Makawao, HI

Travel Guide

Makawao
Haleakala National Park which includes desert views and landscape views
Haleakala National Park showing tranquil scenes, a sunset and landscape views
Haleakala National Park featuring tranquil scenes
Haleakala National Park showing landscape views and desert views

Reflective of Hawaii’s unique rural culture and artistic heritage, this town should be included in any trip to Maui.

When you visit Makawao, you might be surprised by the Western-style façades, steakhouses and signage with cowboy fonts. You have entered paniolo country. “Paniolo” is a Hawaiian name for a cowboy. Many paniolos are found in what is known here as Upcountry Maui. Come understand this piece of Hawaiian culture and experience Makawao’s artistic features.

Pass the beautiful volcanic formation of Mount Haleakala as you drive into Makawao. The area’s grassy knolls and dramatic ocean views rival any others in Hawaii. Look for cattle with paniolos wrangling them into new grazing sites.

Beyond its paniolo heritage, Makawao is known in Maui as a haven for artists. Stop at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, where local glassblowers, sculptors and painters exhibit works showcasing the unique beauty of the region. The charming, villa-style grounds of the museum are also wonderful for a warm afternoon walk. For another moment in an even more tranquil space, meander through the serene labyrinths of The Sacred Garden of Maliko.

For a taste of authentic local food you can get only in Makawao, buy a doughnut or pastry from Komoda Store & Bakery. Many tourists familiar with Maui will make a detour just to taste these rich treats once again. Arrive early for the best selection. Save room for delicious food from the pizzerias, bars, grills and traditional Hawaiian restaurants in the area.

Drive 13 miles (20 kilometers) from Kahului to reach Makawao. Once you’re here, public parking is free and all attractions are walking distance from each other. Many people make Makawao a daytrip. Several upscale hotels and a few inns are here to accommodate your overnight stays. Wake up early to experience a sunrise as it graces the eastern Maui horizon.

Gods Peace Of Maui
Gods Peace Of Maui
2 out of 5
1290 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI
$185 nightly
The price is $218 total per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
$218 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa B&B in Makawao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Hali imaile Farmer's Market and Hui Noʻeau Visual ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
"I was here over 20 years ago and never forgot the feeling I had staying in the hibiscus cottage with the most amazing breeze coming through, surrounded by Hawaiian farmland and a peace you have to experience to know. When I stayed here the second time I felt that feeling all over again. It’s a magic ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Gods Peace Of Maui
Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
3.5 out of 5
1813 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI
$406 nightly
The price is $478 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$478 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique hotel in Makawao. Enjoy free breakfast, onsite spa services, and a garden. Popular attractions Hali imaile Farmer's Market and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (205 reviews)
"A wonderful, off-the-beaten path experience away from all the tourists."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
Historic Upcountry Maui Property With Pool, 7Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
Historic Upcountry Maui Property With Pool, 7Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
Makawao
$2,331 nightly
The price is $2,723 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$2,723 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Makawao. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Enlighten Up Massage and Makawao Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Family reunion
"We spent 3 nights on the property. There were 16 in our group so took up the whole property which was nice. The house had everything we needed. The host was easy to communicate with and very friendly!We loved using the pool everyday and enjoyed having coffee outside with the beautiful views."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Historic Upcountry Maui Property With Pool, 7Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic Upcountry Maui Property With Pool, 7Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
Historic Upcountry Maui Property With Pool, 7Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
Makawao
Stay at this vacation home in Makawao. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Enlighten Up Massage and Makawao Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Family reunion
"We spent 3 nights on the property. There were 16 in our group so took up the whole property which was nice. The house had everything we needed. The host was easy to communicate with and very friendly!We loved using the pool everyday and enjoyed having coffee outside with the beautiful views."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Historic Upcountry Maui Property With Pool, 7Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
Maui Beach Vacation Club
Maui Beach Vacation Club
2.5 out of 5
515 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (764 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Maui Beach Vacation Club
Castle Kama'ole Sands
Castle Kama'ole Sands
3 out of 5
2695 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI
Stay at this 3-star condo in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,241 reviews)
"The location is perfect! The beach across the street is clean and spacious. The pool and grounds are well cared for and beautiful. The front desk staff was friendly and the elevators were fast. The property itself is great. The room was just ehhh. We had two units side by side and I wasn’t overly ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Castle Kama'ole Sands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Makawao

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Cute shops and vendors. Cooler temps, and nice break from the beach areas. Gorgeous views.

5/5 - Excellent

Aj

Great small town. Offering local and food and fare. Not as crowded as Paia if youre looking for a nice town with nice people.

3/5 - Okay

Bernie

Charming town. Enjoyed Pa'ia down the road. More dining options, great small shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Not far from Lumeria (yoga retreat), cozy small town with cute shops and restaurants with good food.

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