$1,258,733Average Value$893Average Price per Sq Ft38Homes 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
Heidi Dollinger,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Makawao, HI sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Makawao, HI over the last 12 months is $1,375,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own private retreat! This comfortable, single-level 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 2.5 level, fully fenced and gated acres, offering the perfect blend of privacy, peace, and usable outdoor space. Relax year-round on the spacious wraparound covered deck, complete with a brand-new hot tub—an ideal spot to unwind while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The detached 2.5-car garage
Debra MerleIsland Sotheby's International Realty(M)
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of the historic Haliimaile Plantation Village! This beautifully maintained 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
Perched just above Makawao Town, 1131 Kehau Place captures the essence of Upcountry living with sweeping ocean and West Maui Mountain views, cool trade winds, and the convenience of being just minutes from schools, restaurants, shopping, and everyday essentials. This move-in-ready home has been thoughtfully updated with remodeled bathrooms and a refreshed kitchen featuring new stainless steel
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
Welcome to your own private retreat! This comfortable, single-level 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 2.5 level, fully fenced and gated acres, offering the perfect blend of privacy, peace, and usable outdoor space. Relax year-round on the spacious wraparound covered deck, complete with a brand-new hot tub—an ideal spot to unwind while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The detached 2.5-car garage
Debra MerleIsland Sotheby's International Realty(M)
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
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
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of the historic Haliimaile Plantation Village! This beautifully maintained 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
Crest the rolling hills and you’ll discover this breathtaking Upcountry Maui estate: a one-of-a-kind property with a rare combination of privacy, expansive space, and timeless charm. The property lies on 4.38 acres of vibrant, open land. It could be your own little oasis, with lush landscaping and tranquility within a short driving distance to charming Makawao Town. The main residence is
Perched just above Makawao Town, 1131 Kehau Place captures the essence of Upcountry living with sweeping ocean and West Maui Mountain views, cool trade winds, and the convenience of being just minutes from schools, restaurants, shopping, and everyday essentials. This move-in-ready home has been thoughtfully updated with remodeled bathrooms and a refreshed kitchen featuring new stainless steel
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
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
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,
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,
Breathtaking West Maui Mountain & Ocean Views! Welcome to your dream, FULLY FURNISHED, Upcountry retreat overlooking the 11th Fairway of the Pukalani Country Club Golf Course—offering a park-like setting with sweeping vistas and an abundance of space and serenity. This rare golf course-front home has been beautifully remodeled in 2017, blending modern elegance with the charm of Maui living. Step
Property Id: 1584348 Charming 2BD Makawao Cottage - Quiet Cul-de-Sac with Attached Garage! Escape to this cozy, private 2-bedroom sanctuary tucked away in a tranquil Makawao cul-de-sac. This home perfectly blends peaceful upcountry living with modern convenience. The basics: Monthly Rent: $3,000.00 Security Deposit: $3,000.00 Pet Terms: Small pets (under 25 lbs)
Built in 2023, this 2,292 sq ft home is located in the new Hoku’ula subdivision in upcountry Haliimaile. It offers sweeping ocean views and convenient access to our top upcountry private schools such as Seabury, Carden, and Waldorf, as well as easy access to Kahului. The home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is situated upstairs alongside the open-concept
Incredible Ocean Views from 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-
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
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
$6,500 per month
Spacious 4-Bedroom, 4-Bath Home for Rent in Makawao
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 newly built two-story home in Hoku'ula offers postcard ocean views, an open floor plan that connects naturally to a covered lanai, and a two-car garage. Four bedrooms and three full bathrooms provide comfortable, well-proportioned living space throughout.The location is a genuine highlight. Moments from Hali'imaile General Store, Makawao's cafés and farmers' markets, North Shore surf
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
$3,900 per month
Pet-Friendly 3-Bedroom Makawao Home with Full Solar, Two-Car Garage & Recent Updates
Now Available for Rent – 65 Healani Place, Makawao, HI 96753***Current photos are not a perfect representation of the updates done to the home. NEW photos will be available soon***Enjoy comfortable Upcountry Maui living in this newly updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Makawao. Featuring fresh interior paint, new flooring, updated bathrooms, full solar power, and generous
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