Makawao
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As Makawao marks the start of a vast expanse of jungle-like rainforests that wrap around the north and east sides of Maui, it is naturally wet and cool. Average temperatures are generally 5 to 10 degrees below those at sea-levels or in Kahului. Makawao is known for its cowboy culture, incredibly eclectic mix of residents, uniquely laid-back and liberal character and delicious local eateries. During World War II and the two decades that followed it, Makawao was host to a famed USO club as well as a local population of active military personnel, many of whom were stationed at the nearby 4th Marine Infantry Division in neighboring Ha'iku.
Get in
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport for the island of Maui, and the second largest commercial airport in the state. It is a secondary hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which provides interisland service to Kahului from the other major airports in the state. Several major U.S. airlines also provide non-stop service to Maui from the West Coast and beyond.
Other airports on Maui include the Ka'anapali Airport located outside of Lahaina, serving the west side of the island, and Hana Airport located in Hana, serving the eastern part of the island. (Generally, it is far less expensive to fly into Maui via Kahului Airport rather than into Hana or Ka'anapali Airport, however travel between these three airports as a means of travel around the island can offer an inexpensive alternative to car rentals if done at the right time of year.)
To get to Makawao, exit the airport and follow the signs toward Haleakala Highway. Once on Haleakala Highway, travel up the mountain, turning left onto Makawao Avenue after approximately 7.5 miles and following Makawao Ave until you reach Makawao town, about a mile down the road.
See
Seeing Makawao is easy, as the town is mostly comprised of the intersection of Baldwin and Makawao Ave. Makawao is an old Paniolo (cowboy) town and much of its history is reflected in the architecture and feel - even today you can find horse-hitching posts scattered around the town. Highlights of Makawao include The Makawao Steak House, a popular local restaurant (order their Kalaheo cut, a 24oz cut of bone-in prime rib), Pollis, the local watering hole and Mexican restaurant, Casanova's, the towns' Italian restaurant and Upcountry's nightlife epicenter and Komoda's Bakery (home of the famous stick donut). Visitors should walk from Makawao Ave down Baldwin Ave, perusing the many shops and local businesses that give the town its unique character.
Buy
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Altitude
phone: +1 808-573-4733address: 660 Baldwin Ave -
Maui Master Jewelers
phone: +1 808-573-5400address: 3655 Baldwin Ave -
Maui Riders Clothing Co.
phone: +1 808-573-2320address: 3619 Baldwin Ave -
The Mercantile
phone: +1 808-572-1407address: 3673 Baldwin Ave -
Oh Baby
phone: +1 808-572-6477address: 1160 Makawao Ave -
Supernatural
phone: +1 808-573-2385address: 3682 Baldwin Ave -
Tropo
phone: +1 808-573-0356address: 3643 Makawao Ave -
Upcountry Legends
phone: +1 808-573-3523address: 3620 Makawao Ave -
Jewels of the Lotus
phone: +1 808-572-0752address: 3682 Makawao Ave -
Pink by Nature
phone: +1 808-572-9576address: 3663 Baldwin Ave -
Hurricane
phone: +1 808-572-5076address: 3639 Baldwin Ave -
Anuhea Flowers
phone: +1 808-572-6877address: 3643 B Baldwin Ave -
Collections
phone: +1 808-572-0781address: 3677 Baldwin Ave -
Country Bouquets
phone: +1 808-572-6928address: 1043 Makawao Ave #209A -
Cuckoo for Coconuts
phone: +1 808-573-6887address: 1158 Makawao Ave -
Designing Wahine
phone: +1 808-573-0990address: 3620 Baldwin Ave #102 -
Gecko Trading Co. Boutique
phone: +1 808-572-0249address: 3621 Baldwin Ave -
Goodies
phone: +1 808-572-0288address: 3633 Baldwin Ave -
H.I. Hearth & Leisure
phone: +1 808-572-4569address: 3640 Baldwin Ave -
Beads Here Now
phone: +1 808-572-0752address: 3682 Makawao Ave
Eat
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Cafe del Sol
phone: +1 808-572-4877address: 3620 Baldwin Ave -
Casanova
phone: +1 808-572-0220address: 1188 Makawao Ave -
Kitada's Restaurant
phone: +1 808-572-7241address: 3617 Baldwin Ave -
Makawao Garden Cafe
phone: +1 808-573-9065address: 3669 Baldwin Ave -
Makawao Steak House
phone: +1 808-572-8711address: 3612 Baldwin Ave -
Pizza Fresh
phone: +1 808-572-2000address: 1043 Makawao Ave #103 -
Polli's Restaurant
phone: +1 808-572-0080address: 1202 Makawao Ave -
Stopwatch Sports Bar & Grill
phone: +1 808-572-1380address: 1127 Makawao Ave
Sleep
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phone: +1 808 572-9021address: 3265 Baldwin AveThe Banyan Tree House with upcountry cottages and suites offers a central location in a shady, quiet retreat. Close, yet removed from the beachfront crowds. Giant banyan, monkeypod and jacaranda trees create a peaceful, shady oasis amidst the fruit trees, flowers and sunny, wide open lawns. Several swings and hammocks hang from the trees offering comfortable private places around the two acre property. The swimming pool and jacuzzi is the private use of the guests. A continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, muffin and juice is served.