Maui > Upcountry > Makawao
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.
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.
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 For Sale
Focusing on properties in the desirable north shore and Upcountry Maui regions, clients can expect detailed results that are specially tailored to their list of real estate desires, as well as committed, dynamic service during every step of the process. For more information, please contact The Maui Real Estate Team Inc. at (800) 579-1525.
Visit The Maui Real Estate Team for more information.
With a vast understanding of the various neighborhoods around Maui and a detail-oriented approach, prospective buyers will be hard-pressed to find a more thorough Maui realtor than Evan Harlow. With exceptional customer service and negotiation skills, Evan can help put you in a Makawao home that meets your needs and fits your budget. Evan also developed the Maui Elite Property site- a fantastic resource for browsing Maui homes for sale. The information on Maui Elite Property is unmatched, and the site serves as the island’s most comprehensive online housing marketplace.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
