$1,285,711Average Value$864Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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
Heidi Dollinger,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Makawao, HI sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Makawao, HI over the last 12 months is $1,395,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
2756 Leolani Place offers a unique opportunity to own a single-level home in the heart of Upcountry Maui. Situated on approximately 11,630 square feet, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home enjoys ocean views, West Maui vistas, and colorful sunset skies from a setting that combines open space, privacy, and convenience. The property's location is a standout feature. Adjacent to agricultural land and the
Sophistication and simplicity do a remarkable tango together at this rarely offered upcountry condo. Located between Makawao and Pukalani, this elegant courtyard style group of townhouses is cleverly hidden in its own world isolated from road noise and the bustle of Paniolo life. This second floor unit has cathedral ceilings and light coming in from all angles plus an efficient split system A/C
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,
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.
Truman TaokaIsland Sotheby's International Realty(W)
Multi-generational residence on the 9th tee of the Pukalani Country Club golf course. No flooding, no leaking, no problems during the recent storms. This 2476 square foot home can be sold fully furnished, includes two central air conditioning units in a walkable attic and a private entry studio with full bathroom and a second kitchen. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac and conveniently located to
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 bedrooms, 2 baths and a spacious, partially covered deck
Welcome to 1199 Freitas Place in Makawao town — a well-cared-for home that combines functional design with classic island living. This is truly one of the best values in Makawao on a $/sf basis! The property features a 1635 square foot, 3-bed/2-bath main residence and a 667 square foot detached Ohana. Both structures are situated on a lush 0.39 acre corner lot with established fruit trees and
Your whole family will have space in this energy efficient, turnkey, Bungalow Style, multi-level "Mini Mansion" It's nestled Upcountry on Haleakala. Walking distance to schools and Historical Makawao Town and short drive to town, beaches, and airport. 3 bedroom 2 baths can be divided into a separate 1 bd 1 ba attached ohana with private yard, kitchen, driveway, and entrance that easily could be
If home is where your horse is, try imagining yourself on this 9.618-acre ranch in the heart of Maui's cowboy town, Makawao! With a 16-stall horse barn and a climate-controlled tack room, a huge riding arena used for horse shows, training, and riding lessons, and farm buildings filling every corner, this has been a working ranch for the last 25 years. The primary dwelling was originally built as
Nestled in the heart of charming Makawao town, 7 Hoolai St is a private sanctuary that blends island living with modern comfort. Surrounded by lush, tall hedges and secured with fencing and a gated entry, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers both serenity and convenience. Step inside to discover a freshly painted interior with an inviting open floor plan, abundant natural light, and airy spaces
Enjoy cool, clean air and Upcountry living in this meticulously maintained residential condominium in the Cottages at Kulamalu. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features ocean and mountain views, a covered entry porch, central A/C, and a two-car garage. The property also includes a beautifully manicured fenced backyard with a covered lanai. The layout offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the
Discover a rare opportunity to own approximately 11.3 acres in the peaceful Hali’imaile/Makawao area. This private agricultural-zoned Lot A CPR parcel offers ocean and mountain views, cool breezes, and a true Upcountry ranch feel. Located within the Kaluanui Ridge 7-lot subdivision, the property is conveniently positioned between Makawao and Paia, with approximately a 5-minute drive in either
Property Id: 2502251Beautifully designed, solar power assisted 1-bedroom Ohana in Makawao featuring a private indoor-outdoor lanai retreat and versatile bonus space.This thoughtfully curated home offers a rare combination of privacy, comfort, and indoor-outdoor living in a peaceful residential Upcountry neighborhood.Best suited for a quiet professional or couple
This beautiful home is full of charm and attentiveness to details that creates a lovely space for an upcountry lifestyle. The upstairs master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. There are two more bedrooms upstairs with a full bathroom. Downstairs, there is a half bathroom. It comes furnished and move in ready. Linens, small kitchen appliances, dishware and other amenities are also available to the
Welcome to this beautiful 2 bed, 1 bath fully furnished Cottage on Olinda Rd.Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and manicured yard, this tastefully designed & furnished home features a roundabout driveway, rocking chairs on the front porch, a large screened in area, full kitchen with gas range and fireplace for the cool upcountry nights.Available for a 1 year term beginning May
Very spacious (750 sf) one bedroom / one bathroom cottage in Upland Estates. Fabulous location and access to all of your Upcountry needs. Avail July 1. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. (Cable and utilities separate)
2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Home for Rent in Pukalani! Approximately 500 sq ft of interior living space2 bedrooms | 1 bathroomSingle-vehicle carport includedTile flooring throughout for easy maintenanceWater, sewer, and landscaping services includedTenant responsible for electricity and cable/WiFiOne-year lease term requiredRenter’s
Steps from the heart of Makawao Town, this freshly renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers rare walk-ability in Upcountry Maui—just a 2-minute stroll to coffee shops, restaurants, and local boutiques. Features include in-unit laundry with a dedicated office space and a small fenced yard. Perfect for those seeking a beautiful new home, with the convenience of being in town.Lease
BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! In the coveted Hoku'ula community in Hali'imaile! This Beautiful 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom detached cottage features luxury vinyl plank flooring, shuttered vinyl windows, an all-in-one washer/dryer. There is currently one parking stall only. Trash included in rent. The owners live on property and will be managing this unit themselves. Dishwasher, stainless steel
$4,290 per month
3 Bed/ 2.5 Bath Two-Story Home with Yard and Garage
This spacious two-story home is approximately 1870 square feet and located in Makawao with schools, parks, restaurants and shopping all near by, enjoy the natural light, peaceful views, long driveway and ample yard space.With 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms upstairs, the primary room enjoys a lanai with ocean views and large walk in closet off the bath.The downstairs is very
Quiet, Fully Furnished 3-Bedroom Ohana Below Owner-Occupied Home in Pukalani.Seeking quiet, respectful, long-term tenants. No pets (strictly non-negotiable).This private unit features:3 bedrooms, 1 bathroomBrand-new flooring throughoutFully furnished with modern conveniences (including microwave, washer, window coverings)Direct access to a fenced backyardDriveway
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
