$1,262,172Average Value$911Average Price per Sq Ft42Homes 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
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On average, homes in Makawao, HI sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 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.
Follow the country road to the very top of Piiholo Road, where peaceful Upcountry living, privacy, and breathtaking surroundings await. Nestled on this exceptional 3 Acre property is a custom-crafted 2-bedroom bamboo home that blends natural beauty, sustainability, and timeless design. Bamboo is prized around the world for its strength, warmth, and renewable qualities, creating a truly unique
Nestled on a private road, 37 Pukiki Place offers the peace, privacy, and tranquility that define Upcountry Maui living. This recently renovated single-level residence is located in one of Maui’s most sought-after microclimates, where cool trade winds, beautiful ocean and North Shore views, and a serene setting create an exceptional place to call home. Thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of the historic Haliimaile Plantation Village! This beautifully maintained Permitted 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of Upcountry charm and incredible future potential. Step inside to discover a bright and versatile layout designed to adapt to your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a spacious family home, an ideal setup for
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Tucked away on a peaceful private road, 35 Pukiki Place presents a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of Upcountry Maui living in one of the island’s most desirable microclimates. Recently renovated, this expansive 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom residence captures refreshing trade winds, beautiful ocean and North Shore views, and the privacy and tranquility that make this area so special. This two-story
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Welcome to 30 Paha‘a Place, a beautifully updated and exceptionally versatile Upcountry Maui home tucked away on a flag lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Pukalani. Situated on approximately ¼ acre, this private property offers generous indoor and outdoor living, a flexible floor plan, mature landscaping and numerous recent improvements, including nearly 1000 additional square feet of
One of the most turnkey development opportunities in Upcountry Maui. This 1.8-acre vacant lot comes with its own three rare 5/8" county water meters and county-approved building plans for a main house with an attached ohana ready to break ground. Skip the years of waiting for the county, architectural fees, and uncertainty. Lot A is zoned R-3, which allows for a total of three homes of any size
Spacious, private, and full of character, 25 Lumahai Place, just off Olinda Road, sits on 2.88 acres with sweeping ocean and West Maui mountain views, cool fresh air, and temperatures that feel like spring year round. A 2,732 square foot main home and detached cottage, 5-7 minutes from Seabury Hall and Makawao Town. The main home's soaring wood-beam ceilings and wood-burning fireplace set a warm,
Wake up in the heart of Makawao in this charming 1,404 sq. ft 4-bedroom, 3-bath home. Under high ceilings, this thoughtfully designed upgraded kitchen features beautiful granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and modern finishes throughout. Opening seamlessly into a living area cooled by a high ceiling fan, this space creates an inviting open-concept layout perfect for entertaining.
Tucked privately at the top of a cul-de-sac, this beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 3-bath home plus office is a Makawao residence that offers a rare combination of thoughtful design, lush surroundings, private pool, intimate outdoor spaces, and an exceptionally flexible floor plan. The home feels both gracious and wonderfully easy to live in, with a sense of privacy and tranquillity that is
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Private Detached Studio Ohana | Quiet Lower Pukalani Location. Enjoy the privacy and peaceful atmosphere of Lower Pukalani in this detached 500 sq. ft. studio ohana located on a private road with no through traffic. Nestled on a long-time family-owned residential property, this well-maintained unit offers a quiet setting among established neighbors.Features include luxury vinyl plank
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Property Id: 1946667 Rent this cozy studio in Pukalani. Tile floors throughout, updated kitchenette, extra large bathroom with tiled shower and changing area. Shared lanai, w/d with a large shared yard. One assigned parking space in the carport. HUD Approved Water and trash included. No pets allowed Available Now DO NOT WALK ON PROPERTY WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT.
Property Id: 778019 2bd/1ba Well maintained, updated, with newer kitchen, tile floors, spacious bedrooms and updated bath. Open floor plan with full size fridge and range. Shared coin operated laundry on site. Water and trash included. Parking for 2 cars on site. This is a multi unit property. Rental process: 1. Complete a drive by of the property first to see if you
Property Id: 2848491 Spacious Garden studio in Makawao, shared property. •Showings begin October 2026 •Location: Meadows at Makawao HOA subdivision, near Makawao Elementary School. Utilities paid, including fast Wi-Fi and landscaping •Tenant pays a share of electric bill •Full bathroom and full kitchen •Both private and shared yards •Studio shares a wall
Enjoy Upcountry Maui living in this spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bath home, ideally located in a quiet area just minutes from charming Makawao town. With a versatile floor plan and generous living spaces, this unfurnished home offers plenty of room to accommodate a variety of lifestyles.Take in the beautiful Upcountry views from the lanai, the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee, unwind
This charming and spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home in the heart of Makawao town is ready for you to move in! Recently updated with fresh paint throughout, this property offers a clean feel while retaining its welcoming charm. Located in a highly desirable area, you'll enjoy easy walking access to local shops, dining, and all the best of Makawao.Property Features:•Freshly Painted
Bright and spacious one bedroom one bath - all utilities included-$2500 per month. Welcome home to this beautifully updated 500sf home that offers comfort privacy and convenience in a peaceful neighborhood setting. This unit is freshly painted with brand -new flooring, appliances, countertops, and cabinets. You will have access to outdoor space with room to garden and private neighborhood
Aloha, Available for rent is a recently remodeled cottage in the heart of Pukalani. • 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom• Recently remodeled incluing new kichen countertop, sink, faucet, fans, lighting, flooring (in bathroom), toilet, and paint thoughout. • Cozy, efficient layout - which can be utilized as a 2 bedroom or a larger 1 bedroom space.• Upcountry Maui
Showing property: by appointment.MORE INFO AND RENTAL APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT:PropHawaii dot comWhen inquiring please tell us a little bit about yourself and any other prospective occupants.This is a small, clean, 2 bedroom/1 bath attached Ohana.Like new interior paint, flooring & screens, driveway parking. Looking for someone quiet, respectful and clean.
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