The Hawaii Town In The Middle Of Nowhere That's So Worth The Journey
By Megan Shute|Published September 17, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
When most people think of Hawaii, it’s the gorgeous island of Maui that comes to mind: With a plethora of beach resorts, outdoor activities, world-class beaches and diverse geography, the Valley Isle is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Hawaii. And for good reason – the island is home to countless incredible attractions, natural wonders, awesome adventures, and uninterrupted natural beauty. Nowhere is that more true than upcountry Maui, on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, and specifically Kula, a gorgeous little town in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
This census-designated place stretches across Maui’s upcountry, on the western slopes of Mount Haleakala, from Makawao to Ulupalakua. The area is primarily home to Hawaii locals who prefer to live away from the tourist centers of Lahaina to the west and Kihei to the east. The residential area is home to a population of approximately 6,400 and lies between 1,600 and 3,600 feet in elevation. The word Kula translates from Hawaiian to “open meadows,” and is a perfect description of the serene natural beauty you’ll find in this area. From an organic vodka distillery to charming gardens and everything in between, here are just 13 incredible places you might want to visit while in Kula.
For an incredible farm-to-table experience in a setting reminiscent of a fairytale, head to O'o Farms for their wildly popular morning "Seed to Cup" tour where guests learn all about the coffee that is grown and roasted on site. If coffee isn't your thing, the lunch tour gives patrons an opportunity to harvest and create a beautiful salad to accompany their lunch.
Officially known as the Harold Rice Memorial Park, this 3.8-acre park is home to nine picnic tables, a barbecue, bathroom facilities, parking lot, and not much else. Oh, wait? Did we mention the phenomenal views — because that’s obviously why anyone visits this small park?
Nestled in the heart of Kula is La Provence, a family-owned restaurant and bakery known for serving up some of the greatest French cuisine — and pastries — you will find in all of Hawaii. Be sure to request seating in their outdoor garden patio, a beautiful and quaint space that is sure to give you an unforgettable dining experience.
Producing more than two dozen varieties of goat cheeses, many of which have won national cheese awards, Surfing Goat Dairy is one of only two goat dairies in Hawaii, as of 2014. Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the 42-acre farm was founded in 1998 and offers tours to visitors.
Ocean vodka — which is handcrafted on Maui — is the only vodka that is distilled from organic sugar cane, and the only spirit in the world made from deep ocean mineral water.
This 8-acre garden is located at 2,500 feet above sea level and is home to more than 2,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants with a special focus on fruit trees and flowering plants including hibiscus and orchids. You will also find a small gift shop and cafe.
This charming coffee shop is housed within a rustic one-room plantation style cottage and has been a local staple for the last 50 years. Serving up organic coffee made from local, house-roasted beans and a variety of homemade treats, Grandma’s is a must-stop for your morning caffeine fix or afternoon pick me up.
Perhaps Kula’s most notable landmark, the brilliant white, octagonal structure can be seen from the shores of South Maui. The church, which was built in 1894 and recently restored, was a gift from the king and queen of Portugal to the islands’ Portuguese plantation worked.
This rustic, natural-wood lodge is the perfect place from which to explore both upcountry Maui and Haleakala National Park. Because it was built as a private residence, you will find only five rooms at this Maui destination, and dates book quickly due to its proximity to sunrises at Haleakala (the summit is just 21 miles from the lodge). The well-known restaurant serves up mouthwatering American and Hawaiian cuisine.
Wines include estate wines, rose ranch wines, and pineapple varieties, and are handmade by the community that has worked at Ulupalakua Ranch for generations. Formerly known as Tedeschi Winery, the vineyard is located 1,800 feet above sea level, and is perfect for a romantic escape or a friendly gathering.
Combine Paniolo style and history with locally sourced food and unique gifts and you have Ulupalakua Ranch store, an upcountry destination that is bursting at the seams with charm. The shop was once merely a pit stop for those visiting the nearby winery but has since become a destination for mouthwatering burgers made from beef, elk, and lamb.
Upcountry Maui gets a great deal of rain, resulting in lush, green scenery, and flourishing lavender at the Kula Lavender Farm. But the beautiful, fragrant lavender isn’t the only thing to see at this gorgeous farm — visitors will also be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire western half of the island.
Founded in 1977, Kula Botanical Garden is Maui’s first public garden and features eight acres of beautiful flora, including an aviary, a koi pond, waterfalls, and covered bridge.
