Makawao, HI Road Trips

Seeing Makawao is easy, as the town is mostly comprised of the intersection of Baldwin and Makawao Ave. Makawao is an old Paniolo (cowboy) town and much of its history is reflected in the architecture and feel - even today you can find horse-hitching posts scattered around the town. Highlights of Makawao include Pollis, the local watering hole and Mexican restaurant, Casanova's, the towns' Italian restaurant and Upcountry's nightlife epicenter and Komoda's Bakery (home of the famous stick donut). Visitors should walk from Makawao Ave down Baldwin Ave, perusing the many shops and local businesses that give the town its unique character.

Casanova, 1188 Makawao Ave, ☏ +1 808-572-0220. Makawao Garden Cafe, 3669 Baldwin Ave, ☏ +1 808-573-9065. Pizza Fresh, 1043 Makawao Ave #103, ☏ +1 808-572-2000. Polli's Restaurant, 1202 Makawao Ave, ☏ +1 808-572-0080.

1 Banyan Tree House (Banyan Bed and Breakfast), 3265 Baldwin Ave (1 mile north on Baldwin Ave from center of Makawao), ☏ +1 808 572-9021. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. The Banyan Tree House with upcountry cottages and suites offers a central location in a shady, quiet retreat. Close, yet removed from the beachfront crowds. Giant banyan, monkeypod and jacaranda trees create a peaceful, shady oasis amidst the fruit trees, flowers and sunny, wide open lawns. Several swings and hammocks hang from the trees offering comfortable private places around the two acre property. The swimming pool and jacuzzi is the private use of the guests. A continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, muffin and juice is served. $145-175.

Kahului Airport (OGG IATA)). The main airport for the island of Maui, and the second largest commercial airport in the state. It is a secondary hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which provides interisland service to Kahului from the other major airports in the state. Several major U.S. airlines also provide non-stop service to Maui from the West Coast and beyond. Other airports on Maui include the Ka'anapali Airport located outside of Lahaina, serving the west side of the island, and Hana Airport located in Hana, serving the eastern part of the island. (Generally, it is far less expensive to fly into Maui via Kahului Airport rather than into Hana or Ka'anapali Airport, however travel between these three airports as a means of travel around the island can offer an inexpensive alternative to car rentals if done at the right time of year.) To get to Makawao, exit the airport and follow the signs toward Haleakala Highway. Once on Haleakala Highway, travel up the mountain, turning left onto Makawao Avenue after approximately 7.5 miles and following Makawao Ave until you reach Makawao town, about a mile down the road.