Upcountry often feels like a completely different island from the rest of Maui. With the rolling, sloped hill of Haleakala, gorgeous views of the valley, and cooler weather, Upcountry is a gem well worth visiting.
There's plenty of fun things to do up there– and plenty of delicious places to eat. These are our top 4 places to eat and a must-add to any upcountry trip.
1. Grandma's Coffee House
This family-owned business is cozy and warm, just like your own grandma's house! With delicious homemade food, baked goods, and organic coffee, there's something for everyone. (The eggs Benedict are one of our favorites)
With charming cottage-core vibes and an inviting atmosphere, Grandma's alone is worth the trip upcountry. They're open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and will take almost an hour driving from the Kihei or Wailea area to get to. It's a beautiful drive!
This is also a perfect breakfast location for anyone visiting Haleakala for sunrise.
2. Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
For an activity/dining duo, check out the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm. While this is more of a coffee stop, this is a beautiful location, perfect for taking lots of pictures, enjoying the crisp upcountry air, and smelling delicious lavender.
They are open from Friday to Monday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come with at least an hour to spare, wander the gardens, and sample the lavender scones and tea (or coffee!). Check out the 20 different varieties of lavender growing and learn about their unique properties!
The Farm is located on the side of Haleakala, which is definitely something to be aware of if you have mobility issues. The entire experience involves walking on a sloped hill, so wearing good walking shoes is also a must.
This is truly a peaceful, relaxing location and one of our favorites on Maui! There is also an entrance fee of $5 per person. Children under 12 years old are welcome for free.
3. Nui's Garden Kitchen Food Truck
Farm-to-table Thai food is what dreams are made of! This delicious Thai food is located on Maui Nui Farm and has a charming outdoor dining area.
With good vibes and good food aplenty, this is a fantastic spot to get your Pad Thai craving and refuel after a hike. Chef Ope can "cook anything," so guests are encouraged to ask for their favorite dishes.
The curries and pad thai are top-notch. You can taste the freshness in every bite!
Don't forget to take a picture of your experience!
4. Marlow Pizza
With it's modern design and neapolitan sourdough pizza, Marlow's is sure to delight. Located in Pukalani, the menu and offerings change seasonally. These sourdough pizza's are cooked in a traditional italian kiawe wood burning pizza oven. Cooked at 700 degrees, each 14" pizza only take a few minutes to cook!
A labor of love, Marlow partners with nearby farms to bring local produce and support their community. Loved by locals, Marlow keeps half of it's dinner seats available for walk-ins. That's a sure sign that it's delicious!
5. Bonus: Mahalo Aleworks
If you head up to Marlow's for dinner and find yourselves waiting around for a table, head over to their next door neighbor, Mahalo Aleworks! Utilizing a wide variety of local, native and forage ingredients, Mahalo Aleworks crafts unique beers found only on Maui.
Check out the variety of beer on tap that is 100% made in Hawaii! Plus, this brewery has a fun, airy vibe, perfect for hanging with a large group.
Pro Tip: You can order pizza to go from Marlow and bring it over to eat while you sip your beer!
