Day in upcountry

Question

We’re thinking of spending an afternoon & evening in upcountry. It looks like we can catch the sunset from a few places up there. I don’t think we’ll go to Haleakala (I can’t handle the drop off roads). Any recommendations on where to stop & what to do? I saw Maui wine, ocean distillery & maybe a tequila one. We are staying in Ka’anapali. Thanks!

Answer

Spending an afternoon and evening in Upcountry Maui is a fantastic way to see a different side of the island — cooler temperatures, rolling pastures, and gorgeous views. Since you’re staying in Kāʻanapali, it’s about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on stops and traffic, so planning a few stops along the way is ideal.

Suggested Stops and Activities

MauiWine in Ulupalakua: Great spot for wine tastings, beautiful vineyard views, and a historic estate atmosphere. They offer tours and you can purchase wine by the glass to enjoy while taking in the scenery.
Ocean Organic Vodka & Distillery: Located near Kula, this small distillery produces organic spirits. You can do tastings and see a bit of the production process.
Tequila Hacienda in Kula: A boutique tequila distillery that often offers tasting flights and tours. Perfect if you enjoy learning about the process behind your drink.
Makawao Town: A charming Upcountry town with an artsy, paniolo (cowboy) vibe. Stroll the streets, visit art galleries, or grab a coffee and snack at one of the local cafés.
Kula Botanical Garden: Small but beautiful gardens with native and exotic plants. Great for a relaxing stroll and photo opportunities.

Sunset Viewing

Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm: Stunning sunset views over the island; also a lovely place to wander through lavender fields and enjoy a light snack or tea.
Upcountry Kula or Pukalani hillsides: Many lookouts along the route provide panoramic sunset views, especially looking west toward the ocean. You can simply pull over at a safe spot and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Food Options Upcountry

Red Ants Pants or Hali’imaile General Store: Both offer excellent dinner options with local flair and fresh ingredients, perfect for a casual yet memorable Upcountry meal before heading back to Kāʻanapali.
Small local cafés and food trucks: Around Makawao, you’ll find several cute cafés serving sandwiches, pies, and coffee — great for a mid-afternoon snack.

Tips

Dress in layers — Upcountry is cooler than the coast, and it can get chilly toward sunset. A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is recommended.
Plan your driving route so you don’t feel rushed; most attractions are small and can be explored in 30–60 minutes each.
Check distillery closing times; some close earlier in the evening, so it’s best to start in the mid-afternoon.

With this plan, you can enjoy tasting local beverages, visiting charming towns and gardens, and finish the day watching a beautiful Upcountry Maui sunset — all without the steep roads up Haleakalā.