In Upcountry (on the upper hillside of Mt. Haleakala), there is a very small community called Keokea, which is famous for a small bakery called Grandma’s. Wonderful place for pastries, breakfast, and lunch! Next door is a gas station/small grocery that sells hot dogs with buns and appropriate condiments. When we first visited there about 15 years ago, the cost was $1 per hot dog sandwich. Now these delicious dogs run $4.15. I always joke with the owner that they are as good as those you buy at the baseball stadium.
Diagonal to these stores is a road leading to the Kula Hospital. An immediate right is Thompson Road. It is a single-lane, roughly paved road where locals walk, usually early in the morning. It is quiet, peaceful, and has beautiful scenic views. Oprah thought it was so beautiful that she built one of her homes at the end of the road. There is no official parking area, so you find a spot to pull off that will allow other cars to pass; the few there are. Courtesy and respect are the unwritten rules of etiquette. You travel the area to experience peace and quiet. It is definitely not for everyone.
Over the years, I have written several poems regarding the area and have produced several YouTube videos. Below is one of the poems, along with several pictures.
Getting ready to enjoy my $4.15 hot dog.
Another view taken in April 2026.
The poetical video, “A Walk in Upcountry,” was written some years ago. Despite two mispronunciations, I hope you will enjoy the 105-second view. The sugarcane fields mentioned in the poem have disappeared, being replaced by coffee trees and orchards. Many of the later shots were taken on Thompson Road. Enjoy! A BIG thank you to Char Pope, who composed the music. As of April 18, it had over 524 plays.