Makawao: Paniolo Tradition, History and Art

Makawao combines Hawaiian Paniolo tradition with history, art and nature experiences. The town in Maui’s Upcountry region is ideal for travelers who want to choose their stay not only based on scenery, but also on cultural discoveries and distinctive local stories. A vacation rental in Makawao can serve as a starting point for a variety of vacation days: follow historical traces with horseback rides, hiking trails or a visit to galleries and churches.

History in the Town Center and on the Story Map

Those who would initially like to get to know Makawao on foot can include the self-guided Discover Historic Makawao Walking Tour in their plans. It covers 20 representative buildings and sites in the town center. Another way to explore the past is the Historic Makawao Town Story Map, which explores Makawao’s historic landscapes and rich history.

The Makawao Union Church and St. Joseph Church are also part of the town’s historic character. Makawao Union Church was built in 1917 as a memorial to Henry Perrine Baldwin. St. Joseph Church stands out for its Gothic structure, soaring interior and magnificent stained-glass windows. The location of the Makawao History Museum on Baldwin Avenue is currently closed; for travel planning, the other described forms of local history are therefore particularly relevant.

Trails, Plants and Horseback Rides

The trails of the Kahakapao Recreational Area in the Makawao Forest Reserve are located near Makawao. They are designed for cycling, horseback riding and hiking, appealing to different ideas of an active day. Those seeking a more natural-history-oriented perspective can find a guided walking tour on Kaluanui featuring more than 70 plant and tree species.

Piʻiholo Ranch is also among the documented experiences in Makawao. There, visitors can go on a horseback ride and get to know Hawaiʻi’s Paniolo. This tradition of Hawaiian cowboys shapes the identity of the town and makes an excursion appealing if you want to discover culture not only through buildings, but also through regional ways of life.

Art, Rodeo and Local Specialties

Viewpoints Gallery is located in the Courtyard in Makawao. It showcases representational and contemporary works in various media by artists and craftspeople from Maui. Another cultural highlight is the Makawao Rodeo, held annually on July 4 and a tradition in Maui’s Upcountry region for more than 50 years. Rodeo weekend includes a parade, barrel racing, calf roping and bareback bronc riding.

The T. Komoda Store, founded in 1916 and known for its famous cream puffs, is part of Makawao’s culinary and local identity. Together with the Paniolo tradition, galleries and historic sites, it creates a destination with several distinct interests rather than just a single attraction.

Choosing Makawao as a Vacation Destination

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Makawao, it helps to determine the pace of travel you want. Would you like to explore historic buildings and art offerings, use trails in the forest or plan a horseback ride and experience Paniolo culture? The answer determines which experiences you place at the center of your accommodation search. For further orientation, you can also compare Haiku-Pauwela, Paia, Kahului, Wailea-Makena, Lanai City, Pukalani, Kīhei and Kaunakakai. This allows you to align your choice of vacation destination with the experiences that interest you most on Maui.

For the overarching travel overview: Maui.