With emphasis on fresh, farm-to-table produce, bold flavors and tropical inspiration, its no wonder Hawaiian food has taken the country by storm. While we absolutely recommend a local plate lunch (or ten) during your next visit to Maui, we also suggest these Upcountry restaurants, known for their amazing range of cuisine, located from the north shore of Maui to the scenic slopes of Haleakala Volcano.

We look forward to sharing our local knowledge of Upcountry Maui with you, either by bike or van, and hope you enjoy our dining suggestions to make the most of your trip!

Maui’s Best Upcountry Restaurants

 

Restaurant Marlow

The newest addition to eating Upcountry is at a new center across from the Long’s in Pukalani.  Restaurant Marlow is owned and operated by Chef Jeff Scheer and a hard-working crew of pizza-loving chefs. They’re quickly becoming the “GO TO” for Upcountry lunch on Maui.

Marlow Restaurant pizza

Definitely try the meatballs and get a salad.  They don’t take reservations, but takeout is very popular.  Call (808) 868-3366 to order a wood-fired sourdough pizza with sides.  The Mahalo Aleworks also just opened up next door!

 

 

Grandma’s Coffee House

Located on a scenic piece of land along Kula Highway, Grandma’s is a staple in the local restaurant business. With a cozy interior and low-key outdoor lanai, order a cup of Grandma’s organic, house-roasted coffee, a specialty of the property since roasting began in 1918.

Grandma's Coffee

Open daily at 7am, this is a popular breakfast stop after witnessing a beautiful sunrise at the summit of Haleakala, evidenced by the line of people that frequently reaches the door. Favorite dishes include the cornbread waffle benedict (weekends only) and bullseye, and don’t miss the pineapple banana dream cake for dessert!

 

La Provence

If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, simply journey to Kula’s own French gem, La Provence. Enjoy outdoor dining with a view of Maui’s central valley, and head here for a spectacular Sunday brunch or memorable lunch or dinner.

La Provence

Originally from France and a Maui resident for more than 20 years, Chef Michelier brings the best of both worlds to the La Provence menu, including popular items like the veggie and goat cheese crepe, salade de canard confit, poulet au brie, and amazing assortment of homemade pastries!

 

Havens Pukalani

Another new spot for ono grinds is opening up in Pukalani.  After the enormous popularity of the Havens Maui North Kihei location, Havens chef Zach Sato is opening up a commercial kitchen in Pukalani with a foodtruck along with another foodtruck in Kahului.  

Havens Restaurants

Smash burgers, noodles, and sushi make this the perfect spot for locals and visitors to grab lunch or dinner.  Fresh and fast, Chef only sources locally, which is obvious when enjoying their ribs or saimin.  YUM! Make your online order or call (808) 868-2600.

 

O’o Farm

For a more immersive, hands-on kind of dining experience on Maui, we highly recommend a visit to O’o Farm, located on the slopes of Haleakala at 3,500 feet in the forest of Waipoli. The tour begins with a guided walk through the farm grounds, where you’ll learn about the most popular crops grown in the area, before actually helping pick ingredients for your own salad.

OO farms

A professional chef then prepares your three-course gourmet meal while you finish touring the property. The food is fresh, inventive and delicious, and the outdoor seating area is gorgeous and refreshing. Bonus: Bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal!

 

Cafe des Amis

Located conveniently in the heart of Paia Town, Cafe des Amis offers a wide array of Mediterranean and Indian dishes in a charming indoor and outdoor setting. Most popular for breakfast and happy hour, expect a fun, relaxed restaurant with funky tunes and yummy dishes.

Cafe Des Amis

Choose from sweet and savory food options like the lentil and pesto crepe, banana and toffee sauce crepe, or chicken curry wrap, and be sure to visit between 4 and 6pm to enjoy $5 lilikoi margaritas and live music entertainment!

 

Hali’imaile General Store

Created by award-winning Chef Bev Gannon, Hali’imaile General Store is a great dining option for lunch or dinner. With a menu that highlights both American and Asian cuisine, you can expect gorgeous dishes and mouthwatering flavors at this upscale Maui dining option.

Haliimaile

Start with the sashimi napoleon with wasabi vinaigrette before moving onto popular entrees like the horseradish crusted fresh fish with apple-brandy beurre blanc and crispy roast half-duck. The award-winning Hali’imaile pineapple upside down cake is the perfect way to end an amazing meal!

 

Nuka

Open daily for dinner and Monday through Friday for budget-friendly lunch options, Nuka is located conveniently in Haiku (right across from Bike Maui!) Known predominantly for its delicious sushi and seafood menu in a small yet sleek setting, Nuka is the perfect pick-me-up after a day of Maui adventuring.

Nuka

An order of the furikake crusted ahi is the perfect way to start the meal, while dishes like the hamachi carpaccio, lollipop roll, nuka roll and dynamite baked scallops will satisfy your seafood craving. The black sesame ice cream is also recommended for a unique dessert option. 

 

Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill

Located just across from Maui’s only winery, Ulupalakua Ranch Store is the ideal stop for hungry travelers visiting Upcountry or on the back road journey from the Road to Hana. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, a visit here is a far cry from what most people think of when picturing Maui, with spectacularly lush greenery, open ranch land, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) flare, and cool breezes.

ulupalakua

With a menu that features Maui-grown produce, they’re perhaps best known for their elk burgers, our personal favorite menu item, though the taro burger and brisket burrito are close seconds. Executive Chef Will Munder will be happy to talk story with you (as long as the line isn’t too long), so ask him about his current favorite menu items and try them all!

 

 

where are some other great restaurants upcountry? comment below!

Mahalo for reading, and we hope you enjoyed our list of Maui’s Favorite Upcountry Restaurants! Which of your favorites did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.

Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s mission is to protect Hawaii’s unique, natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs.

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is dedicated to advancing the profession of heritage interpretation and facilitating the stories of our natural and cultural resources.

ENGAGE WITH US

 

Know Before You Go

Haleakala is a 10,000 ft volcano and as you bike down Haleakala through scenic Upcountry Maui, you will experience incredible views, a fascinating history, and underappreciated culture. However, you are also riding in unfamiliar territory, through unpredictable weather, on rental bicycles, and on paved public roadways.

Elements to be Aware of on Bike Ride:

Some elements that you need to be aware of may include but are not limited to the following:

Curving/winding paved roads with many 180 degree turns
Steep inclines and declines
Road reflectors, guardrails, and pylons in place for cars, not for bicycles
Roadway debris
Varying climate including hot and cold temperatures, dry and wet weather, high altitude and minimal visibility
Vehicular traffic – private and commercial

Before you participate in this activity, please consider the risks involved which are not limited to those listed here or in the waiver and risk acknowledgement form. You must be capable of competently riding a bicycle and should have recent biking experience.


Requirements to Participate:

Have recent biking experience
Ability to use a mountain bike with disc brakes, suspension, and gears
Capable of completing several miles of a downhill bike ride at a safe speed
Physically healthy and not have health concerns that may affect your ability to complete the ride safely.
Meet the age minimum of 15 years AND the height requirement of 4’10” or taller.
Understand, acknowledge, and adhere to ALL provided rules and guidelines.
Have not gone scuba diving within 24 hours prior to the activity. (Check with your dive master for details)


THIS IS NOT AN ACTIVITY FOR BEGINNERS!

Your safety and the safety of others that use the road is our top priority, so we ask that you know before you go, what this activity entails and the risks involved in such activity.

MAHALO!