Makawao Town

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Maui > Upcountry > Makawao

Makawao Title Text

With its wooden storefronts, tin roofs, hitching posts from bye-gone days, and generations-old family stores, Makawao town, pronounced MAH-kah-WOW, is the definition of charming. Situated on the slopes of Haleakala, where Baldwin Avenue and Makawao Avenue meet, this quaint town of about 7000 inhabitants has maintained its rustic and unique atmosphere.

See Makawao Map

Makawao’s roots are held in the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy. Paniolo first arrived here in 1838, by order of King Kamehameha III, with the intention of training Hawaiians on how to manage wild cattle. His predecessor, King Kamehameha I, first brought cattle over to Maui in 1793, placing a “kapu” (taboo) on killing the animal, so they could propagate. As years progressed, many colorful Portuguese paniolo began to populate the area; and a visit to Makawao Town will still prompt a tip of the hat from one of these rustic gentlemen.

Makawao Town Rodeo

Through the years, Plantation workers and immigrants from Japan, Korea, and China opened storefronts selling their wares, which included groceries, horse tackle, kerosene, crack seed, and dried squid. In the 1940s, some 34,000 servicemen from the 4th Marine Division made camp nearby, flooding the town with commerce. When the marines were sent home, many stores closed; and, it wasn’t until the early 1980s that new life started invigorating the town again, creating the eclectic mix that we know and love.

Makawao Town Intersection

Komoda Store and Bakery is one establishment that has persevered through the changes. Opening its doors back in 1916, this bakery is a local tradition. Patrons get there early and form a line to pick up the infamous coco puffs, pies, or the kids’ favorite, doughnut on a stick.

But make no mistake, there is a touch of cosmopolitan here. Fine art galleries, cafes, and fine Italian cuisine are tucked back into all of the nooks and crannies of this little town. In fact, there are so many art galleries, with work from painters, glassblowers, wood sculptors, and jewelers, that Makawao has been dubbed the “Sedona of Maui”. Shoppers can also find a plethora of locally made products like, Hawaiian quilts, soaps, mustards, and spice rubs to satisfy any craving. And, a number of high-end boutiques also reside, veiled in folksy ambiance. Meander through one afternoon and explore the many treasures of Makawao.

Makawao Town Sights


Makawao For Sale

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Visit The Maui Real Estate Team for more information.

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Points of Interest

 

The Maui Cookie Lady 

3643 Baldwin Avenue 
Monday – Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm 
Sunday: 10 am to 2 pm 

The Maui Cookie Lady‘s cozy shop on Baldwin Avenue is home to Maui’s most famous cookies. Customers from near and far seek out this fantastical storefront to get a taste of The Maui Cookie Lady’s enormous cookie creations. In addition to cookies, the store is brimming with other inventive goodies, souvenirs, and a whole lot of aloha.  

best cookies ever

 

Komoda Store and Bakery

3674 Baldwin Ave
M, T, R, F: 7am – 5pm
Sa: 7am – 2pm
W, Su: Closed

This is a Makawao Institution! It is a fourth-generation owned store, known for its yummy baked treats, like macadamia nut cookies, coconut pie, coco puffs, and doughnuts. The original site was located where Polli’s Mexican Restaurant sits today; and, it’s said, that the new site was bought in 1945 for only $10.

Makawao Town Malasadas

 

Mahalo Aleworks

30 Kupaoa Street, Unit 1
Monday – Thursday: 12am – 9pm
Friday: 12pm – 10pm
Saturday: 10am – 10pm
Sunday: 12pm – 8pm

Located in Kulamalu Town Center, just a short drive from Makawao Town sits Mahalo Aleworks – the first brewery to grace the verdant slopes of Haleakala. Boasting an exceptionally qualified team of brewers, Mahalo Aleworks tackles every brewing style, from inventive sours made with local fruits to classic English brown ales. Their two-story tap house is also a great place to catch a stellar Upcountry sunset!

Makawao Town Mahalo Aleworks

 

1202 Makawao Ave.
11 am – 10 pm Daily (Closed On Wednesdays)

After a hard day, locals love the mango margarita. Quaint and fun atmosphere. You’ll definitely spot a cowboy in here. The food is ok if you’re hungry.

Makawao Town Pollyʻs Mexican Restaurant

 

Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli Makawao

1188 Makawao Ave.
Monday – Friday: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 2pm; 5pm – 9pm

Cassanova’s offers a deli breakfast and lunch, and fine Italian for dinner. Menu items might include gourmet pizzas, creative salads, ahi Sicilian, and cioppino. This venue turns into a bar and nightclub in the evening with live music.

Makawao Town Casanovas Restaurant

 

Hot Island Glass

3620 Baldwin Ave #101-A
Daily: 9am – 5pm

Watch experts create one-of-a-kind, island-inspired pieces. This is one of our favorite things to do Upcountry, and this is some of the most beautiful artwork in the State. Look for them next to Freshies Restaurant in the Makawao Courtyard.

Hot Island Glass Studio

 

Maui Ziplines

Not far from Makawao Town, you can be zipping above and through beautiful foliage along with catch a few epic views from Upcountry. 

Maui Zipline Tours Woman

 

 

Polli’s Mexican Restaurant

1202 Makawao Ave.
11 am – 10 pm Daily (Closed On Wednesdays)

After a hard day, locals love the mango margarita. Quaint and fun atmosphere. You’ll definitely spot a cowboy in here. The food is ok if you’re hungry.

Makawao Town Pollyʻs Mexican Restaurant

 

 

Dragon’s Den

3681 Baldwin Ave.
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm

Tucked away on the edge of the K. Matsui Store building, this unique Herb Shop can find a natural solution to heal your ailments. They also offer fresh teas, that patrons choose from large clear glass containers. The next best thing to an apothecary! Say hi to Nikki for us!

Makawao Town Dragons Den

 

Seabury Hall and Campus

480 Olinda Rd.

Gorgeous campus, where the cream of the crop students attend a cutting-edge high school with an advanced curriculum. The grounds are stunning and worth a look around.

Makawao Town Seabury Hall

 

Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center

2841 Baldwin Ave.
Wednesday – Saturday: 9am – 4pm

Fine art studio and gallery, with a variety of art classes available.

Makawao Town Hui Noʻeau

 

Makawao Union Church

1445 Baldwin Ave.
Monday-Thursday: 10am – 3pm
Sunday Service: 10:30am

Non-denominational church built in 1861. Beautiful stone church with lovely stained glass.


Parking

FREE – Limited street parking
FREE – Large public parking lot behind Stop Watch Bar & Grill on Makawao Avenue


Ongoing and Annual Events

Makawao Friday Town Party (3rd Friday)

***All Maui Friday Town Parties are on hold at this moment due to the COVID situation. We will announce the reopening dates as soon as it is deemed safe for large gatherings such as this event to take place. Please call Maui County OED 808-270-7415 with any questions. (as of 4/13/22)***

Happening the 3rd Friday of every month from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; As part of Maui’s ongoing Friday town parties, Makawao is happening on 3rd Fridays! The streets are blocked off to allow for food trucks, craft vendors, and live music. Come be part of the fun and community!

Makawao Town Party

 

Obon Dance and Festival

An annual event in late July at the Makawao Hongwanji Mission on Makawao Avenue. The event includes ceremonial clothing, dancing, and drums. There are food and baked items for sale.

Makawao Town Oban Festival

 

The Makawao Rodeo

Annual Fourth of July celebration. The town has a modest parade to kick off the festivities, of this more than 50-year-old paniolo tradition. The rodeo and bull bash take place on Olinda Road at the Oskie Rice Arena.

 

Seabury Craft Festival

Annual Event the day before Mothers Day, in which you will find an assortment of unique, handmade gifts, treats, and treasures. Live music and a kids zone.

Makawao Town Seabury Craft Fair

 

Upcountry Ag Festival

Annual Event in June. More arts & crafts from the good people of Upcountry Maui. Great local food from the unique mix of cultures that call Makawao home. Try the Pilipino pork Adobo or fried banana lumpia.


 


Makawao Map