Location: Makawao
Top Things to do in Makawao
Countries
10 Free Things to do in Makawao That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Sherri Reeve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Hsteinmiller - Yorktown, United States
Sherri's art beautifully captures the spirit of aloha with colors that shimmer and shine. Apparel, ornaments, calendars, prints, and so much more is on offer in the shop. Lovely, friendly lady! And the prices are reasonable for the quality. So happy I was able to visit her store!
2. Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
The only historic estate on Maui FREE to the public, the Hui is a local treasure offering the Maui community and visitors an array of exciting opportunities to enjoy the visual arts in a stunning Upcountry setting. Explore the beautiful historic home, gallery, and history room or tour the expansive grounds boasting more than 70 different plant species; take a class or watch local artists blowing glass, silversmithing and printmaking; browse our gift shop featuring one-of-a kind artwork by Maui artists. Wherever your interests lie and whether you've traveled from near or far, we welcome you into our Hui home and invite you to join us in celebrating the visual arts on Maui!
3. The Sacred Garden of Maliko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
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 P6019CIsuer - Silverton, United States
We were so delighted that we stopped here..after losing a special relative just a few days ago, this was so welcoming and peaceful and stopping for just 30 minutes brought about a much needed respite and a wonderful time for reflection. The "attendee' was kind and made us feel so at home. There are several different ways to "honor" a loved one or to leave a memory. This is a non profit and needs your support.
4. Makawao Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By 858tarynr
We spent the whole day walking and hiking through all of the trails and micro-climates. We had a great time taking our time and enjoying the scenery. There is something new to look at every step of the way.
5. Hot Island Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
A Maui family business, building beautiful objects from molten glass since 1992. In our studio/gallery you are welcome to saddle up to the viewing bar and drink your coffee while watching us blow glass. It's a casual and welcoming environment where you will not be pestered by high pressure sales people, and glass questions are welcome. Come by and say hi!
Reviewed By MarionW1525 - Seattle, United States
it's a wonderful place to visit since it's rare that you can actually see/watch the glass blowing. The shop has wonderful items on display in all price ranges. Don't miss this place!!
6. Makai Glass Maui
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Makai Glass features unique glass blown sculptures inspired by the sea and volcanic formations of the Hawaiian Islands. Artists Justin Brown and Randy Schaffer and their team of glass artist create each glass piece with the “breath of aloha”, infusing it with their love for the islands and its inhabitants. Each hand-sculpted piece carries its own unique, magical quality that illuminates with the Hawaiian essence wherever showcased. Feel the spirit again and again by preserving your memory of the islands through Makai Glass. The name "MAKAI" is Hawaiian and was chosen for its meaning, "toward the sea" or "ocean side". It's symbolic to the Artists because of their attraction to the island of Maui and their adoration of its mystical sea life and wave formations. It also incorporates the idea of movement, flow and reflection, which are all characteristics of glass and its evolution from hot molten lava-like fluid to the smooth, perfected piece you see today. Justin and Randy
Reviewed By bonniee540 - Rocklin, United States
A trip to Makai Glass Creations is an ABSOLUTE MUST If on Maui. Even if you are not, we have found we can watch Randy Shaffer and the artisans at Makai on live Facebook sessions. Check it out. Yes it is hot upstairs in the viewing area so it would be tough to watch a complete creation. We watched for 3 hours on a Facebook live session while they created an ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS whale breach for us. Randy and the gang are so fun to work with, wether at the Craft Faire’s at the Westin or at the Gallery in Haliimaile across from the Haliimaile General Store restaurant. During the Covid shut down, they have expanded their gallery so definitely take a look at them on line at Makaiglass.com because you will not believe their creativity and expertise. Looking forward to our next visit in March. ????
7. Historic Makawao Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By gassinggirl - Sandpoint, United States
Great little shops and art galleries to visit. And the Maui cookie lady has some amazing cookies if you need a snack!
8. Jordanne Gallery and Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
A beautiful artist owned Gallery in the heart of upcountry Makawao town. Most days, catch the artist painting in her Gallery which is a fun, interesting and special experience. Her pieces are moments in time where she focuses on making great paintings and great memories. Jordanne is an American made story and after 15 years of being self-sustained she continues to soar new levels with her pieces. Jordanne works mostly in the Plein-Air style. If she can't be painting outdoors, she still finishes her pieces in one sitting. There are times where she is focusing on capturing the poetry of the moment in other ways such as glazing where she goes back to the piece as masters such as Monet had done times before her. Her mediums of choice are oils, acrylic with gold leaf and watercolor. Jordanne is known for her paintings of Hawaiian landscapes, plantation homes, bouquet arrangements and signature gold-leaf pineapple paintings.
Reviewed By 533gregh - Oakland, United States
We’ve tried to visit Jordanne’s gallery on previous visits, but our timing always seemed off. We loved the coaster tiles in the window, and what we could see of the artwork. But this time in June 2017, we were in luck: the “Artist in Residence Today” sign was hanging out front. Jordanne, a New York transplant, was working at a large canvas on an easel, and discussing her artwork with a couple of guests. Partially obscured by the large canvas was a painting on the wall that had all the colors—and more—of the Birds of Paradise we grow in our yard in California. My partner’s eye was caught by a beautiful painting of umbrellas on the Wailea Beach. We talked with Jordanne at length; she is in love with the soul of art, her art, and it comes out in waves of what I can only call true joy. On this trip, we had visited a number of galleries, and bought a variety of prints and glass objects. But we both had a sense we were still looking for something. Well, that search ended right here. We fell in love with Jordanne’s combination of Impressionism and expressionism. There are a lot of skilled and engaging artists on Maui; this is now our favorite. Jordanne explained a number of her techniques, including how she would start with certain under-layers to achieve effects in the final painting, creating pastel and watercolor effects with oils. She described her studies in Provence and Italy, and some of the classical techniques and mechanics she learned there. It was so refreshing to be in a gallery with the actual artist, not some manager or spokesperson, and an extroverted one at that. We bought three paintings, one of which Jordanne took the time to swap into a custom frame. Custom framing and shipping charges to California pretty much absorbed any bundled discount we achieved. Jordanne has a head for business as well as a soul for art. Leave your hard bargaining posture at home, and she will treat you fairly. If you’re serious, make sure to bring your checkbook (to eliminate CC fees), your eye, and your soul.
9. Maui Hands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Maui Hands Maui Art Galleries represents over 300 fine artists and Hawaii artisans. Hawaii artists represented are 100 percent local to the state of Hawaii and most are local Maui artists. Our galleries provide fun Maui gift shopping experiences where travelers and locals will always find unique original Hawaiian artwork. We have Ni'ihau shell leis, koa wooden boxes and other Hawai'i art works. We represent sculptors, painters, jewelers, woodworkers, potters, glass workers, fine art photographers and other Hawaii artists representing the beauty of Maui and Hawaii through their fine artwork and creativity. Purchase Hawaiian art on our web site or in one of the four galleries we have on the Island of Maui.
