$1,263,545Average Value$899Average Price per Sq Ft32Homes For Sale
Maui's hub for paniolo culture
Close to Maui’s refreshing rain belt, Makawao is a culturally unique community on the outer slopes of the Haleakala volcano. Its Old West-style downtown and long-running annual rodeo pay homage to the legacy of Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. Locals frequently ride horses down the town’s row of century-old false-front buildings, transporting Makawao back in time. “It’s off-the-beaten-path Upcountry living,” says Makawao-born Realtor Jordan Kamikawa of Hawaii Life Realty. She adds that it’s ideal “for those who love the beach but want to come home to a greener, cooler climate.” Fourteen-year resident Sam Zender says it’s a place where “everybody knows everybody. It has an ohana feeling.”
Downtown Makawao buzzes with art galleries and local shops.
Satori in Makawao serves fresh island-inspired seafood dishes.
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From galleries to donuts on a stick
Baldwin Avenue is Makawao’s main drag, lined with long-running, locally owned businesses. Residents visiting Baldwin Avenue can quickly run errands at stops like Rodeo General Store. “People can do basic grocery shopping there,” Zender says. “They also have a lot of prepared foods and a deli counter.” Across the street is Komoda Store and Bakery, which has operated since 1916. Going here for a cream puff or a kebab-like donut stick “was the best treat you could get as a kid growing up in Makawao,” Kamikawa says. “There’s always a line, and they’ve managed to make this stick of glazed donuts one of the most popular and unique treats on Maui.” Downtown Makawao is also home to multiple galleries where glass blowers, painters and other artists demonstrate their craft.
Rodeo General Store stocks essentials and western-style goods.
Downtown Makawao hums with creativity and local culture.
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A three-day annual rodeo
Independence Day is a spectacle in Makawao. First, a parade down Baldwin Avenue features local paniolo astride their trusty steeds. They then head about 1 mile south of town to feature in the three-day Makawao Rodeo. It’s the only event of its kind on the island and has been a local tradition for over 50 years. “People come from all over Maui and fill the stadium risers at Oskie Rice Arena to watch roping and bull-riding in celebration of the surviving paniolo culture,” Kamikawa says. The rodeo often treats spectators to live music after hours of roping, riding and racing.
"If something comes up, it goes fast."
Nearly 8,000 people live in and around downtown Makawao, generally in single-family homes from the mid-to-late 1900s. While these tend to be significantly smaller than the typical U.S. abode, they’re worth more than double the average national property value. “It’s hard to get into,” Zender says of the local housing market. “Not a lot sells, though if something comes up, it goes fast.” Ranch-style and coastal contemporary homes are common in central Makawao. Custom homes and newer Craftsman builds appear farther from Baldwin Avenue. Price tags start at around $550,000 for two-bedroom 1940s ramblers needing extensive updates. The average homebuyer will spend just over $1 million, which could buy a three-bedroom 2021 Craftsman house. Meanwhile, four-bedroom custom builds on multiple acres typically cost $2 million and up.
Makawao homes display varied architecture and design details.
Though Maui’s natural beauty surrounds Makawao, locals don’t need to venture out of town to enjoy the outdoors. Eddie Tam Memorial Center features a sprawling mass of outdoor athletic facilities for baseball, soccer, tennis and basketball. It’s anchored by an indoor gymnasium equipped for rainy-day basketball games. Two miles outside town, Makawao Forest Reserve features several miles of cool-aired trails winding beneath eucalyptus and pine trees. About 1 mile in the opposite direction, more creatively inclined locals can explore and grow their talents at Huo No’eau Visual Arts Center. Since 1934, this community organization has operated public studios with professional-grade equipment for budding and seasoned artists. It also hosts frequent lectures, workshops, exhibitions and other events.
Makawao hosts galleries and studios for art enthusiasts.
Makawao Park provides a peaceful green space for relaxation.
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Three public schools within 3 miles
Students in Makawao attend three public schools within 3 miles of Balwin Avenue. Makawao Elementary School operates just off the main drag, welcoming over 500 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade. It has a B-minus score from Niche, while the nearby Kalama Intermediate School has a C-plus. King Kekaulike High School, rated a B-plus, has a 50-acre campus at the feet of Haleakala. Its 1,167 students can participate in the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program, among other educational tracks.
Makawao Elementary School educates students from pre-K to grade 5.
Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate School serves five distinct Upcountry Maui communities.
King Kekaulike High School offers diverse programs in Makawao.
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More dining and retail in Kahului
Locals needing to conduct large grocery hauls or other errands often head west to Kahului. This seaside town is about 10 miles west, typically a 20-minute drive. Buses also take Makawao residents to Kahului, with rides lasting about 30 minutes.
Written By
John Battiston
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Makawao, HI sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Makawao, HI over the last 12 months is $1,295,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Find 2679 Kamelani Loop a naturally bright and inviting home, impeccably situated on a minimal traffic corner lot. From the moment you arrive, the tastefully manicured lawn and garden enhance the home's curb appeal, setting the stage for a meticulously cared for home. The Trex-decked balcony offers a stunning view of the West Maui Mountains, Maalaea, and South Maui, providing a serene backdrop
Find 2679 Kamelani Loop a naturally bright and inviting home, impeccably situated on a minimal traffic corner lot. From the moment you arrive, the tastefully manicured lawn and garden enhance the home's curb appeal, setting the stage for a meticulously cared for home. The Trex-decked balcony offers a stunning view of the West Maui Mountains, Maalaea, and South Maui, providing a serene backdrop
Nestled in the heart of charming Makawao, this versatile Maui home offers the perfect blend of space, privacy, and island lifestyle. Situated on a generous 10,000+ sq. ft. lot, the property features a 3-bedroom, 2-bath main residence upstairs filled with natural light and cool upcountry breezes. Downstairs, a 2 bedroom ohana provides flexible living options—ideal for extended family, guests, or
SELLER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Spanning over 10 acres above Makawao, this private Upcountry estate features a stunning 3,229 sq ft main residence with custom architecture and rich woodwork. Two additional detached homes include a 3BR/2BA with a spacious mother-in-law suite with full kitchen and a 2BR/1BA cottage—perfect for extended living or rental potential. Each structure is thoughtfully
The quintessential upcountry dream come true! This, the larger 1.7 Acre lot (A) has magical welcoming charm, its private, cared for, in a lush pastoral landscaped setting. clear crisp fragrant air (2, 260 Ft. Approx. elev.) 15 mins to Makawao, close by. Mini Barn with outdoor shower etc.. Property is partially fenced + has gated entry. Bathroom remodeled. Wood burning fireplace main living area.
Attached one bedroom one bath unit in great neighborhood, Maui Uplands. This is a one level spot, has a full bath with tub and full kitchen for the cook. There is a private pool exclusive to Maui Uplands and it is a nice neighborhood in a low drama situation. Owner is Realtor. Washer and dryer on site not shared. There is an area for gardening and planting, and parking for one car. Immediate
Property Id: 2226527Welcome to this charming 3 bed, 2 bath single-family home in Makawao! Built in 1985, this cozy property features a 2 car garage, vaulted ceilings, and on-site laundry. Enjoy the convenience of included water utilities and amenities such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator, and oven. With carpet, laminate, and tile flooring, this home is perfect for comfortable living.
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