Makawao

Makawao is an Upcountry Maui town known for paniolo history, small shops, galleries, local food, rodeo traditions and cooler hillside air.

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Makawao, Maui

Makawao is an agricultural and ranching community located on the northwest slope of Mt. Haleakala at 1,578 feet (481 m) above sea level. Considered the hub of Upcountry Maui, this rustic town has an atmosphere resembling the Wild West. Makawao has ranches, cowboy-themed stores, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, steak houses and celebrates the 4th of July by hosting rodeos. Considered the art center of Hawaii, Makawao features galleries and art exhibitions, as well as art classes and workshops.

Makawao's cattle herding history runs as far back as the early 1800s. In 1793, the very first cattle were shipped from California to Hawaii as Captain George Vancouver's gift to King Kamehameha I. In 1830, King Kamehameha III brought Mexican vaqueros from Vera Cruz to Hawaii in order to rear the cattle and also to teach the locals how to herd them. The term Spaniards or Espaniolo, as the locals called the vaqueros, was shortened to "paniolo" and up until today, cowboys in Makawao and elsewhere in Hawaii are called paniolo.

Key Features

Upcountry Maui town on the lower slopes of Haleakala
Known for paniolo history, rodeo traditions and small-town character
Main streets have galleries, boutiques, cafes, bakeries and local shops
Cooler hillside air compared with many shoreline areas
Close to Paia, Kula, farm country and Haleakala routes
Good area for Upcountry sightseeing, food stops and local art
Nearby ranch and horse country shape the town's identity
Population: 7,297 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96768

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Makawao on Maui?

Makawao is in Upcountry Maui, inland from Paia and north of Kula on the lower slopes of Haleakala.

What is Makawao known for?

Makawao is known for paniolo history, rodeo traditions, small shops, galleries, local food, bakeries and cooler Upcountry weather.

Is Makawao close to Paia?

Yes. Makawao is inland from Paia, making it easy to combine the north shore and Upcountry Maui in the same day.

What can visitors do in Makawao?

Visitors can browse galleries, stop for local food or coffee, walk the small town center and include nearby Upcountry farms, ranches or Haleakala plans.

Is Makawao cooler than the beach areas?

Yes. Makawao's Upcountry elevation usually brings cooler air than Maui's shoreline communities, especially in the morning and evening.