$1,300,391Average Value$889Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes 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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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Makawao, HI sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Makawao, HI over the last 12 months is $1,390,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Nestled in the prestigious gated community of Kulamalu Hilltop in Pukalani, Maui, this stunning residence is a true sanctuary of luxury and comfort. Soaring vaulted ceilings and an open-concept design that seamlessly blends elegance with functionality. Rich, gleaming wood floors flow throughout, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The heart of the home opens to a chef’s kitchen and expansive
Welcome to 1123 Kehau Place — a timeless 3-bedroom, 2-bath plantation-style home nestled on a peaceful hillside just above historic Makawao Town. This classic residence with R-3 Zoning offers 1,392 sq ft of living space filled with warmth, character, and sweeping bi-coastal views that stretch to Moloka‘i. Step inside to find gorgeous hardwood floors, custom built-in cabinetry, and inviting wood
Discover modern Upcountry living in this fully renovated Pukalani home offering flexible space and room to grow. Ideally located in the heart of Upcountry Maui, this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence blends contemporary comfort with timeless island charm. Thoughtfully redesigned from top to bottom, the home features upgraded plumbing and electrical, new windows, walls, doors,
Looking for an immaculate home on a quiet street in the moderate climate of Makawao? You found it! This 4 BR, 2.5 BA home (with master bedroom on ground floor) has been remodeled from floors to ceilings throughout, including granite countertops, wood cabinets, tile and luxury vinyl plank floors, SIX split AC units, steam shower in master BR, dry sauna (downstairs), and jacuzzi tub upstairs! The
Perched in the serene elevations of Upcountry Maui, this property combines breathtaking views with privacy and expansive land, offering exceptional potential for the future. At approximately 3,000 feet above sea level, it enjoys cool, crisp mountain air and a unique natural setting. Consisting of two separate TMKs totaling 1.14 acres. This Lindal Cedar residence offers three bedrooms and two
Welcome to Kula 200 — one of Upcountry Maui’s most sought-after agricultural subdivisions known for its spacious lots, privacy, and serene country setting. Situated on a 2-acre parcel, this single-level home offers the ideal blend of comfort, sustainability, and convenience. The 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence plus den spans approximately 3,002 sq. ft. of interior living space, thoughtfully
Discover Hokuula in the quaint town of Haliimaile, nestled on the gentle slopes of Haleakala, overlooking Maui’s world-renowned Northshore coastline. Expansive ocean and mountain views will greet you from this soon to be Upcountry community of 196-single family homes. Featuring contemporary architecture with six unique, 4-bedroom models on lots of approximately 7,500 to 10,000 square feet.
Hard to find, expansive, multi-family residence on the Pukalani Country Club golf course. This 4-bed, 3-bath 2476 square foot home boasts panoramic backyard mountain, ocean and golf course views, a tropical garden with pink ginger, bird of paradise, meyer lemon and mandarin orange trees. Property includes an attached studio with private entry. Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac, this designer's
$35,000 Seller-credit to Buyer at close of escrow!!! Welcome to your luxury upcountry home, just a short stroll to Makawao Town but worlds apart. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath house is located at the bottom of a gated driveway inside a master planned development, providing privacy and a "front row seat" on the panoramic, bi-coastal ocean views found there. Upstairs you will find the great room, 3
Welcome to the Meadows at Makawao subdivision. 244 N Makaleha Pl offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Upcountry Maui. This 1,774 sq ft, 3 bedroom 3 bath single-family home, built in 1988, sits on a generous 9,221 sq ft lot, providing ample space for comfortable living. Enjoy beautiful ocean views from the deck and master bedroom. The Meadows has underground utilities which makes for
Located in the desirable Baldwin Ranch Estates Phase 2, this 2.483-acre, Main Home CPR Lot A offers an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home in one of Maui's most sought-after areas. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the North Shore coastline and majestic Haleakala Mountain, providing an idyllic backdrop for your future residence. The property is part of Baldwin Ranch Estates
Property Id: 1504871Quaint Furnished 1400 sq. ft. home in Pukalani in quiet family neighborhood on a 1/2 acre property. Spacious kitchen, living room, dining room, and covered patio-lanai where you can relax and watch the beautiful sunsets. Close to County pool, tennis & pickleball courts, skateboard park, and golf course. A few minutes to Makawao, Paia, and Kahului towns, shopping,
BRAND NEWLY renovated 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom, two-story home in Kua'aina Subdivision. Downstairs could be it's own unit with 1BR/1BA and family room. Upstairs has 2BR/2BA with spacious deck and VIEWS!!! PLUS a large sized, gorgeous garage with lots of storage.
Incredible Ocean Views! Brand new home in Maui's newest neighborhood. Experience contemporary luxury in this pristine, never occupied 4 bedroom + den, 3 bath residence located in Maui's newest community, Hoku'ula. Clean architectural lines and thoughtfully planned interiors draw the eye toward sweeping island vistas. Lease Details: - 1-year lease with option to renew - Unfurnished - A/C - 2 car
$3,200 - Heart of Makawao Town | New Carpet | $400/mo. Discount!Walk to Town & Schools - A Spacious, Charming, Comfortable and Conveniently Located Home at a Massive Discount!Looking for the convenience of Makawao living without the high price tag? This classic home is located right in the heart of Makawao Town, just steps away from local shops, boutiques, and Makawao Elementary
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