Between the North Shore and the 10,023 foot summit of Haleakala lies the towns of Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula making up what is known locally as Upcountry.

With a cooler average temperature than it’s shoreline neighbors, Upcountry can be a welcome respite from the heat and crowds in the other parts of the island. Makawao is a former Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town that’s still reminiscent of an older era, with wood plank sidewalks lining the eclectic blend of shops, boutiques, and artist studios.

Local attractions include the Komodo Store and Bakery, and for outdoor enthusiasts looking for something out of the water there is excellent hiking and mountain biking in the Makawao Forest Reserve.

Pukalani is a small community of mostly single family homes, with a central shopping area, community center, a cluster of food trucks, and a wonderful Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Further up the slopes of Haleakala is Kula, not much more than a dispersed community with a few restaurants and shops, this area is home to many long time local residents who enjoy the cooler weather and outstanding 180 degree views of the West Maui mountains and both South and North Shores of Maui.