Where is Makawao, Hawaii, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET

Where is Makawao Located? - Makawao is a city located in the Maui County of Hawaii, United States. Makawao lies between 42.0111412 Degrees North latitudes and 87.8406192 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Makawao, Hawaii

Where is Makawao, Hawaii

Makawao Map, Hawaii, USA

Where is Makawao?: The Google Map showing the location of Makawao in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

Where is Makawao Located?

Makawao is a city located in the Maui County of Hawaii, United States. Makawao lies between 42.0111412 Degrees North latitudes and 87.8406192 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Makawao city is 7297 people and the city has a total area of 3.55 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Makawao, Hawaii Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
Census-Designated Place (CDP)Makawao
CountyMaui County
StateHawaii
State CapitalHonolulu
US RegionWestern United States (Pacific Region)
IslandMaui
Latitude20.8558° N
Longitude156.3131° W
Elevation1,580 ft (482 m)
Land Area8.89 sq mi
Water Area0.00 sq mi
Total Area8.89 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)7,297
Population Density821 per sq mi
ZIP Code(s)96768
Area Code(s)808
Time Zone StandardHawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, UTC−10)
Time Zone DaylightNo Daylight Saving Time
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code15-49100
Congressional DistrictHawaii's 2nd Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Makawao

CategoryDetails
Airport NameKahului Airport
IATA CodeOGG
Secondary AirportKapalua Airport
Major HighwaysHana Highway (Route 36), Haleakala Highway (Route 377), Makawao Avenue
Train ServiceNo passenger rail service
Local Transit ServiceMaui Bus public transportation system
  • Makawao is located in Maui County on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
  • The town is situated on the slopes of Haleakala volcano in the Upcountry Maui region.
  • Makawao is known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage, ranching traditions, farms, and arts community.
  • The town provides access to nearby agricultural areas, forests, and Haleakala National Park.

Top Places to Visit in Makawao, Hawaii

Landmark NameType
Makawao Historic DistrictHistoric Town Area
Makawao Forest ReserveForest Recreation Area
Makawao ParkCommunity Park
Hui No'eau Visual Arts CenterArts & Cultural Center
Piiholo RanchRanch & Outdoor Recreation
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm (nearby)Botanical Farm
Haleakala National Park (nearby)National Park
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area (nearby)State Recreation Area
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery (nearby)Farm & Distillery
Kula Botanical Garden (nearby)Botanical Garden

Driving Distances from Makawao, Hawaii to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
KahuluiHawaii1020 minutes
WailukuHawaii1225 minutes
KiheiHawaii2545 minutes
LahainaHawaii451 hour 15 minutes
KulaHawaii815 minutes
PaiaHawaii815 minutes
HanaHawaii602 hours
HiloHawaiiN/AIsland flight required
HonoluluHawaiiN/AIsland flight required
Los AngelesCaliforniaN/AAir travel required

Colleges and Universities Near Makawao, Hawaii

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
University of Hawaii Maui CollegePublicCollegeHospitality, business, agriculture, nursing, technology, and sustainability programs
Maui Preparatory Academy (regional)PrivateSchoolCollege preparatory education
University of Hawaii at ManoaPublicResearch UniversityHawaiian studies, oceanography, medicine, engineering, and research
Hawaii Pacific UniversityPrivateUniversityBusiness, health sciences, international studies, and liberal arts
Chaminade University of HonoluluPrivateUniversityEducation, business, nursing, and liberal arts

Waterbodies in Makawao, Hawaii

Makawao is located in the Upcountry Maui region of Maui County on the slopes of Haleakala. The town does not contain major waterbodies within its boundaries but is located near Maui's coastal waters, streams, and freshwater resources. Nearby waterways include Maliko Gulch, Waikamoi Stream, and the Pacific Ocean coastline near Paia and Kahului.

Stadiums in Makawao

Makawao is served by nearby athletic facilities including King Kekaulike High School sports facilities, Eddie Tam Memorial Center, and Maui County recreation fields. These venues host football, baseball, soccer, basketball, track and field, and community sporting events.

Makawao, Hawaii — Key Historical Facts

  • Makawao developed as part of the Upcountry Maui region with deep agricultural and ranching traditions.
  • The town became closely associated with Hawaiian paniolo culture, which developed after the introduction of cattle ranching in Hawaii during the nineteenth century.
  • Makawao grew as a center for ranching, farming, and trade between the slopes of Haleakala and coastal communities.
  • The historic downtown area preserves plantation-era buildings, local shops, galleries, and cultural landmarks.
  • The area became known for agriculture including sugarcane, pineapple, flowers, coffee, and specialty crops.
  • Today, Makawao is recognized for its cowboy heritage, arts community, farms, local festivals, and scenic Upcountry Maui landscapes.

References

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