Makawao, which means "Eye of the Forest" in the Hawaiian language, was first inhabited by the Polynesians more than a thousand years ago. From being the settlement of native hamlets and canoe workshops, it is now a renowned Paniolo town and a thriving arts community. For Hawaii's original inhabitants, Makawao was an important gateway to the forests of Upcountry Maui, as it is a transitional zone between the mid-dry land regions and the upper forest. Makawao town is half a kilometer above sea level, thus making it cooler than towns along the coast. It is also the biggest of the four small towns that comprise that part of Maui collectively known as "Upcountry."
Makawao is the last stop for adventurers going up the summit of the Haleakala volcano. Its two main streets are lined with old storefronts, which tell the story of a town built with pride and cherished by its residents. One of the most notable establishments is the Komoda Bakery which was opened in 1916 and has since been treating the town to its excellent bread and delicious cream puff.
One can wander around and visit interesting boutiques, shops, and galleries. Guests can also go to workshops where glassblowers, sculptors, and painters are at work, creating their latest pieces. Due to their love for the arts, some old structures, like the beloved Old Makawao Theater, have been converted into art galleries. A trip to Makawao is not complete without gracing the Hui No'eau Arts Center, where visitors can feast their eyes on the exhibits and even partake in the art classes.
Makawao has a population of more than 7,000 - small but proud of its heritage. The story of Makawao, as it is known today, began with the arrival of European settlers in the early 1800s. Through that decade, Makawao and surrounding areas became a major hub for cattle raising and agricultural development.
The progress brought about by expanding production led to the cultural diversification of Makawao. As the sugarcane industry grew, so did the need for workers. Laborers started arriving from other countries in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The most significant contingents were from China, Portugal, Japan, and the Philippines. From the dawn of the 20th century until the 1950s, the pineapple became a money crop along with sugar.
Cultural diversity did not prevent Makawao from becoming the tight-knit community it has since become. People from different countries found a way to live harmoniously and produced their melting pot of cultures. Testament to this was how Makawaon pidgin developed out of the necessity of people working in the fields with different mother tongues to find a way to communicate with each other. They took words from the different languages spoken in the plantations, put them together, and followed the grammar from Olelo Hawaii, the indigenous culture.
Of all the unique cultural elements that evolved in Makawao, nothing is more distinct than that of the Paniolo culture that came from its cattle industry. Paniolo culture permeated and influenced every aspect of daily life in Makawao. Elderly residents tell people with delight that no one had a car back in the day, but everyone had horses, and they all rode.
Primarily an agrarian and ranching community, the 9-square-mile town of Makawao is most known for its Paniolo culture. The term paniolo comes from "Espaniolo," or Spaniards brought into the islands by King Kamehameha III in the late 18th century. They taught and trained the locals on the science of raising and herding cattle.
Annually, on the 4th of July weekend, Makawao celebrates its rich Paniolo history with its Makawao Rodeo. For over 50 years, this yearly Rodeo festival thrills the town with cattle wrangling, calf roping, and horseback riding, among others. The ultimate tribute to Paniolo culture is Rodeo, and for the cowboys of Upcounty, this is a chance not just to put on a show and wow crowds but also to hone, test, and showcase their skills. The festive Makawao Parade and its colors, horses, and wagons kick off the Rodeo. The Parade and the Rodeo turn the whole of Makawao into a Hollywood cowboy movie, a classic Wild West Town where anything is possible.
The imprint that Makawao leaves on anyone is its beautiful landscapes and the charms of its vibrant community and tradition. Upcountry's biggest small town is Maui's biggest family, after all.