What to do and see in Makawao, United States: The Best Places and Tips

March 19, 2018 Kiesha Cripe

Makawao is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 7,184 at the 2010 census. Located on the rural northwest slope of Haleakala on East Maui, the community is known for being the hub of the "Upcountry", a part of the island dominated by mostly agriculture and ranch land.
Restaurants in Makawao

1. Skyline Eco-Adventures Zipline Tours

12 Kiopaa Pl, Haleakala National Park, Maui, HI 96768-8291
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Skyline Eco-Adventures Zipline Tours

Skyline Eco-Adventures was Voted the #1 Zipline Company in Hawaii by Hawaii Magazine's Best of the Best Readers Choice Awards 2017 Skyline Eco-Adventures thrills guests on zipline adventures in Hawaii on Maui, Kauai, and on the Big Island. Since 2002, when Skyline opened the original Maui zipline adventure, over two million customer zipline crossings have been conducted, more than any other U.S. zipline company. Skyline's Ka'anapali Maui Zipline Tour was named the #1 Zipline Tour in Hawaii and Skyline's Maui Haleakala and Ka'anapali Tours along with Skyline Akaka Falls Tour on the Big Island have been Awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards for 2016. Throughout our tours guests learn about the unique environment and culture of the place; and a portion of all sales are donated back to protecting those irreplaceable things. Whether you plan to visit Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii you will find unmatched fun and adventure on one of our Award Winning Zipline Tours!

Reviewed By ewk52 - Newport Beach, California

If you can bear to get up at 2am you should not miss the sunrise on the top of Haleakala. This company picks you up at your hotel and takes care of everything. Otherwise you need to apply for a permit in advance to go up yourself. After watching the sunrise, they take you down to where they provide you with a bicycle and helmet. It's an easy ride down the volcano, all downhill. At the bottom you go on 5 different ziplines, each gradually longer. You end with a picnic lunch. The whole thing was really fun and I highly recommend it.

2. Shoreline Snuba

116 Ala Apapa Pl, Pukalani, Maui, HI 96768-8468
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 374 reviews

Shoreline Snuba

Reviewed By RalphandAliza - Hawaii

We had the best experience today when the boys got to experience snuba diving They saw turtles, trigger fish, trumpet fish and so much more. This is definitely a great way to see the awesome ocean friends! Sara did an amazing job in teaching our boys safety and how to have fun snuba diving. Thank you Sara for making this happen!!

3. Leilani Farm Sanctuary

260 E Kuiaha Rd, Haiku, Maui, HI 96708-5430 +1 808-298-8544
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 83 reviews

Leilani Farm Sanctuary

Reservations are required. $20 per person tax-deductible donation (for adults and kids). Home to goats, turkeys, rabbits, donkeys, cats, geese, pigs, tortoises, Guinea pigs, ducks, deer, chickens, a cow and a dog, Leilani Farm Sanctuary is located on a lush 8-acre farm in Haiku, Maui. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization created to provide shelter and care for rescued animals, and humane education to the community. On the outer, most visible level, Leilani Farm Sanctuary lives and breathes upon a unique piece of rolling land, eight volcanic acres on a green Pacific island. But its superb location and jaw-dropping natural beauty are but reflections of its lush inner essence. The sanctuary is truly a paradise for animals and humans alike.

Reviewed By Lindaanimals - Honolulu, Hawaii

Several friends and I went to Leilani Farm Sanctuary for my birthday weekend. I could not have had a happier birthday! We actually did some volunteering which we had planned ahead with Laurelee, the founder. But for the purposes of this review, I will say that our Saturday morning tour was a fantastic kickoff to the weekend. The best word I can give our experience is HEARTWARMING. You can feel the love and happiness on the farm. The animals follow Laurelee around and share pasture together. Everywhere you look is a beautiful feast for the eyes of flowers, trees, barns, and peaceful and content animals (okay, there were a few rascally goats and deer, but it takes all kinds!). It was so soothing to come to a place where animals are treated with kindness and love. The children on the tour were the most fun to watch. They got to feed and pet animals while learning about their personalities. I can hardly think of a better way to teach kids the important values of respect and kindness towards others that we share the earth with. I would give a thousand star rating if I could.

4. Pukalani Country Club

360 Pukalani St, Pukalani, Maui, HI 96768-8434 +1 808-572-1314
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

Pukalani Country Club

Set in the gentle hillsides of "Up-Country" Maui, Pukalani Country Club overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers breath-taking panoranic views of the Valley Isle of Maui. The Pukalani Country Club is nestled at the 1,100 foot elevation level of world famous Mount Haleakala, an extinct volcano whose name in Hawaiian means "House of the Rising Sun" and is appropriately reflected as the golf course's logo. Pukalani's 18 holes were designed by golf course architect Bob Baldock who designed more than 69 public and private golf courses throughout the United States. The Pukalani Country Club's greenery covers nearly 160 acres. Built in 1980, the course is 6,962 yards long from the championship tees, plays to a par 72, and features 19 greens in its 18-hole layout! On hole #3, golfers may choose a tough iron shot across a ravine and into the wind for one green, or a challenging chip shot straight down to a well-trapped green several hundred feet below into the ravine. No other golf course in Hawaii can compare or offer you this unique setting and challenge of our hole #3. "Pukalani" which in Hawaiian means "Entrance to Heaven" certainly describes Pukalani Country Club!

Reviewed By LnS2004 - Cypress, California

On a sunny Monday we went to play golf here. We first drove to Jimmy’s (10 min drive) north of our Kaanapali Maui Ocean Club hotel. A set of 12 Taylormade or Adams clubs with bags rented for $30/day. The course is about an hour drive from hotel. It’s on higher ground with a beautiful view of surrounding area. The carts have no GPS. May be that’s why green fee was a decent $57. The club house is very modest and small. There is food and beverage service right in the next building. We bought spam musibi and beer. Many holes do not have concrete cart paths, just natural dirt. Many of the front nine holes were lined on each side with impressive tall local trees highlighting the beautiful course and well kept greens. The holes were straightforward, flat and a joy to play. The third hole being under repair required a shot across a 150 yard gully to the green. Overall it was enjoyable. We took advantage of the golf shoes sales.

5. Makai Glass Creations

903 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, Maui, HI 96768-9712 +1 808-269-8255
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 122 reviews

Makai Glass Creations

Reviewed By Sesssyb - Edmonton, Canada

Features unique blown glass art sculptures inspired by the Hawaiian Islands. Each hand-sculpted glass piece carries its own unique magical quality that eliminates with "The spirit of Aloha" where ever showcased. They are mounted on Maui hardwood LED basis which illuminate the piece from Below. Be sure to stop by Makai studio and gallery and be mesmerized by the creative process of live hot glass blowing. Hours: 11am-6pm Mon - Sat

6. Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery

4051 Omaopio Rd, Kula, Maui, HI 96790-8828 +1 808-877-0009
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery

The Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery highlights the company's commitment to socially and environmentally conscious business practices, utilizing solar panels to power 100% of the operations and sustainably farming and harvesting their organic sugar cane. Situated on a breathtaking 80-acres on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the home of Ocean Vodka captures panoramic views of both the north and south shores of Maui. It is easily reached from Maui's international Kahului Airport as well as the island's world-famous resorts.The mission of Ocean Vodka is to create a superior organic, value-added agricultural product from Hawaii that supports the local economy, competes globally based on quality and raises awareness for the conservation of the ocean. Ocean Vodka is 100% Certified USDA Organic, gluten-free, and the only vodka in the world made from organic sugar cane and deep ocean mineral water. A proprietary column distillation process produces an ultra-clean spirit that is unrivaled in the marketplace. When this pure refined spirit is blended with deep ocean water, Ocean Vodka takes on a unique, mineral-rich flavor found in no other vodka. Tour times at the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery are every half hour, starting from 9:30 am with the last tour at 4 pm. Entrance to tours for $10 a person also includes a sampling for all those 21 and over. Tours educate guests on the importance of organic farming for the conservation of land and ocean, green manufacturing and the production of spirits. Tours include a guided walk-through of the martini garden, organic farm, cane fields, craft distillery and gift shop.

Reviewed By Maui2014NMR - Colorado

My spouse and I recently took the Ocean Vodka tour while visiting Maui. We found it to be interesting and informative. Our guide, Conner, was friendly and helpful. We also enjoyed sampling some of the products following the tour. The entire place is beautiful and...MoreMahalo for your feedback! We're so happy you had a good trip and really appreciate you taking the time to review the tour. :0)

7. Upcountry Farmers Market

55 Kiopaa Pl, Pukalani, Maui, HI 96768-8282
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 28 reviews

Upcountry Farmers Market

Reviewed By Peter A - Region of Waterloo, Canada

This is a true farmers market. You can find just about any fruit and vegetable grown on the island. The farmers were very helpful explaining what everything was and how to prepare it.

8. Bike Maui

810 Haiku Rd, Suite 120, Haleakala National Park, Maui, HI 96708-4803
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Bike Maui

Bike down Haleakala, Maui's largest Volcano. Enjoy a tour of Haleakala National Park and a trip up to the summit at 10,000feet above sea level. Admire views of the Crater, and bicoastal views of Maui. Experience a 23 mile bike ride downhill at your own pace. No guided convoy to rush you down, no big group to hold you back. You are free to come down at your own comfortable rate.

Reviewed By Traveler2504 - Los Angeles

Its downhill 90% of the way. But take your time. The whole idea in bikes not cars is to get you close to where you are. Stop lots, stop for photo's, views, breaks and food. It turns it from a 90 minute race into a 4 hour adventure. Staff were good, bikes are designed for this with excellent brakes but its not the mountain bike you have a home so dont expect massive shocks and knobbly tires. There is a vegan face at the bottom for those of that inclination and a fabulously old and characterful bakery/general store in Makawao (near the end).

9. Haliimaile Distilling Company

883 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, Maui, HI 96768-9769 +1 808-633-3609
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

Haliimaile Distilling Company

Hali'imaile Distilling Company produces handcrafted, locally made, authentic Hawaiian brand spirits. We are located in the heart of Maui's pineapple region, Upcountry Makawao, Maui. Our goal is to create "Hawaii in a Bottle." At Hali'imaile Distilling Company we set ourselves apart by starting with local ingredients and distilling in small batches, using unique stills, to create authentic Hawaiian spirits. Every part of our Distilling process is one of a kind and designed in house. Once distilled, our spirits are mixed with crystal clear reverse osmosis Hawaiian water. Upcountry Maui is not only a place, it's a lifestyle. Hali'imaile Distilling Company is located in the small town of Makawao, home to the Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). For many years, Hawaiians have farmed the rich, volcanic soil of the Upcountry fields. Geographically speaking, Upcountry Maui is much of the area on the Haleakala side of Maui, away from the shoreline. Upcountry is mostly rural, agricultural and residential. Beyond upcountry, you can reach Maui's highest peak at the Haleakala National Park. The largest towns Upcountry are Makawao, Pukalani, Kula and Haiku, although Upcountry has no precise boundaries. Our pristine surroundings give us access to clean air, pure water and exquisite agriculture. Allowing us to produce ultra-premium, Hawaiian spirits. History of Hali'imaile Distilling Company Located in Makawao, Maui, Hali'imaile Distilling Company is located on the slopes of Haleakala. It sits among the pineapple fields and sugar cane fields that have been harvested for over a century. If you go to the edge of the property, you get a gorgeous view of the coastal rim of the entire island. Hali'imaile Distilling Company is the culmination of a dream made reality from the LeVecke family. A family whose life in the spirits industry spans over half a century, and more specifically on the Hawaiian Islands for the last 30 years...Building brands like Hana Bay Rum and Whaler's Rum. 15 Years ago 2 brothers decided to start their own truly authentic micro-distillery on the island of Maui. Their goal was to create spirits that were truly one of a kind. Their journey found them scouring the country for a like-minded master distiller that could help bring this dream to reality. Mark Nigbur, a charismatic and gifted distiller in Colorado, was introduced to the brothers. Mark was making a name for himself in the industry for his unconventional distilling techniques and superior products. He had founded his own micro-distillery where he was distilling vodka from pharmaceutical grade glass stills that he engineered and designed himself. It wasn't long until the relationship was cemented and Mark brought his family to Maui to become Hali'imaile Distilling Company's Master Distiller. Today Mark works alongside his eldest son Cory who currently manages the day to day Distilling operations. So while this is a fairly new distillery and a brand new visitor center, this was a family dream in the making for the last 30 years. We are happy to welcome you to their vision. Hali'imaile Distilling Company...Born Upcountry.

Reviewed By Mark S - Corrales, New Mexico

Wow! A terrific distillery. Unlike other distilleries we have visited, We liked everything we tasted. The Pau Maui Vodka is wonderful and the FID Street Gin is alive with flavor. Several other products will make sure that just abut everyone will find something to love. Mark Nigbur really has a great, unique process to make the best better than anyone. Our young tour guide (Josh if I remember right) was fun and from New Mexico like us!

10. The Sacred Garden of Maliko

460 Kaluanui Rd, Makawao, Maui, HI 96768-9620 +1 808-573-7700
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

The Sacred Garden of Maliko

The Sacred Garden is free and open to the public daily, 10-5. We have a 10,000 sq. ft. greenhouse nursery full of beautiful tropical plants as well as 2 labyrinths for walking meditations, a shrine room, a beautiful Buddha Garden, water lily ponds, and sitting or picnic areas. Whether you come to contemplate and pray, grieve or celebrate, write in our community journals or use the art table, read a book in the library, share time with friends or spend some time in silent surrender, The Sacred Garden offers something for everyone.Operated by the Divine Nature Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to education, rejuvenation and inspiration. Come, experience peace!

Reviewed By bobndee24 - Centennial, Colorado

There is a gift shop in the front with an area next to it with several plants for sale. Outside there are rocks positioned to make a small labyrinth to practice your zen.

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