Twenty notable buildings and places in the town center form the core of the self-guided “Discover Historic Makawao Walking Tour.” Together with the “Historic Makawao Town” Story Map, which explores Makawao’s historic landscapes and rich history, they offer different ways to discover the town’s past. The Paniolo tradition, art and nearby trails add to the picture. This makes it easy to choose how to explore Makawao based on your interests in culture, history or outdoor activities.
History, Churches and Art
The walking tour focuses on specific buildings and places in the town center, while the Story Map also looks at Makawao’s landscapes and history. The Makawao History Museum on Baldwin Avenue offers another connection to the town’s past, but it is currently closed. Check again before your trip to see whether its status has changed. St. Joseph Church stands out for its Gothic structure, soaring interior and magnificent stained-glass windows. In Paia, near Makawao, Makawao Union Church was built in 1917 as a memorial to Henry Perrine Baldwin.
Kaluanui also brings history together with an outdoor visit: preserving the historic Kaluanui Estate is part of Hui Noʻeau’s mission. Kaluanui also offers a walking tour featuring more than 70 plant and tree species. These historical connections cover a range of themes, from architecture and remembrance to the landscape and its plants.
Viewpoints Gallery is located in the Courtyard in Makawao. It showcases representational and contemporary works in various media by Maui artists and craftspeople. The specific exhibits may change, but the focus on Maui art and a range of media offers a useful guide for your visit.
Trails and Paniolo Tradition
Near Makawao, the trails in the Kahakapao Recreational Area in the Makawao Forest Reserve are designed for biking, horseback riding and hiking. This lets you choose trails based on your preferred activity. Check the latest trail information before your visit. The walking tour at Kaluanui is another way to spend time outdoors while learning about plant and tree species.
Makawao is known for its tradition of Hawaiian cowboys, the Paniolo. The Makawao Rodeo takes place every year on July 4 and has been an Upcountry Maui tradition for more than 50 years. Rodeo weekend includes a parade, barrel racing, calf roping and bareback bronc riding. Those interested in Paniolo culture can also find a connection at Piʻiholo Ranch in Makawao, where visitors can go on a horseback ride and learn about Hawaiʻi’s Paniolo. The rodeo and the horseback ride offer different ways to experience this tradition: one through a weekend of events, the other through a ride and an introduction to the Paniolo.
Another local landmark is T. Komoda Store, founded in 1916 and known for its famous cream puffs. This well-known snack adds a distinctive local specialty to Makawao’s cultural and historical offerings.
Discover more destinations: Maunaloa, Wailuku, Wailea-Makena, Kaunakakai, Haiku-Pauwela, Hana, Kula, Lanai City.
See the main travel guide: Maui.
