Makawao Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Makawao
Haleakala National Park featuring landscape views and desert views
Haleakala National Park showing a sunset, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Haleakala National Park featuring tranquil scenes
Haleakala National Park which includes 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 Centre, 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 kilometres) 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.

Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
3.5 out of 5
1813 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI
The price is AU$835 per night from 10 Jan to 11 Jan
AU$835
includes taxes & fees
10 Jan - 11 Jan 2025
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (183 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful"

Reviewed on 2 Dec. 2024

Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
5 out of 5
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$1,453 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
AU$1,453
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent team, very professional, well trained, friendly great attitude. Will come back again and again"

Reviewed on 17 Dec. 2024

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
5 out of 5
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI
The price is AU$1,785 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
AU$1,785
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, 9 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the restaurants at this property. The food was amazing and the service was very good. I will stay here again just because of that."

Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2024

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
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.
Aston Maui Hill
Aston Maui Hill
3 out of 5
2881 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (755 reviews)
"Beautiful property and very spacious rooms! The staff was also very nice and even checked up on us."

Reviewed on 19 Dec. 2024

Aston Maui Hill
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 garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (702 reviews)
Resort fees
"Checkin was easy, but there was a misrepresentation about the resort fees. I thought it was already included in the initial payment"

Reviewed on 8 Dec. 2024

Maui Beach Vacation Club
Maui Sunset
Maui Sunset
3.5 out of 5
1032 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Wailea Beach and Waipuilani Park are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (408 reviews)
"Great ocean front property with amazing amenities. Great for couples or families!"

Reviewed on 11 Dec. 2024

Maui Sunset
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.

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