This remote Upcountry Maui town sits on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano at about 2,860 ft (872 m) above sea level along the Kula Hwy. (Hwy. 37). The drive through this area past the Upcountry towns of Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula provides panoramic views the volcano’s rolling ranch lands as well as sweeping ocean vistas with Molokini, Lanai and Kahoolawe in the distance.
Landmarks in Keokea such as the Kwok Hing Society Temple reflect the town’s Hakka Chinese heritage. A town park honors China’s first president Sun-Yat Sen who called Keokea home in 1911 and Chinese characters adorn Keokea’s St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Shop for local art at the Keokea Gallery, enjoy some baked goods at Grandma’s Coffee House, and get some supplies at the Henry Fong Store. From Keokea it is a short drive to Ulupalakua where you go horseback riding or sample wines at the Tedeschi Vineyard Winery tasting room in the historic Kalakaua Cottage.
Like other Upcountry towns, Keokea residents earn much of their income from ranching as well as farming including flower farms that grow proteas, carnations and many other blossoms as well as fruit and vegetable farms that supply some of Maui’s finest restaurants.