Photo courtesy of Dave Futch, Coldwell Banker Island Properties.

By Alexandra Mitchell

When on the Island of Maui, it’s impossible not to notice breathtakingly gorgeous views and the beautifully diverse topography. These are just a few reasons why we say “Maui nō ka ʻoi,” and why Maui is popularly regarded as the Magic Isle.

To understand the full scope of Maui’s beauty, make sure to take some time exploring the Upcountry areas–Historic Makawao Town, Olinda, Lower and Upper Kula, and ʻUlupalakua. Each of these unique areas offers a host of beautiful properties and amazing places to explore.

When traveling through Upcountry Maui, you’ll find historic sugar mills and landmark churches, pineapple fields, organic farms, off-the-beaten-path art galleries, B&B’s, restaurants and so much more. As you travel up Mount Haleakalā, you’ll notice the climate will begin to cool. The weather is typically 5 to 10 degrees cooler than ocean level. Opportunities to catch a glimpse of a rainbow are possible almost every day. You will instantly feel infused by the scent of crushed eucalyptus leaves, freshly cut Hawaiian flowers, and all the natural beauty that the Island of Maui provides.

Makawao

Approximately 1,600-feet above sea level sits the Makawao Town center, home to approximately 6,000 Maui residents. This cowboy town is known for its paniolo, fabulous Upcountry living, the annual 4th of July Makawao Parade and Rodeo, and so much more. The cross section between Makawao Avenue and Baldwin Avenue is a picturesque, “small town Main Street” lined with unique clothing boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, wellness centers, bakeries and restaurants… some even have live music! All guests will surely enjoy this very quaint and sweet Maui community. It’s like no other in Hawaiʻi.

Olinda

Situated about 2100-plus feet above ocean level, and approximately two-miles Southeast of Makawao Town is Olinda. This gorgeous area is mainly a residential and agricultural community. It is also home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails on Maui, private spas, Maui horseback riding adventures, zip-lining, flower farms and breathtaking views of Maui’s North Shore.

Kula

Kula is perhaps the one of the most incredible locations on Maui–period! With views facing along the Southwest coastline of the Isle of Maui, the Kula area begins at about 3,000 feet above sea level along the Haleakalā mountain range. As Maui’s premiere agricultural destination, Kula provides Maui with an abundance of local, farm-fresh organic produce, agricultural products and flower farms. Kula is where you’ll find the world renowned Maui Onion, Kula Strawberry, Kula Tomato and cabbage farms, among so many more agricultural varieties. When traveling up the Haleakalā Highway, all will witness stunning views that appear to be unreal, as if they were a watercolor painting. The Upcountry landscape is rural, and all roads are lined with vibrantly colored bougainvillea blossoms, violet-colored jacaranda, and over 1,400 species of tropical and subtropical flora and fauna. No matter the season, Kula is a natural Maui spectacle; one that is loved everyday by residents, and one that should not be missed by those who are visiting!