Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Things to do in Makawao give you a very interesting insight into the Upcountry of Maui, colourful, fun, and filled with diverse people. The town is a good example of places where cowboy traditions mix with art vibes that are inspired by bohemians. This lovely town at the foot of Haleakalā has easily managed to combine three different things. It is a great place to visit for a day trip, which offers a good mix of rustic authenticity and creative flair.
9 Best Things To Do In Makawao
Discover 9 unforgettable things to do in Makawao, from glassblowing studios and forest hikes to local eats and cowboy culture.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Makawao
Photo: Joel Bradshaw / Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Makawao is a place where you can still experience a unique blend of old Hawaiian cowboy charm and island art of modern times. On Baldwin Avenue, visitors can come across wooden plantation-era buildings that are now occupied by boutiques that are eclectic, apothecaries for healing and studios for artisans. If you want to see local art, drop in at Maui Hands or Viewpoints Gallery, or if you want to browse chic island wear, come to Pink by Nature. The street’s vibe, which is laid-back, perfectly suits slow strolling while holding a locally brewed coffee or lilikoi lemonade in your hand.
Location: Mid-Slopes of Haleakalā, Makawao
Highlights: Boutiques, art galleries, historic architecture
2. Grab Sweet Treats At T. Komoda Store & Bakery
Photo: WestportWiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visiting Makawao without a stop at T. Komoda Store & Bakery, a local favourite since 1916, wouldn’t be unthinkable. This unpretentious bakery on Baldwin Avenue is famous for its cream puffs, stick doughnuts, and malasadas all over Maui. The bakery is decor-wise pretty much the same as it was in the old days, with family recipes passed down through generations of bakers. Local people are often lined up before the doors open, especially on weekends, so it’s better to get there early for the freshest selection.
Location: 3674 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Highlights: Famous cream puffs, stick doughnuts, malasadas
3. Watch Glassblowing At Hot Island Glass
Photo: Missvain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hot Island Glass is one of the most fascinating places in Makawao that you can never forget, and an unusual experience of seeing live glassblowing. It’s a working studio and gallery located just off Baldwin Avenue that displays the amazing skill of local artisans who create molten glass into intricate sculptures, vases, and sea-inspired art. Through large viewing windows, visitors can observe the process of making art as well as the adjoining gallery where they can pick up finished pieces. The studio is all about traditional techniques with a Hawaiian twist, and a lot of pieces are the result of the use of colours and themes inspired by the island’s landscape.
Location: 3620 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Highlights: Molten glass shaping, artist interaction, gallery pieces
4. Browse Local Art Galleries
Photo: Colin Smith / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For a number of years, Makawao has been known as Maui’s art capital, and its vibrant gallery scene is evidence of that reputation. A number of outstanding galleries featuring original works by local artists from different genres, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, can be found along and around Baldwin Avenue. Viewpoints Gallery is a place where artists’ talks are held and rotating exhibitions with curated themes are presented, while Maui Hands is a place where you can find different handcrafted objects from jewellery to ceramics. Most of the galleries are abundant with landscapes, the ocean, and native Hawaiian motifs.
Highlights: Original paintings, pottery, and local crafts
5. Try Fresh Eats At Satori / Freshies Food Trucks
Photo: Phillip Pessar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In Makawao’s main street, Satori and Freshies are two of the most popular food trucks that serve very fresh dishes. Satori is the place to go for sushi burritos, poke bowls, and vegan-friendly rolls, all made with local products and served with an innovative flavour combination. Freshies is located just next to it and they serve comforting plate lunches, colourful salads, and changing specials that remind me of Maui’s farm-to-table philosophy. Both of them are operating from a quiet and shaded space where you can have your meal at a communal picnic table under string lights.
Location: Right in the heart of Makawao, Upcountry Maui, between Rodeo General Store and Maui Masters Jewellery
Highlights: Sushi burritos, poke bowls, vegan rolls, fresh local specials
6. Attend The Annual Makawao Rodeo
Photo: Forest and Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Makawao Rodeo, which is held annually in July around Independence Day, is the most famous cultural event of Upcountry Maui. Since 1956, this event has been giving aloha to the island’s paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage with four days of rodeo competitions, parades, and local festivities. Among other events, bull riding, barrel racing, and roping, being the main ones, attracted the best talent from all over Hawaii and the mainland. The atmosphere is vibrant, and people are very involved, with food booths, crafts, and live music contributing to the good time. For many visitors, it’s a rare opportunity to watch Maui’s cowboy culture in its natural environment.
Location: Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao, Maui
Highlights: Bull riding, paniolo traditions, community parade
7. Sip Local Brews At Mahalo Aleworks
Photo: Burkhard Mücke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Make a journey to Mahalo Aleworks, the first and only brewpub in Makawao, and enjoy small-batch craft beers. This charming local haunt, nestled on Kupaoa Street, provides an open-air taproom experience with panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and the ocean. The local brewery is dedicated to farmhouse-style ales, IPAs, and sours, all made from local produce, some of which is gathered directly from the slopes of Haleakalā. The easy-going upstairs balcony is perfect for enjoying a sunset during golden hour, while tasting a tasting flight.
Location: 30 Kupaoa St Ste 101, Makawao, Maui, HI 96768-6216
Highlight: Farmhouse ales brewed with local Maui ingredients
8. Dine At Casanova Italian Restaurant
Photo: Missvain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Casanova Italian Restaurant is a highly popular food place in the centre of Makawao, which is famous for its very traditional Italian food and warm, rustic decor. Since being opened in 1986, it has been offering a menu full of handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and locally grown vegetables. The dishes that are most ordered are their creamy fettuccine alfredo, mushroom risotto, and homemade tiramisu. Thus, if you have been busy exploring the island and want to have a great dinner at the end, Casanova is the right choice. Visiting this long-standing culinary gem is definitely one of the many things to do in Makawao.
Location: 1188 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, United States
Highlight: Wood-fired pizzas and locally sourced Italian dishes
9. Visit The Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Centre
Photo: EmingCBetty / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Only a short drive from the centre of Makawao, the Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Centre is a vibrant community art hub that is built on a historic estate. People can come here to see changing exhibitions in the free public galleries. Also they can also take a self-guided tour of the comfortably restored 1917 mansion. The gift shop that is located on the site provides paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and textiles that are made locally, great for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs. There are also activities that allow you to work with your hands and classes in painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, and more. One of the things to do in Makawao, it renders an enriching, deeply immersive experience.
Location: 2841 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Highlights: Historic mansion, rotating exhibits, sculpture garden
Makawao embodies the spirit of Maui in such surprising ways by means of forest trails, heritage bakeries, live glassblowing, and paniolo parades. These things to do in Makawao shed light on the issue of how much beauty and personality can be revealed beyond the beach. Planning your trip and discovering more hidden areas of Hawaii? Go to TripXL, where you can get curated travel guides, expert tips, and everything you need to complete your Makawao adventure.
Cover Photo: 07shanthuna / Wikimedia Commons
