Unique Experiences on Maui That Go Way Beyond the Beach
Key Takeaways
- Some of the most unique experiences on Maui happen inland, on the farm and ranch land of Upcountry Maui on the slopes of Haleakalā.
- Our Farm Visit is the best fit for families with kids of any age. Your kids can hand-feed our alpacas and hold an Angora bunny in one hour.
- Alpaca trekking is open to guests ages 12 and up, so it works best for families with teens.
- The Paniolo Picnic adds a pasture lunch to your time with the animals and needs a group of at least four.
- Every activity on our farm requires a reservation, so book before you head up the mountain.
Most family trips to Maui start with the beach (as they should). After a few days of sand and saltwater, though, your kids might ask what else the island has to offer.
Some of the most unique experiences on Maui sit about 2,300 feet above the coast. That’s where you’ll find our 8-acre alpaca farm, on the slopes of Haleakalā in Makawao. This guide shows you what Upcountry Maui offers families and which farm activity fits your crew.
And here’s a question to ask before you lock in your plans. What will your kids still talk about a year from now?
Why the Most Unique Experiences on Maui Have Nothing to Do With the Beach
The beach is the part of Maui nearly every visitor shares. The unique experiences on Maui tend to happen inland, where your family can meet animals and see how a real farm runs.
Resort beaches in Wailea and Kaanapali make for a great day of rest. They also look a lot alike from one stretch of sand to the next. If your kids get restless by midweek, a change of scenery helps.
Our farm gives you a different kind of day outside. You trade the ocean breeze for mountain air, and the lounge chair for a pasture full of curious alpacas.
Upcountry Maui: The One-of-a-Kind Side of the Island Many Don’t Consider Visiting
Upcountry Maui is the farm and ranch country on the slopes of Haleakalā, home to towns like Makawao. Plenty of visitors pass through it on the way to the summit and never stop.
Upcountry moves at a slower pace than the resort coast, with open pasture and small family farms in place of hotel towers.
Our farm is located at 505 Aulii Drive in Makawao. You’ll need a reservation for every activity, so plan ahead rather than count on a drop-in visit.
What the Slopes of Haleakalā Offer That No Resort Beach Ever Could
At about 2,300 feet, our farm gives you cooler air and wide views across the slopes of Haleakalā.
Bring a light sweater or jacket for everyone, kids included.
The setting is quiet. One guest who joined us for a 4 p.m. tour called it a calm and serene way to end the day. You won’t hear jet skis or crowds up here, just the herd out in the pasture.
Here’s Why a Maui Alpaca Farm Tour Is One of the Most Memorable Things to Do on Maui
Our Maui Alpaca Farm Visit is our most popular activity because it fits every age. It lasts one hour and starts at $49 for youth.
It’s the easiest choice if you have toddlers or young kids along. Nobody needs prior experience with animals, and your guide walks you through every step. If you want one of the unique experiences on Maui that works for every age in your family, start here.
Hands-On Animal Encounters You Won’t Find Elsewhere on the Island
The visit starts in the pasture. Your guide hands out bowls of feed, and the alpacas eat right from them. Guests often tell us the best part of the day was when they fed “the girls” their morning snack.
Next comes our bunny village. Kids get to hold an Angora rabbit, and the fur is even softer than it looks.
You’ll also see how we turn alpaca fiber into yarn, and you can give the spinning wheel a try yourself.
Our guides take their time with young visitors. One guest shared that our guide answered every question from their little niece and nephew.
Our founder started this farm out of a passion for animals and healing. There’s something about these sensitive animals that puts a smile on her face, and we want to share that with you.
Alpaca Trekking in Upcountry Maui: The Most Off-the-Beaten-Path Activity on the Island
On our Maui Alpaca Trekking Experience, you take an alpaca for a walk on the slopes of Haleakalā. It runs 1.5 hours and starts at $199.
This one is for guests ages 12 and up. If your family has teens, it’s a standout pick. They’ll walk an alpaca across the farm and stop by the Angora bunny village too.
Have kids under 12 in your group? Choose the Farm Visit or the Paniolo Picnic instead, and everyone still gets time with the animals.
The Alpaca Picnic: A Unique Maui Farm Experience With a View of Haleakalā
The Maui Alpaca Paniolo Picnic pairs a picnic lunch in our alpaca pasture with time to feed and meet the herd. It runs 1.5 hours and starts at $99 for youth. All ages can join.
One guest told us his group enjoyed lunch while the alpacas grazed on hay nearby.
After you eat, you’ll get up close with the alpacas and feed them treats. Your guide also gives a short talk about alpacas and how people use their fiber.
The picnic needs at least four guests. That makes it a natural fit for a family of four or a group of friends, and a good choice if your little ones need a meal break in the middle of the day.
How to Book Your Unique Maui Experience at Maui Alpaca Farm
You can book any of our activities online. Every visit needs a reservation, and past guests recommend you book early.
- Choose the activity that fits the youngest person in your group.
- Open our online calendar and pick a date and time.
- Enter your group size. (The Paniolo Picnic needs at least four guests.)
- Save our address, 505 Aulii Drive in Makawao, for the drive up.
So which day of your trip will you spend with the alpacas? Pick a date, then come up the mountain for one of the unique experiences on Maui that plenty of visitors never find.