If you’re looking to get off the beaten tourist path on Maui and discover something special, make the drive up to Ulupalakua Ranch in upcountry Maui. 

Ulupalakua Ranch Store is exactly what it sounds like…a working ranch store on a sprawling cattle ranch in upcountry Maui, sitting at about 2,000 feet elevation.

If you couldn’t look out an see the ocean (Wailea and Makena down below, Molokini off in the distance)…you wouldn’t think you were in Hawaii. 

 The vibe is equal parts old Hawaii charm and cowboy country. 

This place is best known for its burgers…specifically its elk and beef burgers.

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

Who This Spot Is Perfect For…

If you’re spending a day upcountry Maui… hitting O’o Farms, visiting the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, driving up to Haleakala, or shopping in Makawao…the Ulupalakua Ranch Store should be your lunch stop. 

But it’s also a destination. The store is a great place for unique souvenirs (more cowboy than surfer) and made on Maui goods. 

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

It’s also a great option for anyone driving the back road to Hana (the full loop around the island along the southern edge instead of reversing course and driving back along the north shore the way you came). 

This is a casual, order-at-the-counter, eat-outside-at-a-picnic-table kind of situation. Just good food, fresh air, and scenery that makes a simple burger feel like an event. 

Extra Details

The burgers are the move here, and specifically the elk burger if it’s available. The beef burgers made from Ulupalakua Ranch cattle are equally excellent. Prices are very reasonable by Maui standards…expect to spend around $10 to $15 for a burger, which feels like a good value for food this good in a setting this beautiful.

Trust me on this one. It’s worth the drive upcountry all by itself.

Want the full plan, not just this post?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably actually planning a trip to Maui…not just daydreaming. So here’s the thing: what you just read is a small piece of what I know about this island.

I’ve been visiting Maui for years, and I put everything…the itineraries, the hotel breakdowns, the restaurants actually worth your time, the spots most visitors never find…into one guide. It’s 75+ pages, built around real day-by-day plans (not just a list of “things to do”), plus an interactive map so you’re not toggling between five browser tabs trying to piece your trip together.

It’s the guide I wish I’d had on my first few trips here.

See what’s inside the Maui Guide → HERE