Many first-time and returning adventurers traveling to Maui rave about its infamous Road to Hana, an eerie, almost surreal coast jam-packed with jungles, resplendent beaches, and roaring waterfalls. Yet not many mention Upcountry Maui, a true hidden gem of the island.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
How to Get to Upcountry Maui
Following the Road to Hana and the Backside Road to Hana and offering entirely different sights, the scenic and remote Pi’ilani Highway and Kula and Haleakala Highways complete the full circle around the much larger right side of the number-eight-shaped island of Maui.
We drove along this spectacular road both times we traveled along the Hana Coast. It’s just more convenient and faster to follow this route than drive back to Paia or where you started your Road-to-Hana adventures at.
- Direction from Hana: At the same time, the Backside Road to Hana that twists along the rugged coast before merging with the Pi’ilani Highway (Hawaii Route 31) and the Kula and Haleakala Highways (Hawaii Route 37) and taking you through Upcountry Maui is the most treacherous, narrow, and can give an average driver a scare.
- Direction from Kihei: If you’d rather stay away from anything perilous, skip the Backside Road to Hana altogether and plan a separate trip to Upcountry Maui from Kihei (where we stayed during our second trip to Maui), Central or West Maui. In this case, once you drive inland from the coast, HI-37 becomes your primate route.
Why to Visit Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Maui is home to several small towns, such as Makawao, Kula, Pukalani, and Ulupalakua. Each so small and naturally arising amid lush greenery that you feel like you are trespassing on a private property. But with a little intention and a purpose to discover the overlooked side of the island, you will find that this area is quite welcoming and boasts some of Maui’s true hidden gems.
We didn’t spend much time in the quiet towns of Upcountry Maui, but made sure to take ourselves on a scenic drive to enjoy the calm vibe of the rural side on the last day of the trip. Surely, a few hours before our departure wasn’t enough to explore every nook and cranny. Yet this speedy excursion showed us the island off the tourist radar. Upcountry Maui was inspiring and more than we could ask for.
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN UPCOUNTRY MAUI
1. Admire the Floral Side of Upcountry Maui at Ali’i Kula Lavender
We didn’t have a long list of things to do and places to visit in Upcountry Maui. Our first and foremost priority was to admire the lush gardens and lavender fields at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
The place is a hidden paradise nestled on the slopes of Haleakala at an elevation of 4,000 feet. It’s dotted with different plants and trees from gray-green-leaved olive trees to opulent succulents, hydrangea, and more than a dozen lavender varieties.
2. Tour Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary
Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary was my first choice to visit in Maui Upcountry. There is something about the meticulous process of bees harvesting sweet nectar and turning it into thick syrup we know as honey that fascinates and awes you.
I’ve seen beehives before. But the sight never gets old. It’s more than a view. It’s a small mystery, interwoven with respect and knowledge of the small insects and their tremendous work.
Needless to say, I consider honey one of the most powerful natural remedies. A miracle in a jar. A liquid gold that when used in moderation satisfies your sweet tooth and has tons of medicinal properties. (Side note: It’s the only food of animal origin I eat.)
A few years ago, we were late to join the last tour of the day at one of the bee farms on the Big Island. Visiting Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary seemed like that second chance.
The bee sanctuary is located near the town of Ulupalakua and offers free honey tasting, self-guided and guided tours of the gardens, and an array of locally made products and gifts.
READ MORE: Greenwell Farms: Kona Coffee Tour on the Big Island in Photos
3. Hike the Hosmer Grove Trail
For hikers, looking for an easy, off-the-beaten-path trail, there is a beautiful trail in Upcountry Maui to explore. The Hosmer Grove Trail is a short, 0.6-mile adventure halfway up the volcano.
The path runs through a so-called “alien” forest and native scrubland. The highlight of the hike is the many opportunities to spot endemic Hawaiian birds such as ʻiʻiwi, ʻamakihi, ʻapapane, and endangered ʻalauahio.
- Distance: 0.6-mile loop
- Elevation gain: Approximately 100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 15-30 minutes
