Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii
An ocean away from the west of mainland United States is a rich paradise that exhibits the same ambiance as that of the "wild west." On the slopes of Mount Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii is a sanctuary for highly talented artists and their masterpieces of world-class quality. Even if it is just a 12.1 square kilometer, census-designated place (CDP) in the Maui County, Makawao still has a lot to offer to the world with its ranches, shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. It is one of the most visited region in Hawaii.
Since the town is just very small, most of the main attractions in Makawao are just walking distance from each other. You can enjoy the scenery by just walking, but first you have to find a suitable parking area where you can leave your car as you tour the town. If you can't find a spot along Baldwin Avenue (street parking is allowed), there is a parking lot for the public at Makawao Avenue. Just by looking at some of the buildings, you will notice much of the "cowboy" theme. There are stores, like the Rodeo General Store, where you can buy your favorite quality cowboy apparels at very cheap prices. Every fourth of July, Makawao hosts one of the most notable rodeo in Hawaii. Also, you may want to check out the Makawao Steak House for that ultimate cowboy serving of steak. For your aesthetic pleasure, there are art galleries and craft stores that showcase fine pieces and where you can have the chance to take up art classes and workshops.
Makawao's History
Way before the old west United States had their take on the cowboy way of life, Makawao had been herding cattle since the early 19th century. Captain George Vancouver shipped the very first cattle from California as offering to King Kamehameha I in 1793. Then, in 1803, Richard Cleveland brought horses for the King. As the cattle's number grew unexpectedly after several years, the hunting industry was born, with meats and tallows traded within and outside the region. The first Mexican vaqueros were brought by King Kamahameha III from Vera Cruz to the Big Island in 1830 to take care of the cattle and also to teach other locals the skills in handling cattle. Since the vaqueros were Spaniards, or Espaniolo as the locals called them, they became known as the "paniolo" or the Hawaiian cowboy that we now know today.
Several shops and business centers were established in downtown Makawao that specialized in attending to the Paniolos and their needs. In the outbreak of Second World War, some 34,000 servicemen of the 4th Marine Division conducted their training in the town, which led to the further growth of Makawao as an industrial locale. But with the departure of these marines, several establishments built especially for these marines were closed. For many years, Makawao experienced economic setback, until in the 1980s when artists swarmed the place, reviving the community life.
Aside from cattle ranching, Makawao also has an agrarian heritage, specifically in the line of pineapple farming. The establishment of a local cannery in 1904 marked the boom of pineapple production. This eventually spread to nearby towns like Hali'imaile.
Makawao's Attractions
The Makawao town scenery is filled with several establishments and business centers that are very popular to both locals and tourists. For the compulsive shoppers who just can't shake the habit of buying souvenirs in every visit, gifts and different apparels can be bought in boutiques like Tropo, Collections, Little Tibet, Designing Wahine, Collections, Supernatural, Holiday & Company, and Altitude. Should the long walks and survey of shops that offer the cheapest prices tire you, there are very good restaurants to take care of your hunger with their fine Makawao cuisines. Two of the popular eateries in town are Casanova and Polli's Mexican just right at the intersection of Baldwin and Makawao Avenue. Polli has many excellent yet cheap Mexican dishes, while Casanova specializes in Italian foods and is a notable nightspot in the region with their rich musical numbers and the popular wild parties that surely attract many guests. But if all you want is just to sit down and chat over coffee with some friends, you can try the sandwiches and salads in either Makawao Garden Cafe or Cafe Del Sol. Komodo Bakery, on the other hand, has the best Donuts while Down to Earth appeals very much to the health conscious with their Organic produce.
Serving as an artist center in the country, Makawao boasts of galleries and exhibitions that feature fine art pieces ranging from painting, photographs, print works, sculptures, and jewelry. In 1934, one in the Baldwin family built Hui No' Eau which now serves as an art house that offers art classes and workshops. The festive art scene makes Makawao a favorite art destination in America.
Makawao's Economy
Makawao's beauty as a town and its favorable climate make it a desirable place for abode. Makawao has the best and most affordable homes (usually priced from the mid 300s on up) apart from those offered in Maui. Two acre houses are commonly sold at upper 600s while estate properties can cost up to a million dollars. Most of these properties with fantastic views are found in Baldwin Avenue. Makawao has a median home cost of $573,000, with the home appreciation up in the recent year by 28.30 percent compared to the 13.62 percent in the US. Percentage of owned homes is at 54.26 percent while that of homes rented is at 42.54 percent, and 3.20 percent of the housing are considered vacant. The apartment rent rate is about $1,187, much higher than the $653 of the US, and the property tax rate of $3.16.
If you will compare Makawao to other parts of the country, the town's 73 percent cost of living is higher than the average in the US. The town has a 2.70 percent rate in unemployment, but favorably, there's a recent job growth of 3.61 percent and a future job growth of 17.38 percent. The sales taxes are at 4 percent compared to 6 percent in the US, while income taxes are much higher in Makawao at 10 percent compared to the 5.02 percent in the US. Each family averagely earns about $50,145, with 7.4 percent of these Makawao families below poverty line. The income per capita of the town is $20,183.
Makawao Statistics:
Population: 6,327Households: 2,151
Median resident age: 34.6 years
Median household income: $46,681
Median house value: $230,400
Land area: 4.7 square miles
Elevation: 1639 feet
Latitude: 20°51'N
Longitude: 156°19'W
Zip code: 96768
County: Maui
