A Maui Fall Bucket List
Fall on Maui… it might be subtle, but there’s just something about this time of year here on the Valley Isle! Between the most Insta-worthy pumpkin patch ever to epic fireplace vibes to birdwatching, there’s a little something for everyone. So if you’re checking in from somewhere with a more seasonal temperature, turn up the thermostat, throw some ice in that pumpkin spice latte and let us show you all the reasons we fall for fall in paradise!
Here’s what’s on our Maui Fall Bucket List:
PICK THE PERFECT PUMPKIN!
Each year, as the calendar flips to October, I wait with eager anticipation to plan our annual trip to the pumpkin patch at Kula Country Farms! Set at 3,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Haleakala, this adorable family-run farm offers the cutest and most scenic pumpkin patch we’ve ever seen. What truly makes it special?! It has panoramic ocean views! We love exploring the grounds, selecting some locally grown pumpkins and stopping for the shameless selfie. Okay, 20 shameless selfies! There is also a petting zoo, sunflower field & more! Learn all about the experience and our know-before-you-go tips here.
GET SPOOKED WITH A GHOST WALK OR HAUNTED HIKE
Boo!! In the spirit of Halloween fun, we’d be remiss to exclude some spooky options on our fall bucket list. Enter Maui Ghost Walk & Haunted Haiku Hike.
MAUI GHOST WALK
Maui Ghost Walk is a 2-hour walking tour through Lahaina town full of stories about the area’s haunted history. It is offered nightly throughout the fall. Check here for a schedule of tours. And don’t forget to add a dinner reservation in Lahaina to complete the evening.
HAUNTED HAIKU HIKE
On a completely different area of the island, the Haunted Haiku Hike at Awalau Farm offers a more theatrical, but still authentic experience. In other words, if you want history with a little magic, then this is for you. Each fall, the 30-acre farm offers a mile-long journey through its secret waterways and ancient caves coupled with spooky stories detailing the area’s mystical past. Meet some special guests along the way. It is available on Friday and Saturday nights during late October. Click here for up-to-date booking information.
COZY UP BY THE FIRE
Maybe it’s because we’re originally from the Northeast and Northwest, but we are suckers for snuggling up in front of a warm fireplace. You might think that we miss that during the fall and winter months. BUT, fortunately, Upcountry offers a chill that is perfect for getting that fall temp fix without hopping the next flight to the Mainland. After exploring all the area has to offer (whether it’s the pumpkin patch experience, a trip to Haleakala Summit, or one of many beautiful farms), stop at Kula Lodge and warm up by their fireplace. The restaurant offers amazing bicoastal views of the island and a homey, rustic atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s important to note that as of fall 2021, Covid-19 restrictions in Maui County are in place and subject to change, so best to call the restaurant to get up-to-the-minute info on whether the fireplace seating area is open.
CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE MIGRATORY KOLEA BIRD
Break out the binoculars! Fall is a great time for birdwatching on Maui. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Golden Plover, known in Hawaii as the Kolea bird. Each fall, this migratory bird travels about 2500 miles over the course of about two days to arrive in the Aloha state from Alaska. They are on an extended vacation and don’t leave until April. Look for them at one of our favorite Kihei spots – Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a coastal boardwalk open daily from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
DISCOVER FESTIVAL SEASON
Last but not least, fall on Maui is traditionally a season full of festivals. While Covid-19 has impacted the regular schedule of annual events, here’s a rundown of what’s still happening and what you can look ahead to in the future.
MAUI FAIR
In late September through early October, the Maui Fair is typically held at the War Memorial Stadium Complex in Wailuku. Think rides like a ferris wheel and this crazy thing called the Zipper that Brandon convinced me to go on with him (a story for another day!). Plus, carnival food (yes, please!), a horticulture exhibit, live entertainment & more. While the Maui Fair was cancelled in 2021 due to Covid-19 concerns, it’s worth marking your calendar for future years. Also, little homages to this beloved Maui event can still be experienced this fall throughout the island. Look for a Fair-themed menu of edible cookie dough & cheese tea at Dolish, Hawaii’s first edible cookie dough trailer.
MADE IN MAUI COUNTY FESTIVAL
Looking for a place to grab amazing locally made products? The Made in Maui County Festival, held annually in early November at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, is THE spot! While this is traditionally an in-person event, it has gone virtual in 2021 due to Covid-19. From home goods, to jewelry, to food and beverage, to something for your pet & more, this event features vendors from a wide array of industries. Get a jump start on holiday shopping by perusing and supporting these wonderful Maui-based businesses.
HAWAII FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Finally, we are calling all foodies! Each fall, Hawaii offers an epicurean destination event – Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. This multi-island food extravaganza celebrates local cuisine, agriculture and chefs attracting attendees from near and far. While 2021 doesn’t quite have the same schedule of events due to Covid-19, you can still participate in the festival. Check out “Now You See It, Now You Don’t,” a 5-course dinner at Humble Market Kitchin in Wailea, Maui on Dec. 8 and “Local Boys are No Ka ‘Oi” at Roy’s Ka’anapali on Dec. 9.
Want to fall more in love with Maui? Check out our guide to the pumpkin patch at Kula Country Farms here.
