Best Things to Do in Makawao, Maui (From Art to Adventure)

Makawao was nothing like I imagined, and that’s exactly what made it memorable. One minute I was browsing handmade jewelry in a quiet art gallery, the next I was sipping cold brew near a saddle shop straight out of the Old West. This quirky town in Upcountry Maui blends cowboy grit with creative flair, and spending half a day here is a must if you want to slow down and experience Maui beyond the beaches.

What Is Makawao Known For?

Makawao is famous for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) roots, artistic energy, and historic wooden storefronts. It’s part of Upcountry Maui, nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā, and feels a world away from the island’s coastal resorts. Whether you’re drawn to glassblowing studios, laid-back cafés, or rodeo traditions, Makawao is the kind of town that invites you to slow down and look closer.

1. Browse Art Galleries and Local Studios

Makawao is one of the few places in Hawaii where you can experience the island’s deep artistic soul in such an intimate way. The town is filled with galleries and studios that showcase local creativity from hand-blown glass to Hawaiian landscapes in oil and acrylic.

Hot Island Glass was the first spot I wandered into, and it felt like stepping into a fiery performance. Watching the glassblowers shape molten glass into vases, wave sculptures, and marine-inspired designs was unexpectedly hypnotic. They even explain their process if you hang around long enough. It’s a working studio, so you feel like you’re part of something real, not just a tourist show.

Just up the street is Viewpoints Gallery, where I chatted with a local artist about the changing light in Upcountry Maui. Their rotating exhibits focus on Hawaiian culture, island landscapes, and abstract works. If you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir, this is where you’ll find art that truly reflects the island’s spirit.

And don’t miss Makai Glass near Haliʻimaile just a short drive from Makawao. Their large-scale works, like wave forms and whale tails, are crafted in vivid color and suspended from the ceiling in a gallery that feels more like a museum.

Zee Tip: Ask about shipping many galleries offer secure worldwide shipping if you fall in love with a piece (like I almost did… twice).

2. Grab a Famous Pastry from Komoda Store and Bakery

Komoda Store and Bakery is more than a local favorite it’s a beloved Maui institution. Established in 1916, this family-run bakery has been serving fresh pastries to generations of Upcountry locals. The storefront is unassuming, but the aroma of baked dough and sugar pulls you in immediately.

When I arrived just after 9 a.m., the line was already snaking out the door (yes, even on a weekday). Inside, it felt like stepping into another time faded walls, handwritten signs, and a simple counter loaded with trays of freshly made sweets. Their signature stick donuts (think donut holes strung on a skewer) are soft, not overly sweet, and incredibly addictive. I also picked up a guava-filled malasada that I devoured before I even made it back to the car.

Locals swear by the chocolate eclairs and long johns, which are typically the first to sell out.

Zee Tip: They only accept cash, and the shelves start clearing by late morning. Go early, bring small bills, and grab extras you’ll want them later.

3. Soak in the Cowboy Culture at Oskie Rice Arena

Makawao is Maui’s cowboy country something I didn’t expect until I saw actual paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys) riding through town. The town’s ranching heritage goes back to the 19th century, and it’s still very much alive today, especially at Oskie Rice Arena.

Located just a few minutes from the town center, this arena is home to the Makawao Rodeo, held annually around the 4th of July. It’s a full-on celebration with bull riding, barrel racing, roping events, and families cheering in cowboy hats. Even if you’re not visiting during rodeo season, you can often catch team roping practice or local events.

What struck me was how proud the community is of its paniolo roots. It’s not staged or touristy it’s part of daily life. You’ll see cowboy boots on locals walking into the post office, and tack shops alongside art galleries.

Zee Tip: Check the event calendar at Oskie Rice Arena’s Facebook page before your visit. If you’re lucky, you might get to watch a real Hawaiian rodeo in action.

4. Grab a Drink at Mahalo Aleworks

After a full morning of walking and eating my way through town, I headed to Mahalo Aleworks, a brewery located at the nearby Kulamalu Town Center. It’s a newer addition to the Upcountry scene, but already a favorite among locals and in-the-know visitors.

The brewery has a second-floor taproom with panoramic views of Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains, especially stunning around sunset. I sat on the lanai with a flight of small-batch brews each made with local ingredients and a whole lot of love. Their lilikoi saison and pineapple dry-hopped sour were standouts. The beer isn’t mass-produced, and the rotating taps mean you can try something new each time.

There’s also a small food truck outside, and live music on weekends adds to the community feel.

What I Loved: The chill vibe, community tables, and that cool Upcountry air that rolls in as the sun dips below the hills.

5. Visit the Temple of Peace for a Spiritual Reset

A little off the main drag but absolutely worth finding is the Temple of Peace, a holistic healing center nestled in a serene jungle setting. I discovered it while looking for unique things to do in Upcountry, and it turned out to be one of the most peaceful places I’ve visited in Maui.

Inside, you’ll find a crystal shop, a vegetarian café, and an open-air garden temple used for meditation and healing ceremonies. Whether you’re into energy work or just curious, it’s a calming space where time seems to slow down.

They offer services like sound healing, reiki, and spiritual readings but you don’t have to participate to appreciate the tranquil grounds. I just walked through the garden, sat by the water fountain, and soaked in the stillness. It’s the kind of place that invites quiet reflection.

If You Go: The center is open to walk-ins, but sessions and workshops may require booking. It’s a great stop if you’re seeking a quiet reset during a busy trip.

6. Shop the Boutiques and Cowboy Stores

One of my favorite things about Makawao is how walkable and well-preserved its main street is. Baldwin Avenue, the heart of town, feels like stepping into a Hawaiian Western. Wooden storefronts, swinging saloon-style doors, and hand-painted signs give the street a rustic charm you won’t find anywhere else on Maui.

Every shop has its own vibe. I popped into Pink by Nature for breezy island dresses and handmade jewelry, then wandered into Maui Hands, a gallery-style boutique with locally crafted pottery, koa wood carvings, and prints by Maui-based artists. If you’re looking for souvenirs that aren’t mass-produced, this is the place.

And then there’s the cowboy side. Sherri Reeve Gallery & Boutique mixes art with ranch-inspired flair, and Paniolo Trading Co. had boots, belts, and bolo ties that made me feel like I was halfway to Texas (in a good way).

Zee Tip: Many shops close early (around 4 or 5 PM), so plan your visit earlier in the day for the full experience.

7. Coffee, Brunch, and Local Eats

Makawao might be small, but it punches way above its weight in terms of food and coffee. Whether you’re fueling up before a Haleakalā sunrise or winding down after gallery-hopping, these are the spots I loved:

• Sip Me: This cozy coffee shop feels like someone’s living room with local artwork on the walls, comfy chairs, and an all-welcome vibe. Their lavender latte is something special (Upcountry is known for lavender farms!), and they have great vegan pastries too.
• Casanova Deli: Right on the main strip, this relaxed Italian-style deli serves hearty sandwiches, fresh pasta, and hot plate lunches. I grabbed a chicken pesto panini and sat outside watching Upcountry life go by.
• Freshies: A cheerful spot for light lunches, smoothies, and tropical bowls. Their poke bowl was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned.
• Makawao Steak House: If you’re staying nearby for dinner, this historic restaurant offers a hearty, cowboy-style steakhouse experience with a Hawaiian twist.

Local Flavor: Many cafés use ingredients grown nearby like Kula greens, Maui onions, or local beef. Always ask what’s seasonal!

8. Explore the Makawao Forest Reserve

Just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of town, Makawao Forest Reserve feels like a completely different world. It’s lush, cool, and quiet perfect for a nature escape. I hiked part of the Kahakapao Loop Trail, which winds through towering eucalyptus and pine trees with views that open up toward the coast. It’s a peaceful, shaded trail great for walking, biking, or even trail running.

The forest smells like cedar and rain, and depending on the time of day, you might have parts of the trail all to yourself. I packed a snack and lingered at one of the picnic areas along the loop it was the perfect way to recharge after exploring town.

Zee Tip: The full loop is about 5.5 miles and moderately easy, but even doing a short section is rewarding. Bring bug spray, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.

9. Book a Lomi Lomi Massage at a Local Wellness Spa

After a long day of exploring Upcountry, I treated myself to a traditional Lomi Lomi massage at a nearby holistic spa. There are several massage and wellness centers just outside Makawao that offer treatments rooted in Hawaiian healing traditions.

The gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes of the Lomi Lomi massage felt deeply grounding, especially after hiking the forest trail. Many of the therapists are born-and-raised locals who’ve been practicing for years and their knowledge of bodywork, spirit, and culture shines through.

Zee Tip: Some spas offer outdoor lanais where you can sip herbal tea post-treatment. If you’re building a romantic or restorative itinerary, definitely include this.

10. Browse Crystals and Handcrafted Goods at Dragons Den

Tucked into a small lot off Makawao Ave, Dragon’s Den Herb Shop is a delightfully offbeat spot. It’s part apothecary, part herbal pharmacy, part metaphysical shop. I wandered in just to browse and ended up chatting with the owner for 20 minutes about local herbs, Hawaiian plants, and the energy of different crystals.

Even if you’re not into holistic health, it’s a fascinating place to explore. You’ll find essential oils, tinctures, incense, and rare teas, many of them locally sourced.

Zee Tip: If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts that are actually made in Maui, this is a hidden gem.

11. Learn Paniolo History at the Makawao History Museum

For a deeper look into Makawao’s paniolo (cowboy) roots, pop into the Makawao History Museum. It’s small and free to enter, but surprisingly rich in stories and old photos that bring the town’s past to life. From early ranching families to rodeo traditions, you’ll leave with a better appreciation for how this little town came to be.

I found it moving to see how locals have preserved and honored their cultural identity and it gave me context for everything I saw in town, from the architecture to the cowboy hats in the café.

Zee Tip: They often have rotating exhibits and special community events check their window posters for updates.

12. Visit the Upcountry Farmers Market (Saturdays Only)

If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, make sure to swing by the Upcountry Farmers Market in nearby Kulamalu (just 10 minutes from Makawao). While not in Makawao proper, it pairs perfectly with your visit. I found everything from farm-fresh eggs and kombucha to handmade soaps and passionfruit smoothies.

It’s a community gathering spot, full of friendly vendors and smiling locals. If you’re staying in an Airbnb and want to cook, this is the best place to grab organic produce and island-grown goodies.

Zee Tip: Go early (8 AM) for the best selection, and bring cash. The banana lumpia stand sells out fast!

Tips for Visiting Makawao

Visiting Makawao feels different than the beach towns and a little planning makes it even more enjoyable. Here’s what I wish I knew before my first trip:

• When to Visit: Go between 9 AM and 2 PM. That’s when shops and galleries are open, and you’ll beat the late afternoon mist that sometimes rolls in Upcountry.
• Parking: Street parking along Baldwin Ave is limited but free. There are a few public lots just off the main road follow the small signs.
• What to Wear: It’s cooler than the coast. I wore a light jacket in the morning and was glad I did. Closed shoes are best for walking, especially if you head toward the arena.
• Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours is plenty to enjoy the town, grab a bite, and do some slow exploring. Combine it with Iao Valley or Haleakalā for a full day Upcountry.

Why I Loved Visiting Makawao

Makawao doesn’t try to impress you with grandeur but that’s exactly why it stays with you. It’s a place where ranch hands and artists share coffee, where pastry shelves empty by noon, and where you can spend hours doing nothing more than wandering in and out of shops, breathing in cool eucalyptus air.

If you’re headed to Maui and craving something different something real put Makawao on your list. It’s small, soulful, and a little unexpected. And in my experience? That’s often where the best travel memories are made.