Local Information
Makawao
Introduction to Makawao
Makawao means “eye of the dawn.” It also means “edge of the forest” which well describes its location on the hip of the Olinda Ridge where the clouds gather and disperse. In the early days, Makawao was the center of Upcountry ranch life and still retains the cowboy–and cowgirl– ambiance with wooden sidewalks and a few hitching posts. The charm of yesterday has been preserved as Makawao reinvented itself as a site for Upcountry dining and shopping, so you will find lots of clothing stores and many art galleries along with key community services. Surrounded by large ranches, Makawao has older homes with traditional styles and a range of inventory including older homes on small lots along with a few newer subdivisions with half acres lots and newer homes. “Quaint” is what tourists say, but the locals think “convenient.” Just above the down is the Olinda area offering spectacular views and wooded lots tucked away in eucalyptus groves. Just down the hill is the plantation town of Haliimalie surrounded by old pineapple fields.
The town is also known as Maui’s Paniolo or cowboy town. This traces back to the era when cattle ranching was prime industry on the slopes of Haleakala above town. The town’s cowboy legacy is still evident when the rodeo comes to town every year on 4th of July weekend and in the architecture. These days, you are more likely to find a nice restaurant, gallery or shop than a feed store when you walk the streets of Makawao. The charm of downtown Makawao has contributed to the desirability of the local real estate market.
Homes in the community range from modest starter homes, to old plantation style charmers to estate properties with spectacular views. The diversity of homes increases when you include the nearby communities of Olinda and Hali’imaile under the umbrella of Makawao. Olinda is beautiful area of meadows and forest located above Makawao. Tall eucalyptus trees and pines thrive in the cooler air of this part of the island. Hali’imaile is a community that was based on pineapple farming in the area. There are number of older historic homes that were the one time home to the pineapple workers who worked in the fields.
Where is Makawao located?
Makawao is located in the upcountry region of Maui about a 30 minute drive from Kahului. The town itself is positioned at about the 1,500 foot elevation, the Makawao area extends a little lower in the case of Manaolu Plantation and Hali’imaile and significantly higher up the mountain for Olinda and Piiholo. To get to Makawao you can either head up the mountain on the Haleakala Highway passing through Pukalani, or you can access Makawao via the the North Shore town of Paia via the Hana Highway and Baldwin avenue.
Vital information about Makawao
Makawao has a population of approximately 3,269 residents spread across 7.27 square miles which means it offers are pleasantly low population density rate of about 449 people per square mile. Makawao residents are proud of the fact that their town has all local shops and restaurants, you won't find a Starbucks or a burger franchise anywhere in the area (for that you'll want to head to Pukalani).
Home prices in Makawao
As of February 27, 2023 the 12-month average sales price for a home in Makawao is $1,141,944 which is up 12.51% from the previous year average of $1,014,916. There were 61 Makawao homes sold in the last 12 months and the average days on market was 137 days.
Makawao homes for sale by price
Updated Makawao home listings
Below is a quick list of the 10 recently updated homes for sale in Makawao. You can also see the complete list of Makawao homes for sale at any time and save your Makawao home search to your Property Organizer account.
Icons of Makawao
- Komoda Bakery
- Matsui Building
- Baldwin Avenue
- Pookela Church
- St. Joseph Church
- Seabury Hall
