There is a side of Maui that relatively few ever see. This part of the Valley Isle is very different than what many usually think of when they picture Maui, the golden sandy beaches of the island. However, it’s equally as beautiful. This area is known as Upcountry Maui, the inland part of Maui located on the slopes of Haleakala.
On your Maui bike ride down the Haleakala volcano, you can discover this beautiful countryside, noted as the “hidden gem” of Maui, all at your own pace. In this Upcountry, you’ll explore a diverse landscape of rolling green hillsides, crisp mountain air, lavender farms, spectacular views, quaint small towns, and even paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys.
Yes, cowboys. Roaming this gorgeous landscape are the cowboys and ranchers of what is known as Paniolo Country. As you make your decent on your Maui bike ride from the summit of Haleakala, you may see some paniolo riding horseback and herding cattle across the pastureland. The tradition of the paniolo dates back to around 1800 when cowboys from Mexico came to Hawaii to help local ranchers learn how to herd cattle, even before their mainland counterparts conquered the Midwest.
The small town of Makawao is famous for its paniolo and keeps the traditions of the Hawaiian cowboys alive with a rustic charm unlike any other. Although a little town, Makawao has a big heart. A historic ranch town, Makawao is very proud of its paniolo heritage with its signature western-style storefronts, country and western dancing, and rodeo competitions. As you make your way on your Maui bike ride downhill, you’ll pass the renowned Oskie Rice Arena where the largest rodeo in Hawaii is held every year. The paniolo culture here is just a way of life for many locals, and it’s neat to experience all the culture contained in this small town.
In this charming littl
e town set in gorgeous Paniolo Country, you’ll also find a thriving arts community full of art galleries, shops, and lovely boutiques. There are also numerous restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. So plan to stop in on your Maui bike ride and browse through all the great stores and restaurants of Makawao.
e town set in gorgeous Paniolo Country, you’ll also find a thriving arts community full of art galleries, shops, and lovely boutiques. There are also numerous restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. So plan to stop in on your Maui bike ride and browse through all the great stores and restaurants of Makawao.
Paniolo Country and really all of Upcountry Maui simply can’t be missed. It’s a completely new side of Maui for many visitors, but one full of personality and unforgettable scenery. On our self-paced Maui bike rides through Upcountry from the summit of Haleakala, you’ll get to really experience this beautiful area for yourself, taking time to stop as you wish along the way and catch a glimpse of what some call “the real Maui,” but we just call it home.
Makawao photo by 293.xx.xxx.xx (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
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