Maui Upcountry
The area along the slopes and foothills of Haleakala is more commonly known to the locals as the Maui Upcountry. Because of the sloping mountains, the climate here is drastically different from that of other parts of the island. With cooler temperatures, specialized agriculture and ranching are the chief industries located here. The flora and fauna more resemble the Pacific Northwest than the South Pacific.
Visitors to the Maui Upcountry should take a trip through the Haleakala National Park. Originally part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this region around the Haleakala Crater was declared a separate entity in 1961 in order to preserve the area. Later additions to park lands included the Kipahulu Valley, 'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), and the Kipabulu coastline. The park now encompasses just under 30,000 acres of pristine land.
The Island of Maui was formed by the activity of two separate volcanoes on the ocean-floor at each end of what is now the island. The Haleakala Crater is all that remains of one of these now dormant volcanoes. Located within the Haleakala National Park, the crater now measures about 7 miles across, 2 miles wide and 2,600 feet deep. Some dispute whether the crater was formed as a result of the collapse of one volcano or the merging of two distinct volcanic cones. Regardless, the view from the summit of the crater is spectacular. The dry, arid landscape within the crater has made this site perfect for an observatory.
The two largest communities within Maui's Upcountry are the towns of Pukalani and Makawao. Pukalani is a quaint little, uniquely Hawaiian town that is home to golf courses, restaurants, and shopping of all sorts. More of a ranching town, Makawao offers a more rustic approach to "getting away."
The Upcountry is also home to Hawaii's oldest, and Maui's last winery, Tedeschi Vineyards. Makers of red, white, sparkling, raspberry and the exotic blanc pineapple wine, Tedeschi Winery offers a tasting room and much history.
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Maui Upcountry
