When people talk about watching sunset on Maui, the usual suspects get mentioned…Haleakala summit, Wailea, Ka’anapali, a restaurant with a view…all great options. But my favorite sunset spot on the whole island isn’t a beach bar or a resort restaurant. It’s a vodka distillery sitting at 1,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Haleakala with a view of the whole island. 

Most visitors to Maui never make it to Ocean Vodka Distillery…but don’t let that be you! 

Visiting Ocean Vodka Distillery on Maui (A Great Spot for Sunset!)

Ocean Organic Farm and Distillery sits on 80 acres on the slopes of Haleakala in Kula, centrally located between Maui’s north and south shores. The elevation gives you something most spots on Maui can’t offer: a view of essentially the WHOLE island at once. On a clear day you can see both coastlines simultaneously, which is a perspective you won’t get down at the beach. 

The property produces Ocean Organic Vodka distilled from organically grown sugarcane on site, and also makes rum and gin. Guided tastings run every half hour from 11am to 5pm and include a lineup of five spirits for $18. The café is open daily from 11:30am to 7pm, and live music starts at 4:30pm every evening. The whole property has a relaxed, open-air upcountry vibe that feels completely different from the resort areas down below.

Why You’ll Love This

The sunset views from the lawn are genuinely some of the best on Maui. The expansive lawn has Adirondack chairs and picnic tables spread across it, and by late afternoon when the light starts going golden and the live music kicks in and you’ve got a cocktail in your hand… it’s a pretty magical situation. You can see the curve of the north shore, the south shore, the ocean stretching out in both directions. 

If you love distillery tours this is an obvious yes, but even if that’s not usually your thing, the guided tasting is worth doing at least once. It’s casual and informative, including a walk through the sugarcane fields, and ends with a great view and a good drink. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable and you leave actually understanding what makes Ocean Vodka different from everything else on the shelf.

The cocktail menu and bites are the real highlight though. The full cocktail menu features drinks made with their vodka, gin, and rum alongside locally inspired food made with ingredients grown on site or from nearby farms. The ahi poke nachos and the Thai curry chicken tacos both get consistently raved about and the cocktails are creative and well-made. Order something off the menu and find a chair on the lawn and you’re set. 

It’s the perfect addition to an upcountry day. If you’re already heading up to Haleakala, doing O’o Farms, visiting Makawao, or exploring the lavender farm in Kula, Ocean Vodka slots perfectly into the afternoon portion of that day. Time it so you’re arriving around 4pm and you’ll catch the live music, the golden hour light, and the best of what this place has to offer all at once.

It’s also just very easy and low-key. Walk-ins are welcome, parking is easy, and there’s no dress code or reservation required for just showing up to enjoy the café and the views. 

A trip up to Ocean Vodka Distillery could end up being the unexpected highlight of your trip!

I’ve made it my job for the last 10 years to explore Maui.

And after hundreds of beach days, rainforest hikes, snorkeling trips, and reconnaissance missions to find the best hotels… and mai tais… I put everything I know into one place.

This is my Maui Digital Map — hundreds of my favorite spots. Beaches, snorkeling spots, hikes, farm tours, scenic drives, places to eat.

Yes, I share hidden spots I don’t talk about so much on social media…but also—tourist doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Popular places are popular for a reason.

So I break down what’s worth it, what’s not, where to spend your money, where to save it, and how to avoid crowds at some of Maui’s most popular (and best) places so you actually enjoy your time.

I’m also sharing all of my travel guides on when to go, where to stay, detailed hotel reviews…
plus dozens of itinerary options based on where you’re staying and what you love to do.

It’s everything you need to see the best of Maui and actually relax. A Vacation in a box…all YOU need to do is pack your suitcase. 

Get access to my Maui digital map and itineraries here.