To escape the beach for a few hours, or even all day, this is a good place to go—the upper slopes of Haleakala, an area called Upcountry. Here, it’s a completely different world than down on the shoreline, and it’s much cooler. The familiar sights of sand and palm trees gives way to the green pastureland of ranches and tall eucalyptus trees, of all things, as you snake your way up the 10,000-foot-tall mountain in your rental car. As the terrain turns desertlike near the summit, be on the lookout for silversword plants, a member of the yucca family that grows only here.

The major reason visitors come Upcountry is to make their way to the summit and explore Haleakala National Park. Viewing its crater from several overlooks is quite a memorable experience. But Upcountry also has other interesting attractions, including the Tedeschi Vineyards, which makes wine from tropical fruit, and Kula Botanical Gardens, 6 acres of blooming splendor at 3,300 feet. Shoppers stop in the friendly little town of Makawao, in the middle of Maui’s paniolo country, where talented artisans have moved in and opened galleries and shops.

After seeing the Upcountry sights and attractions, look around. From up on high, the panoramic views of Maui and the ocean beyond are nothing short of breathtaking.