Beaches and ocean waves aren’t the only pretty things in Maui. Maui's Upcountry, a term encompassing most of the area on the Haleakala side of Maui away from the coastlines, is all about a country style
of life. These serene and grassy slopes are home to cattle farms, Hawaiian cowboys known as paniolos, sophisticated wineries and so much more. Don't let this slice of Hawaiian life escape you
on your next vacation. Instead, keep the following must-do guide in mind:
Sip wine at Maui's Winery.
Maui Wine is located near the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and is known for producing and bottling a great variety of wines. Of particular interest is its delicious wines made from pineapples grown on the
island. When planning a visit, try to aim for either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., which is when the owners offer a free walking tour. You'll begin with a trip of the winery's beautiful tasting room, then see the entire production process, including a visit to the cellar.
Smell the flowers at Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm.
Another walking tour must is at the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm. The farm sits about 4,000 feet above sea level and enjoys a cool Mediterranean climate. Visitors here will see olive trees, South African protea and
succulents, in addition to the 45 different varieties of lavender. Be sure to schedule relax time at the main farm house's oversized lanai overlooking the blooming flora.
Grab the spikes and head out to Pukalani Country Club.
Pukalani Country Club is a must for anyone who loves to spend their mornings playing golf. This upscale country club features an 18-hole, par-72 course spread across nearly 160 acres. Even well-seasoned
golfers will enjoy this beautiful course with stunning panoramic views of the countryside. Onsite is also an excellent pro shop with an outstanding selection of merchandise, a five-star restaurant and club and golf cart rentals.
Explore the island's dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park.
Haleakala, or 'The House of the Sun,' is a dormant volcano and the tallest peak on Maui, soaring an incredible 10,023 feet above sea level. But even more impressive than its height is the incredible
size of its caldera, large enough to hold the entire island of Manhattan. Yet, it resembles nothing really found on this world. In fact, most find the Haleakala Crater more akin to the surface of the
moon or Mars with its rocky, red-hued surface. Meander among its mini-mountain range of cinder cones, or if you prefer the stars, check in at night and enjoy a one-of-a-kind stargazing opportunity.
See Maui Upcountry and Haleakala's Crater from the sky with a Maui helicopter tour from Maverick
One of the best ways to see these locations is from above aboard a Maverick helicopter tour. Maverick tours allow guests to really get a sense of the scale of places like Haleakala's Crater.
The Maui Spirit tour, an exhilarating helicopter ride, soars above the best landscapes Upcountry Maui has to offer.
This includes Haleakala National Park and the Hana Rainforest, bordering the east end of Upcountry. As the Maui Spirit tour continues, passengers are afforded the opportunity to take in the crescent-shaped island of Molokini and the stunning coastlines of Maui.