Tomorrows adventure…. Help

Question

We are wanting to do some exploring Upcountry. I also want to take my husband to see Twin Falls and Paia. Is that something we could do all in one day? It’s been awhile since I’ve been to those places and can’t remember the distances and what all there is to do. Any tips are appreciated.

Answer

It’s definitely possible to explore both Upcountry Maui and visit Twin Falls and Paia in one day, but it will be a full and busy day. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect, as well as some tips to make the most of your adventure.

First, let’s start with the distances:

Paia: Paia is a small, charming town located on the north shore of Maui, and it’s known for its laid-back vibe, unique shops, and beaches. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Kahului, the main city in Maui.
Twin Falls: Twin Falls is located a few miles outside of Paia, along the Hana Highway. The drive from Paia to Twin Falls takes about 10-15 minutes. This is a great stop if you want to stretch your legs and enjoy a short, scenic hike to the waterfalls.
Upcountry Maui: Upcountry is a large area that includes towns like Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula. From Paia, it takes roughly 30-45 minutes to drive up into the hills of Upcountry. The area is known for its paniolo (cowboy) history, farm tours, and breathtaking views of the island.

Now, let’s look at the logistics of doing all of this in one day:

Start early: If you want to visit both Twin Falls and Upcountry in the same day, you’ll need to start early in the morning. Leave Kahului or your accommodation around 7:30 AM to give yourself plenty of time.
Visit Twin Falls first: Start by driving along the Hana Highway to Twin Falls, as it’s a great spot to begin your day. The hike to the waterfalls is short, but beautiful, and you’ll get to enjoy the lush greenery. You can easily spend about an hour here depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the falls.
Head to Paia: After visiting Twin Falls, continue into Paia. This is a good spot to stop for a quick breakfast or coffee if you haven’t already had one. The town is small, but it’s charming and a great place to browse local shops.
Explore Upcountry: Once you’ve had your fill of Paia, head up to Upcountry Maui. You can visit places like the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, the Surfing Goat Dairy, or even the Maui Wine vineyard in Kula for a tour and tasting. The scenic drive up the mountain is a highlight in itself, so take your time and enjoy the views.

In terms of timing, here’s a rough itinerary:

7:30 AM: Depart from your accommodation in Kahului.
8:00 AM: Arrive at Twin Falls, spend 45 minutes to 1 hour hiking and exploring.
9:30 AM: Drive into Paia, take a 30-minute break to walk around, grab coffee, and check out the town.
10:30 AM: Start heading up to Upcountry Maui, aiming to arrive around 11:15 AM.
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Explore Upcountry, visiting farms, lavender fields, or other attractions. Enjoy lunch at a local spot (such as the Kula Lodge).
2:30 PM: Head back down the mountain and return to your base by mid-afternoon (around 3:30 PM), depending on how long you spend at each stop.

With this plan, you’ll be able to see a lot, but do keep in mind that Upcountry Maui can take a little longer to explore if you’re interested in the farm tours and scenic stops. It’s a beautiful area to experience, and the views alone are worth the trip. Just make sure to account for the driving time, as you’ll be covering a good amount of ground.

Tips:

Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you’re hiking to the waterfalls or exploring the farms.
Bring a light jacket, as Upcountry can be cooler than the coast.
Check road conditions ahead of time, as the Hana Highway can be winding and sometimes subject to closures due to weather.

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