Step into this tiny but informative museum for an overview of the town's cowboy past and bite-size insight into Hawaii's history. There are antique ranching tools on display, plus black-and-white photos of the town and its former inhabitants, and retro exhibits on local diets and culture throughout the years. The staff are very helpful and happy to chat about Hawaii's fascinating history. You can pick up a historic Makawao walking-tour map ($1) here, too. Donations appreciated.
Makawao History Museum
Top choice
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Piʻilanihale Heiau & Kahanu Garden
17.98 MILES
Probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana, this site combines a 294-acre ethnobotanical garden with the magnificent Piʻilanihale Heiau…
13.59 MILES
From break of day to twilight, this sparkling stretch of sand is a showstopper. Extending from south Kihei to Wailea’s Mokapu Beach, Keawakapu is set back…
25.02 MILES
For a long day on the beach, it’s hard to beat this crescent-shaped strip at the southwestern tip of Kapalua. Snorkel in the morning, grab lunch at the…
20.52 MILES
Wai'anapanapa means 'glistening waters', and the clear mineral waters in the cave pools here will leave you feeling squeaky clean. There's a natural lava…
14.62 MILES
Sunbathe like a celebrity at this sparkling strand, which fronts the swish Grand Wailea and ever-posh Four Seasons resorts and offers a full menu of water…
22.92 MILES
With its clear water, white sand and hala-tree backdrop, this famous crescent is a little gem; author James Michener once called it the only beach in the…
11.26 MILES
Got your camera? This beauty takes its name from the triple cascade that flows down a steep rock face on the inland side of the road, 0.5 miles past the…
-
17.72 MILES
The crowning glory of Makena State Park, this untouched beach is arguably the finest on Maui. In Hawaiian it’s called Oneloa, literally ‘Long Sand.’ And…
Nearby attractions
0.97 MILES
This unique nonprofit is a self-described healing sanctuary offering a meditative moment on your trip. Your kids will love the rock-garden labyrinth walk…
1.08 MILES
Near downtown Makawao, this arena hosts a rodeo the weekend closest to July 4 and polo matches in the fall.
3. Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center
1.27 MILES
Occupying the former estate of sugar magnates Harry and Ethel Baldwin, Hui Noʻeau is a regal setting for a community arts center. In 1917 famed architect…
5.85 MILES
Just after the Hana Hwy's 2-mile marker, a wide parking area marks the start of the trail to Twin Falls. Local kids and tourists flock to the pool beneath…
6.02 MILES
Marked by its roadside stupa, this Tibetan Buddhist center offers daily, weekly and monthly prayer and meditation sessions, retreats and dharma talks. Or…
6.17 MILES
For a quiet 100yd stretch of sand, try this unmarked beach a short drive northeast from downtown, just beyond mile marker 7. Things liven up on weekends,…
7. Hoʻokipa Beach Park & Overlook
6.18 MILES
Hoʻokipa is to daredevil windsurfers what Everest is to climbers. It reigns supreme as the world’s premier windsurfing beach, with strong currents,…
6.43 MILES
Waiakoa’s hillside landmark, the octagonal Holy Ghost Church, was built in 1895 by Portuguese immigrants. The church features a beautifully ornate…