easy
4–6 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; some walking involved
Discover Maui’s highlands with a curated day tour through lush farms, stunning vineyards, and charming towns. Uncover hidden gems and savor local flavors on this personalized adventure with Sandy Cheeks Tours.
Embark on a customizable Upcountry Day Tour in Maui, exploring hidden gems like the Ali'i Lavender Farm, Maui Winery, and breathtaking Kula Farms. Savor fresh strawberries, exotic cheeses, and local delicacies in historic Makawao. This unique adventure promises unforgettable views and experiences, perfect for small groups seeking a memorable day.
The term "upcountry" is commonly used to describe Maui's 3 main towns that are located up the mountain. With this tour we highlight the golden spots of Maui's countryside, most don't even know exist. This tour typically begins between 9am-10am and is usually over between 2pm-4pm depending on stops desired. Like all of our other tours the “Upcountry Day tour” is completely customizable.
We typically begin the day with a visit to the Ali'i lavender farm, where you can find pretty much anything and everything made from Lavender. Then we make our way to the Maui Winery in the very scenic and historic Ulupalakua area. After tasting the Maui wines made on sight, we travel to breathtaking Kula Farms to soak in the views. The organic produce there is grown year-round, but if the season is right, you can pick fresh Kula Strawberries for a small fee. Next we make our way to one of our personal favorite, "The Surfing Goat Dairy" to get some fresh exotic cheeses and gifts. Directly next door to the dairy is the “Ocean Vodka” distillery that offers tours by the hour. They have also recently started making rum, which is called "Wave". This stop can be substituted with another vodka distillery down the hill called “PAU Vodka.” It also offers a very informative look into the distilling process of multiple spirits. From there we make our way to historic Makawao town for a bite to eat at a local cafe or bistro, and if we are lucky enough, a donut on stick from the 100 year old bakery.
Feel free to bring whatever you feel necessary for the day. Swim suit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, camera. We will supply bottle water, juice and a cooler. We recommend bringing a little extra cash, as some of the fruit stands and lunch spots only except cash.
We typically meet the morning of the tour at the Paia Youth and Cultural Center. Start times are between 7:30-8:30 am. Hotel or Cruise Ship pick up is available for an additional fee of $50.00 -$300.00 - With Hotel/Cruise Ship pick up, times will need to be discussed via email before the tour.
Sturdy footwear is recommended as some farm visits involve walking on uneven terrain.
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during outdoor stops.
Carry water bottles to keep hydrated during the day’s outdoor activities.
Reservations fill quickly, especially during peak season, so plan ahead.
Maui’s highlands have long been a center for paniolo (cowboy) culture, with ranching dating back to the 19th century, shaping the region’s identity.
Many of the farms and vineyards prioritize sustainable agriculture to preserve Maui’s rich environment and scenic beauty.
Provides sun protection during outdoor stops on the farms and vineyard visits.
summer specific
Protect your skin from UV rays while touring under the Hawaiian sun.
spring, summer, fall, winter specific
Adjust comfortably to changing temperatures in the highlands and coastal areas.
spring, winter specific
Capture the lush landscapes and charming farm scenes along the way.