Favorite Upcountry Lodging Ideas?

Question

Hi, my husband and I have never stayed Upcountry though we love visiting there. We have 2 extra nights in early March at the end of our trip, and we’re looking to stay in Upcountry. If you have any nice places to recommend, we would appreciate it.

I’m looking at the Banyan Tree BnB in Makawao. But they won’t take reservations for single units until 60 days ahead. They really hope to rent out the whole house so we can’t count on that.

These 2 nights Upcountry will follow stays on Big Island at a Mauna Lani condo & in Volcano at a B&B, then 11 resort nights in North Ka'anapali.

Except for the Mauna Lani condo, I’ve been able to find some good rates and keep our nightly budget around $300 all in. I’m hoping to do the same and possibly even spend less on the last two nights. So the Inn at Moma’s is out. And that’s not Upcountry anyway. But we might consider North Shore if it was the right place.

Thanks all for any ideas you have, especially if you’ve stayed there yourself.

Teri and Brian

Answer

Aloha Teri and Brian,

Upcountry Maui is a charming and quieter alternative to the bustling resort areas, offering cooler temperatures, lush landscapes, and a more local vibe. For two nights in early March, you have some nice options that balance comfort, charm, and budget.

Here are some recommended lodging ideas in Upcountry Maui:

Makawao and Kula B&Bs: Small bed & breakfasts in Makawao and Kula often provide a cozy, personal experience with beautiful gardens and views of the island. While Banyan Tree BnB is popular, alternatives include other local B&Bs that may have availability on shorter notice.
Hali’imaile or Pukalani vacation rentals: Some vacation homes and condos in Hali’imaile or Pukalani offer good rates around your $300/night budget. These often have kitchen facilities and quiet surroundings, perfect for relaxing after long resort stays.
Farm stays or ranch accommodations: Upcountry has a few small ranch or farm stays that let you enjoy the countryside. These can range from simple rooms to full cottages, giving you a unique Maui experience.

If you want a bit more flexibility, you might also consider:

Checking platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo for small cottages in Makawao, Kula, or Pukalani that fall within your budget.
North Shore options, if you’re willing to trade a slightly longer drive back to Ka’anapali; some small inns or guesthouses there are quite charming and may be available at lower rates.

Tips:

Book early where possible, especially since your stay is at the end of peak winter season (March is popular).
Focus on places that provide parking if you’ll have a rental car, as some Upcountry B&Bs have limited space.
Look for accommodations that include breakfast or kitchen access to keep dining convenient and flexible after resort living.

Overall, Upcountry offers a peaceful, scenic end to your Maui trip with options ranging from small B&Bs to vacation rentals. If Banyan Tree isn’t available, there are plenty of other options in Makawao, Kula, or nearby areas that can provide quiet, clean, and comfortable stays within your budget.

Favorite Upcountry Lodging Ideas?

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