountry, so plan ahead — there are a few designated van-friendly spots nearby, or you can spend the evening up here before heading down toward the coast to sleep.
Whether you’re tasting wine in Ulupalakua, wandering Makawao’s streets, or picking strawberries at Kula Country Farms, Upcountry offers a different rhythm that invites you to breathe a little deeper and see Maui from a whole new angle.
