How to Reach Makawao, United States
If you are planning a visit to the charming town of Makawao in the United States, here are a few ways to reach this beautiful destination:
Makawao
Makawao is a charming small town located in upcountry Maui, Hawaii, United States. It is situated in the fertile lands of Maui's volcanic s…
Best for you if…
- A week-long stay
- Walkable sightseeing
- Hiking travelers
- Surfing travelers
- Visiting in Summer
More about this guide
Makawao is a strong pick for hiking & surfing — plan about 5-7 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 81/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈6.3 km span)
36
Places to explore
5-7
Recommended days
Summer
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: Summer
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best months for lower-cost travel: May · September · November
Weather
Fall
70°F - 80°F
Spring
70°F - 80°F
Summer
80°F - 90°F
Winter
60°F - 70°F
How to get there
By Air:
The nearest major airport to Makawao is Kahului Airport (OGG), located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Once you arrive at Kahului Airport, you can easily reach Makawao by renting a car or taking a taxi. The town is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport.
By Car:
If you are already on the island of Maui, reaching Makawao by car is a convenient option. Makawao is located in the upcountry region of Maui, just off the Hana Highway (Route 36). You can follow the highway and take the exit towards Makawao. The town is easily accessible by car and offers ample parking options.
By Public Transportation:
While public transportation options are limited in Makawao, you can still reach the town by taking a bus. The Maui Bus operates routes across the island, including a route that connects Kahului to Makawao. You can check the bus schedules and plan your trip accordingly.
By Tourist Shuttle:
Another convenient option to reach Makawao is by using tourist shuttles or private transportation services. These services are available on the island and offer comfortable transportation to various destinations, including Makawao. It is advisable to check with local tour operators or shuttle services for availability and schedules.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Makawao will reward you with a delightful experience in a picturesque town known for its artistic community, unique shops, and local charm. Plan your trip accordingly and enjoy your visit to Makawao, United States!
Getting to know Makawao
Makawao is a charming small town located in upcountry Maui, Hawaii, United States. It is situated in the fertile lands of Maui's volcanic slopes, which makes it an ideal place for agriculture.
Makawao is rich in culture and history that can be traced back to the era of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) days. The town has retained its old-town charm with its rustic architecture, quaint shops, and friendly locals who still practice traditions like rodeo and horseback riding.
Makawao is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries showcasing works of local artists. The annual Makawao Rodeo is a highlight of the town's cultural calendar, attracting visitors from all over the world.
With its beautiful scenery, abundant activities, and friendly community, Makawao is a perfect destination for anyone looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Don't forget to pack sunscreen
- Try local Hawaiian cuisine
- Rent a car for convenient transportation
Places worth exploring
36 places mapped for this destination
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36
Walking loops
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
Evening stroll 1
~0.4 km · 2 places
Evening stroll 2
~0.6 km · 2 places
Evening stroll 3
~0.5 km · 4 places
Half-day loop 1
~0.4 km · 2 places
Half-day loop 2
~2.4 km · 3 places
Half-day loop 3
~0.6 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 4
~2.5 km · 5 places
Full-day loop 1
~5.2 km · 4 places
Full-day loop 2
~16.6 km · 7 places
Full-day loop 3
~7.6 km · 7 places
Suggested 5-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~11 km path
Day 2
~0.3 km path
Day 3
~6.9 km path
Day 4
~2.8 km path
Day 5
~14 km path
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Makawao?
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Makawao, United States.
When is the best time to visit Makawao?
High season is typically Summer.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Makawao?
Travelers often find better value in May, September, November.
What kind of trip is Makawao good for?
Makawao suits Hiking, Surfing, Exploring local culture.
Is Makawao walkable?
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Any local tips for Makawao?
Don't forget to pack sunscreen
Build your trip
Add Makawao and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
Multi-city ideas
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
- Makawao → Pukalani → Haiku in the United States · ≈13 km
- Makawao → Pukalani → Haiku Pauwela · ≈15 km
- Makawao → Haiku in the United States → Pukalani · ≈16 km
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