About Makawao Town

Makawao (mah-kah-wow), meaning at the forest edge, is perched high on the cool, green slopes of Mt. Haleakala, a pastoral locale that is often blessed with 'ukiu (cool) mountain breezes and misty rain showers. Once an actual cowboy town, Makawao has managed to grow into the 21st century by blending old and new. Makawao is one of Maui's 'hidden treasures,' as those who stumble upon this pastoral place often return again and again to idle their mornings or afternoons in the multitude of art galleries, funky boutiques, and cozy eateries that line Makawao and Baldwin Avenues.

Up until the 1940s, Makawao proprietors sold such items as groceries, kerosene, horseshoes, and dried fish to the surrounding farming community. In its 21st-century transformation, the town's old store facades now hold art, clothes, and gifts designed to delight every shopper's taste.

One town tradition is a 'must-do' event for any visitor. Annually, on the weekend after 4th of July, all the island converges upon Makawao and the Oskie Rice Arena to celebrate the annual Makawao Rodeo and to participate in the famous rodeo parade. Paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys) compete for prizes in bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing in the largest rodeo in the state. The parade comes complete with stagecoach, floats, hula groups, antique cars, and pa'u riders atop horses bedecked in flowers of all kinds.

Another festive tradition in Makawao is the Paniolo Christmas Festival, held in December. The streets are decorated for Christmas and donated fir trees are trimmed by local children, holiday shoppers fill their bags with last-minute gifts and goodies, and a Christmas parade rolls down the road. This event is sponsored by the Makawao Merchant Association and is another 'must-do' activity.

So, if you're looking for the Hawai'i that local folks call 'home,' be sure to visit UpCountry Makawao town!

Top Ten Reasons To Visit Makawao:

1. Sip a delicious mocha at any one of the quaint cafes in town.
2. Treat yourself to a full-body massage or yoga class.
3. Enjoy a Mango-rita at Polli's Mexican Cantina - the best on Maui.
4. See the incomparable jacaranda trees in bloom during the spring.
5. Get a free foot massage on the hand-knotted rugs at the Randy Jay Braun Gallery.
6. Cool off from the hot, sunny beaches.
7. Have dinner at one of Maui's best Italian restaurants, Casanova's, and toss your own pizza dough.
8. See Maui's oldest hand-blown glass studio.
9. Eat a 'broke da mouth' cream puff from world-famous Komoda Bakery (closed on Sundays and Wednesdays).
10. Shop at the best photography gallery in Hawai'i - The Randy Jay Braun Gallery.