Makawao

Makawao is an Upcountry Maui town known for paniolo history, ranching roots, art galleries, cafes, rodeo traditions and hillside scenery.

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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 setting: Inland town on the slopes below Haleakala
Paniolo heritage: Ranching and Hawaiian cowboy history shape the town's identity
Rodeo tradition: Fourth of July events celebrate riding, roping and community roots
Art town: Galleries, boutiques, glasswork, cafes and local shops
Walkable center: Older storefronts and small businesses in a compact town area
Nearby routes: Close to Kula, Paia, Haiku and Haleakala-area drives
Activity fit: Good area for horseback riding, Haleakala tours and sightseeing plans
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 on the slopes below Haleakala, inland from Paia and Haiku and near Kula.

What is Makawao known for?

Makawao is known for paniolo history, ranching roots, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, the Fourth of July rodeo tradition and Upcountry Maui scenery.

What does paniolo mean?

Paniolo refers to Hawaiian cowboy culture, which developed after cattle and Spanish-speaking vaqueros influenced ranching in the Hawaiian Islands.

Is Makawao a good stop before Haleakala?

Yes. Makawao can work well before or after a Haleakala or Upcountry drive, especially for food, galleries, shopping and a slower town stop.

Is Makawao a beach town?

No. Makawao is an inland Upcountry town. Visitors drive from here to reach Paia, Haiku, North Shore beaches, Central Maui or Haleakala routes.