Upcountry Magic on Maui

Frommer's Pick is the best budget lodging deal on Maui. It is somewhere between a high-end hostel and B&B, this lodge is well-designed, clean, full of good, welcoming Aloha energy. With 7 room choices in the main lodge, and six  bathroom areas, three with showers and three with sink and toilets. It feels more like a B&B than a hostel. The open living/kitchen area is laid out well with great storage, including special pantry areas labeled for your room. You can save $$ for other fun activities by preparing some of your meals here, eating at the tiled breakfast bar or out on the patio.

John and Tammi take good care of this place with regular maintenance and upgrades. They purposely keep the prices reasonable so more people can enjoy Maui, even the ones on tight budgets. We always stay here as we explore other areas of the island, so convenient to so many places - Kahului, airport, Hana Highway, Paia, Baldwin Beach, Ho'okipa, or upcountry to Makawao, Haiku, or Kula. There is a 2/1 cottage available too.

The double rooms are $55 a night and the single rooms are $50 a night. It's a great deal for Maui!

You may be greeted by a stout, cheerful man named Ali’i who can help with parkingnest to a clapboard house; explore a Japanese garden with oriental antiques and Buddhas, garden art + plants. Ali'i Chang and staff are personable hosts - kids love them; so much Aloha Spirit. You will feel welcomed by these "salt of the earth" folks. As told on a highly informative tour of farm (~1 hour; wear comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket), lavender loves this upcountry climate and soil. Ali’i had worked for Hana’s Protea Farm before buying this former Protea Farm in Kula. Drought made Protea farming unappealing, but lavender as a cash crop with over 27 varieties is thriving. The lavendar crops even helped to rejuvenate some of the failing Protea plants, making good companions. There is also a tiny boutique shed tucked into gardens which sells lavender infused lotion, salve & jam, eye pillows, pillow liners, wreaths, wands for bringing relaxation to all corners of your life. More at www.mauikulalavender.com (808) 878-3004 Warning - may not be easy to find, so follow the website directions carefully. Watch for Waipoli Lane.Keep going all the way up; too easy to miss landmark, down that winding road. Look for cattle grazing; lots of eucalyptus lining; as you head straight up Haleakala. The vistas out to both coasts of Valley Isle - WOW! Two-lane road becomes a narrow road, finally coming down to a 1-lane drive hugging side of the mountain.

Many people enjoy nightlife on Maui inside; here is a wonderful alternative. Head up in the late afternoon or early evening to the summit at Haleakala. This is the area where the observatories are located...so darker and more stars visible, especially on clear nights. There is a bit of a risk involved since you never know about weather, alto afternoon winds can usually blow off the clouds. If you are nearby in Kahului, north shore or upcountry, and have a nice dinner around sunset, you could perhaps check local weather, OR look up - if you see no clouds and clear sailing all the way up the slopes - go for it! Haleakala summit is a must-do on Maui whether for sunrise, sunset, or star gazing. The drive up or down is a slow one; but the road is in good shape - paved, clearly marked, glow in the dark markers, guard rails on most sections; just no shoulders on some of the really twisty parts. We have driven up and down at 3am, midnight, 10am, 4pm...in clouds, fog, rain, and clear conditions. Be aware there is loose livestock in some sections, so watch for cows meandering across the road.  

Dress warm; it can be 30 degrees or colder with wind; bring water, snacks, hot beverages in thermos. Gas up; check your brakes; use low gear if your car allows; stay alert; and go slow. Actually we love the changing vistas, and the quality of the air as you descend at night. Depending on the timing, we also love to stop at Kula Lodge for a drink, great coffee, or a hot cocoa by the fireplace. It’s a wonderful topper to a summit adventure, day or night.