The scenic drive through Upcountry Maui past Makawao, Kula and Keokea to Ulupalakua takes in the expansive views of the rolling ranch lands as well as the Central Valley and West Maui Mountains with the blue Pacific in the distance. The views from this Upcountry region also include the offshore islet of Molokini as well as the distant islands of Lanai and Kahoolawe.
The heart of the 20,000-acre Ulupalakua Ranch is located on the leeward (southwestern) slopes of Haleakala Volcano just below the 2,000 feet elevation though the ranch extends from the sea to 6,000 feet above sea level.
Activities at Ulupalakua Ranch include horseback riding, Sport Clay Shooting and wine tasting in the historic Kalakaua Cottage at the Tedeschi Vineyard Winery. The elegant tasting room also features a gallery tracing the history of the region. You can also dine and shop at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill including burgers from the ranch’s Angus beef and elk.
The Tedeschi Vineyard Tasting Room is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and free guided tours of the winery are offered three times per day. Sit on the ranch’s picnic tables on the spacious lawn of the winery among the flower blossoms and century-old trees and you will be sure to appreciate the beauty of Upcountry Maui.
In the 1840s the lands of Ulupalakua grew corn and potatoes to feed gold miners in California. Later cotton was grown in the region. During Hawaii’s sugarcane era Ulupalakua became major sugar producing area.
Today the ranch raises thousands of cattle that it sells to the Maui Cattle Company which is owned by Ulupalakua Ranch as well as six other Hawaii ranches. The cattle from Ulupalakua is grass-fed with no artificial growth stimulants or antibiotics.