Proteas, ponies and pastures

Maui's "Upcountry" encircles the majestic Haleakala Crater, the amazing mountain that comprises the torso of the entire island. Haleakala is a continent in microcosm. Its geology encompassing desert to blazing jungle, alpine terrain to lava-encrusted wasteland, an amazing moonscape, to pasturelands graced with large breathtaking purple flowering jacaranda trees and heady eucalyptus fragrances. With fine shops, beautiful sights, and absolutely incredible views it is a part of the island you won't want to miss.

Horizontally, "Upcountry" begins below the cloud cover and goes up to about the 3,000-foot level. Haleakala Crater hosts a large spectrum of temperatures, from sea level to star gazing peaks temperatures vary from subtropical to subfreezing. The Crater rises over 30,000 ft. from the ocean floor and 10,023 ft. above sea level, with a land mass four times larger than its older counter-part, West Maui.

Pukalani is the largest town upcountry, and nests local life and good "aloha". Here one finds upcountry's golf course at the Pukalani Country Club.

Makawao is a quaint and friendly place, nestled on the border of the wetter Haiku area. You'll find quality shopping and good food in this area.

Kula is like an enormous flower basket, producing brilliant blooms and hearty vegetables. Also a place of "local life" and, like Olinda Road - up from Makawao, one finds horses, cattle, and amazing homes with beautiful views. Upper Kimo Road in Kula will intoxicate you with some of the finest examples of upcountry flower and vegetable farms.

Rainbow State Park is also up Olinda Road and is a perfect spot for a picnic and, with a permit, a beautiful night of camping.

Poli Poli State Park is a thick forest canopy with more varieties of imported trees than anywhere in the Oceania. The park also offers solitude and refreshing mountain walks. Kapakalua Road goes through back country Maui, where there are pasture lands and lovely country houses. Guavas, mangos, and bananas all grow wild in this area. Don't miss horseback riding while upcountry!

The two largest Ranches of Upcountry are Ulupalakua Ranch above Wailea, which is 30,000 acres, and Haleakala Ranch in Makawao area, which is 20,000 acres. Makawao has a tremendous rodeo season that starts each spring and culminates in a massive rodeo on July 4th, usually sponsored by the Maui Roping Club.

Tedeschi Winery in the south adds a classy touch to Upcountry; you can taste fabulous wine in a glamorous historic jailhouse! The nearby town of Keokea is a jewel of Maui. The Keokea Gallery and a coffee store with one of the most exquisite views in Maui are found here.

Kula Lodge 475 Kula Hwy. (878-1535 or 1-800-233-1535)

Dining:

Polli's Mexican Restaurant On the corner of Makawao Blvd. and Baldwin Ave. in Makawao (572-7808) Authentic, fresh Mexican food. (¢-$)

Makawao SteakHouse 3612 Baldwin Ave (572-8711) Excellent Steak dishes and good fish selections. (¢-$)

Casanova Italian Restaurant, Deli, and Nightclub. 1188 Makawao Blvd. (572-0220) Fresh made Italian food, outdoor seating Deli, nightly music and dancing. (¢ to $).

Kitada's 3617 Baldwin Ave. (572-7241) Excellent saimin, plate lunches, nicely affordable.

Makawao Cafe 3682 Baldwin Ave. (572-1101) At the corner of Makawao Blvd. and Baldwin Ave., good coffee drinks, fresh pastries, and outdoor seating. Specializing in Vegetarian cuisine. (¢)

The Courtyard Cafe: at the "Makawao Courtyard", 3620 Baldwin Ave (572-4877) Gourmet deli and espresso bar, homemade soups, desserts, sandwiches, and salads. (¢)

Nature's Nectar 3647 Baldwin Ave. (572-9122) A juice bar specializing is herbs and natural elixirs. Also espresso drinks and amazing international gourmet vegetarian cuisine.

Pukalani Terrace At the Pukalani Country Club (572-1325) Specializing in local Hawaiian foods, sandwiches, salad bar. (¢-$)

Upcountry Cafe in Pukalani, just past McDonald's (572-2395) American-Island standard food. Upscale, yet unpretentious.

The Hailemaile General Store Restaurant: 900 Hailemaile Rd. (572-2666) Elegant gourmet food, vintage airy interior with tropical fish hanging from the ceiling and beautiful floral splashes. Art gallery and distinctive gift shop, and out of this world food! One of Maui's best kept secrets. ($)

Shopping:

Makawao: Here you can buy a bullwhip, a Gucci purse, or a Budweiser and sushi all within 100 feet of each other! A true testament to Makawao's cultural diversity.

Miracles Bookery On Makawao Blvd. facing up-mountain, very close to the junction of Makawao Blvd. with Baldwin Ave (572-2317)

Heart and Soul Bookstore with everything from music to live psychic readings, and of course books!

Maui Hands (572-5194), Viewpoints Gallery (572-5979), and Hot Island Glass (572-4527), in the Makawao Courtyard at 3620 Baldwin Ave, purchase fine art, watch glass blowing, and enjoy beautiful Maui-made arts and crafts.

David Warren's Studio 3625 Baldwin Ave. (572-0344) One of Maui's most famous artists.

Goodies 3633 Baldwin Ave. (572-0288) A spilled treasure chest boutique, crystals, silk, elegant clothing, dolls, and cotton casuals.

Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center 2841 Baldwin Ave. (572-6560) A local organization featuring traditional and modern arts.

Protea Gift Shop (878-6464) Amazing first class flower shop. Flowers for here, or to ship home.

Cloud's Rest Protea Farm Upper Kimo Drive, Kula (878-2544)

Kula Botanical Gardens 377 Kekaulike Ave. (878-1715)

Curtis Wilson Cost Art Gallery 475 Kula Hwy. In Kula Lodge.