At least once a month, acclaimed Maui photographer Randy Jay Braun makes the scenic 8-mile drive from his Kula home to Ulupalakua, where he refreshes the selection of photos that he sells at Tedeschi Vineyards' gift shop. In terms of distance, it's a relatively short trip. In terms of ambience, however, it's like entering another world. Braun always takes his camera because he knows there will be incredible photo opportunities.

“;Trees, the sky and pastureland are the biggest things in sight,”; he said. “;Low clouds drift in and out of the hills as if a Hollywood smoke machine is there to set the mood. The paniolo (cowboys) from Ulupalakua Ranch look like Hawaiian John Waynes. Ulupalakua Ranch Store is well stocked with chewing tobacco, and it's the only place on Maui where you can get an elk burger sandwich.”;

For Braun, Ulupalakua is the ultimate escape. “;It's one of the most serene places on the planet,”; he said. “;It's mandatory that you shift gears into 'slow' when you're there. You have to clear and quiet your mind to soak in its glory.”;

On June 6, “;Ulupalakua Inspires,”; the second Sunday Drive of the year, will celebrate the peace and beauty of this Upcountry Maui haven, which has captivated artists for generations. Tedeschi Vineyards and Ulupalakua Ranch Store launched the quarterly Sunday Drive series in 2007—“;Ulupalakua Remembers”; is held in March, “;Ulupalakua Inspires”; in June, “;Ulupalakua Cares”; in September and “;Ulupalakua Sparkles”; in December.

“;When the coastal road from Hana was closed for two years after the 2006 earthquake, we decided to start working together to promote Ulupalakua as a destination,”; said Paula Hegele, president of Tedeschi Vineyards. “;We wanted to host low-key events that would highlight the area's history, culture and beauty. Ulupalakua has been the muse for countless artists, and with the brilliant purple jacaranda and agapanthus blooming right now, it's the perfect time to spotlight those talented people and their amazing work.”;

“;Ulupalakua Inspires”; will feature live jazz entertainment; a polo match; glass-blowing demonstrations; and an exhibit by Maui photographers Jimmie Hepp, Aubrey Hord, Gwen Arkin and Randy Jay Braun. In typical Sunday Drive style, the atmosphere will be casual and intimate, allowing visitors to meet, mingle and “;talk story”; with residents.

“;The aim of the Sunday Drives is to showcase everyone and everything that makes Ulupalakua special,”; said Hegele, who has lived in the area for 16 years. “;We bring people from our small community together to listen to their stories, celebrate their contributions and document them.”;

Sunday Drive is the perfect name for this leisurely outing. The road to Tedeschi Vineyards climbs and dips amid lush hills, pasture and 150-year-old camphor, Cook pine, Norfolk pine, kauri and cypress trees. From the winery's 2,000-foot locale on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, spectacular views encompass Central Maui, the West Maui Mountains, Kahoolawe, Molokini and the ocean.

Individual artists, art classes and participants in plein-air events set up easels regularly on the lovely grounds. “;It's a majestic, magical place,”; Hegele said. “;We're very isolated, very 'old Hawaii.' Those of us who live and work here are constantly reminded of the importance of preserving, protecting and sharing the gifts that we have. The Sunday Drives help us accomplish that.”;

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Bulletin have won multiple Society of American Travel Writers awards.