Explore Makawao, Hawaii, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Makawao |
| State | Hawaii (HI) |
| County | Maui County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Hawaii Standard Time — no DST (Pacific/Honolulu) |
| Latitude | 20.849355 |
| Longitude | -156.316694 |
| Population | 7,297 |
| Density | 794.5 /km² |
| Incorporated | N/A |
| ZIP Code | 96768 |
| Area Code | 808 |
| County Seat | Wailuku |
| School District | Hawaii Department of Education |
Makawao exists as a high-altitude sanctuary where the crisp, cooling mist often descends to soften the edges of the rugged volcanic landscape. It lies 10.4 miles east-southeast of Kahului, HI (from Kahului, HI: bearing 103°T), and is situated 4.7 miles south-southwest of Haiku-Pauwela. This elevated terrain provides a vantage point toward the Pacific Ocean, which glimmers six miles away beneath the constant movement of the trade winds. Travelers moving through the area may encounter the tranquil waters of Alelele, a lake situated only a mile from the center of activity. To the west, the deep indentation of Kahakapao Gulch carves through the earth, while the steady flow of Uaoa Stream marks the land four miles distant. The silhouette of Haleakala looms ten miles away on the horizon, anchoring the view and defining the dramatic verticality of the island's geography.
Makawao carries the weight of a working history, having long served as a vital hub for the cattle ranchers who shaped the local economy. The legacy of the paniolo culture remains visible in the architecture and the resilient spirit of those who continue to work the land. Beyond the agricultural roots, the Waihou Spring Forest Reserve provides a testament to the island's diverse ecological heritage, offering a quiet space for the preservation of native flora. Today, the economy balances these traditional industries with a vibrant array of local artisans and independent shops. Residents gather at the Makawao Park Eddie Tam Center to organize community life and celebrate the shared kuleana that binds the neighborhood together. The rhythm of the workweek here is dictated not by the clock, but by the shifting light that touches the fields and the persistent, life-giving breeze.
Cultural character in Makawao is defined by a unique blend of heritage, where the influence of Polynesian voyaging history meets the stoic, independent nature of the mountain ranching tradition. The scent of plumeria often drifts through the air, carried by the winds that sweep down from the heights toward the distant island of Papanuiokāne. Visitors drawn to the natural beauty of the region often seek out the hidden spray of Waiohiwi Falls, located just two miles from the main thoroughfare. Notable individuals have occasionally sought the solitude of this landscape, finding inspiration in the quietude that persists despite the changing times. The local calendar is punctuated by events that honor the equestrian past, ensuring that the identity of the place remains firmly rooted in its origins. Even as the modern world encroaches, Makawao retains a distinct atmosphere, a subtle gravity that keeps the soul of the island firmly grounded in the soil.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Makawao, Hawaii. Coordinates: 20.849355, -156.316694. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Makawao includes the ZIP code (96768), telephone area code (808), county seat of Maui County (Wailuku), and school district assignment (Hawaii Department of Education).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |