UPCOUNTRY DAY TRIP!

There are lots of places you can visit upcountry--Haleakala, Makawao old town, zip-lining, Surfin' Goat Dairy--and they are all fun.  I chose these particular stops, because they are all off Kula Hwy and within a relatively short distance from each other.  Plus, it is Saturday and the Upcountry Farmers Market is a great place to see what kind of growing goes on upcountry.

FIRST STOP, UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKET

Google Maps tells me it will take 39 minutes from the condo to get there.  The Farmers Market is open 7 am to 11 am on Saturdays.

Looks like a farmers market, right?  Only, besides your basic mainlander veggies, these farmers grow papayas, mangos, and adorable little bananas.

With thanks to these two gentleman, I think I have found the perfect career change for my husband...     Lava Rock Gardens.

Next stop, Ali'i Kula Lavender

Lots of lavender.

There is an entrance fee of $3.00 per person.  There is also a gift shop, a walking tour, and lovely views of the ocean down below.  This is a fun place to take your small child or grandchild for a few picturesque photos of your little person among the lavender and other plant life.  And, even if you do not have a child, this peaceful place has plenty of spots where you can take selfies of you and your companions among the lavender or standing above the beautiful valley and ocean below.

So, who's hungry?  We are only 20 minutes further up Kula Hwy from some great food!

Ulupalakua Ranch for Lunch

This is a real cattle ranch, but we are here for the food.  Ulupalakua's grill serves beef, venison, lamb, and elk burgers, plate lunches (with beef, venison, lamb or elk steak), and a special of the day, which is usually something from the smoker (as in, the thing that you use to slow cook meat).  Today, the special is a pulled pork sandwich.

And it is very tasty!!

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Across the street from Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill is Maui Wine, where you can do wine tasting.  I can't think of a prettier location to enjoy wine tasting.

The stretch of Kula Hwy between the lavender farm and the ranch has multiple turnouts where you can stop and take pictures of the valley and ocean below.  It is a beautiful drive and even if you do not take a single picture, it is a view you are not likely to forget!

And so ends our upcountry day trip! 
Well, except for the hour it takes to get back to Kihei.

ALOHA!!