Departing from Wailea, Visit Haleakalā National Park for Sunrise and Explore Upcountry Maui

Hopefully you've had a few leisure days in paradise to get on the time zone, and have planned for this exceptionally early morning wake-up call, but in any case, it's time to hit the road!
Ideally, you'll want a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this 3-day journey, as well as closed-toe shoes (in addition to your sandals) and plenty of water and sunscreen. The 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā is frosty in the pre-dawn hour, so make sure you have gloves, a warm hat, and properly warm layers for this particular day. (Yes, really.)

It's not exactly an easy journey from sea level to the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā — the highest point on Maui — in the inky darkness of the pre-dawn hours, and yes, there are a lot of hairpin turns. Advance reservations through the U.S. National Park Service are required for the day you intend to go; review the NPS guidance carefully: there is no food, clothing, or gas for sale in the park, and weather before dawn is often below freezing, so pack and prepare accordingly.
If you're wondering why is this experience is such a big deal, for starters, there's nothing else quite like it on Earth. Haleakalā means "House of the Sun," and watching the day break over this volcanic landscape is simply sublime, in the truest sense of the word. While you're here, have a wander about the nearest trails, to go check out the Observatory and the scenic overlook at the Visitor Center.
Tip: Be sure to triple-check what time sunrise is slated to happen on the day you make the ascent, with the expectation of arriving at least 15 to 20 minutes prior, even if that means departing even earlier from the hotel.

Nothing tastes quite so delicious as a hot, comforting breakfast after such an early, chilly morning, and the staff at Kula Sandalwoods Cafe & Inn — one of the closest possible breakfast stops after your descent — knows it and caters to travelers returning from Haleakalā.
They are open most days of the week from 8am onward (closed Saturdays) — although you may want to consider calling in advance to confirm they'll be open this particular morning.
In addition to fresh-brewed coffee (Hawaiian-grown beans, of course), the cafe turns out stacks of macadamia nut pancakes, French toast made with homemade Hawaiian sweetbread, eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise, open-faced omelets, and more.

Still at an elevation of upwards 2,500 feet, Upcountry Maui stays significantly cooler than sea level — one of several reasons why it's such an abundantly rich agricultural region. The Maui Bees farm shop is a wonderful stop to learn a bit about what makes the Upcountry climate and terroir just so special.
Friday through Sunday, Maui Bees offers a 90-minute Hand's On Honey Bee Workshop that starts at 10am and tours their biodynamic farm and apiary. It's worth booking (in advance), if you're passing through on one of those days. In any case, a farm tour should be on the agenda while in Kula.

Who doesn't love the opportunity to get up close and personal with some friendly nanny goats? Surfing Goat Dairy offers casual, 30-minute farm tours at the top of the hour and throughout the day, Tuesdays through Saturdays — and yes, those are actual surf boards in the pens for the goats to jump and frolic upon (and a great only-in-Hawaii photo op). It's quite endearing to "Hang Ten" with them and some of the other four-legged farm friends. Plus, the goat cheese samples are delicious, too.

Housed in a historic building that was built in 1925 to serve as the general store — and post office, butcher shop, fishmonger, and all-purpose household goods store — for the community of pineapple plantation workers who tended the agricultural fields along the lower slopes of Haleakalā, the Hali‘imaile General Store today is an acclaimed, farm-to-table restaurant that helped put the idea of Hawaii Regional Cuisine on the map.
Open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday; reservations are a must.

Once upon a time, Makawao was the town of Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolos, who worked the cattle ranches that covered the slopes of Haleakalā — and at one point between the late 19th Century and the early 20th Century, there were some 1,500 ranches registered.
While the main commercial street of Makawao looks decidedly Western with its period storefronts, you'll have to look closer for it's paniolo legacy — such as, to notice the old hitching posts still present in front of the Rodeo General Store.

Makawao still hosts the Hawaiian Islands' largest yearly paniolo celebration around the Fourth of July holiday, although now, it's primarily a destination for discovering local artisans and makers, such as Sherri Reeve Gallery and Gifts, which is owned and operated by the artist herself and features an extensive collection of Reeve's signature watercolors, including originals on paper and metal, as well as art prints, sculpted art, housewares, clothing, and many lovely gift items.
(If Komoda Store and Bakery across the street hasn't yet sold out of its fresh-baked cream puffs and pastries, the first thing you need to do is jump in line.)

Another must-see in Makawao is Hot Island Glass. At the center of the gallery is an open workshop area, where you'll more likely than not find a local glass artist at work, crafting a beautiful decorative bowl or vase or other delicate glassworks inspired by Hawaii's natural surroundings. Feel free to pull up a seat and watch the artist at work; all questions are welcome at this interactive studio space.

Located in the heart of colorful Paia town on Maui's North Shore, Paia Inn offers rooms and suites in several historic buildings along Hana Highway, the main street through town. If inclined after check-in, head to the inn's private beach for a stroll; it's the located down the block in front of Paia Inn's sister property, the Surf Club.
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Local, walkable restaurants for dinner include Vana Paia for cocktails, sushi, and other sharable plates (reservations recommended; open from 5-10 p.m., Tues.–Sat.) and the original location of Paia Fish Market, which is open daily for fresh-catch tacos and plates, with your choice of fish and preparation, as well as charbroiled fish sandwiches and burgers, market salads, a variety of apps, and a keiki (kid-friendly) menu, too.

After this morning's pre-dawn wakeup call, you've earned some R&R — and no doubt it feels amazing to be all but tucked in for the evening on the early side, as well. Rest and relaxation is the name of the game this evening as tomorrow's another early start — but oh so worth it.
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