Once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States, Makawao is a thriving arts community located in Maui. Makawao is located on the mid-slopes of Haleakala volcano. Even though Makawao is heavy into the arts scene, there is another part of it that has a plantation past.
Makawao is locally known as Upcountry Maui and is famous for its paniolo or Hawaiian cowboys. Dating back to the 19th century, the horseback riding paniolo have wrangled cattle in the wide-open upland fields of Maui. Every year on the Fourth of July, the Makawao Rodeo takes place and is Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition and has been an Upcountry tradition for over 50 years. All the events that take place during the Makawao Rodeo include a parade and different rodeo competitions such as calf roping, bareback bronco riding, and barrel racing, all taking place with a few Hawaiian twists to them.
Spend the day in Makawao wandering through the art galleries and the different shops and boutiques. Makawao is a town of working artists, you can watch wood sculptors, painters, and even glassblowers fulfill one’s order. Visitors can take classes and explore free art gallery exhibits at the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center. Follow the locals to get a famous cream puff from the T. Komoda Store. Takezo Komoda was a Japanese plantation worker that established the store back in 1916. The little store and bakery does big lines, so go early because the lines can be long in the morning when everything is fresh. Keep in mind that the bakery is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
What makes Makawao so unique is the combination of its paniolo heritage and the artistic community that is so lively. Makawao is a wonderful place to visit during your stay in Maui.
