Makawao, Maui - where the Paniolo lifestyle is alive and well!

Makawao, Maui - Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town and a renowned art community

Located on the mid-slopes of Maui’s Haleakala volcano, Makawao has one foot in its plantation past and another in its thriving arts community. This charming town was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States.

Makawao is the biggest little town in the region locally known as Upcountry Maui and is famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. Since the late 19th century, horseback-riding paniolo have wrangled cattle in Maui’s wide-open upland fields. The Makawao Rodeo, held yearly on the Fourth of July, is Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition and has been an Upcountry tradition for more than 50 years. The weekend events include a parade and traditional rodeo competitions such as barrel racing, calf roping and bareback bronco riding, all with a few Hawaiian twists.

For a snack, follow the locals to get a famous cream puff from T. Komoda Store. Established in 1916 by Takezo Komoda, a Japanese plantation worker, this little store and bakery does big business. Lines can be long in the morning when everything’s fresh, so come early. The bakery is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

You can also spend the afternoon exploring and shopping in the eclectic shops, boutiques and art galleries in town. Makawao is also home to the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, where visitors can take classes and explore free gallery exhibits. The combination of its paniolo heritage and its lively artistic community make Makawao a unique stop on your visit to Maui.

Exerpts from GoHawaii.com

NOTE: I’ve got my cowgirl hat & jeans, camera in hand, pointing my little car upcountry Saturday morning for a dirt kickin’ good time!

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Upcountry Maui - No Snorkel Shops & Tourist Traps

Last week I shut down my computer, turned off the office lights and joined my friend from the mainland in exploring Maui - my island home.

I am “lucky I live Hawaii” and need to take advantage of all the sights and beauty the island has to offer. I have lived here 20 years and still have not seen/done everything.

We began our adventure by heading “upcountry” - up Haleakala Crater to enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills, cows & horses as well as the small towns of Makawao and Paia.

After cruising around - (I tell people just drive up the hill and try to get lost - its an island, the road goes in a circle! ) we planned our trip to dine at the Kula Lodge Restaurant. On the weekends the Kula Lodge Garden Terrace features a wood fired oven baking some of the best pizza on the island. Be sure to sit outside in the garden where the views of the entire west side of Maui are spectacular!

Kula Lodge is a small, rustic & romantic hideaway that was built in the 1940’s as a private residence. Kula Lodge and Restaurant hugs the mountainside and blends with the astonishing ambience of Upcountry Maui.

The area on Maui known as Kula is the undiscovered Maui, like an unexpected gift that is a joy to open for the adventurous traveler willing to get off the beach and explore the island. You won’t find tourist traps or snorkel shops. Instead you will find a peaceful and relaxing area of Maui where the Protea flowers are absolutely huge, there is virtually no traffic and life moves at a slow pace.

Kula Lodge also features the Curtis Wilson Cost Art Gallery as well as Kula Marketplace which is filled with local crafts, locally grown vegetables and home made gifts. Plan on spending a few relaxing hours meandering around the destination known as Kula Lodge. The ultimate treat would be to stay overnight at Kula Lodge. Five rustic chalets are available for rent and are a great starting point to begin your journey to the sunrise at Haleakala National Park or end your roadtrip after visiting Hana or Maui’s Ulupalakua Winery.

Call the TravelGal at 800 644-6659 for more details.

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