Makawao: Why This Place Matters
A National Preservation Month Exhibit Makawao History Museum May 1-31, 2020
In honor of National Preservation Month, Makawao History Museum presents the following virtual exhibit on the origins and revitalization of Makawao town. Scroll through the images below to discover the charm of this Upcountry Maui town
This exhibit explores Makawao’s past from its origins through the revitalization and growth that has helped preserve the charms of this historic small town.
The town of Makawao resides in the ahupu’a (ancient Hawaiian land district) of the same name. This area has been an abundant resource for Hawaiians since before European contact. Forest resources such as koa and
ʻōhiʻa were used to build canoes and houses. The area’s rich soil catered to dryland agriculture such as ‘uala (sweet potato) and kalo (taro).
The Makawao area was later developed during the mid 19th century due to the privatization of Hawaiian lands and the growing industry of sugar plantations. These developments led to an increase of western populations, missionaries, and business to the area. Eventually, a town was formed and consisted of several stores populated first by the Hawaiians and Chinese and later with the Portuguese and Japanese. The establishment of ranching to the area brought paniolo (cowboys).
By the early 20th century the town had a distinct architectural style. The buildings were designed in the signature Hawaiian Plantation style with false fronts to give the buildings an image of stability and style and to embellish the main street. This technique is iconic for old western towns in the United States and is what gives Makawao its western flair.
By the mid-20th century, Makawao was a desolate place due to modern highways and job opportunities drawing people to Wailuku and Kahului.
This changed in the 1970s with the revitalization of rural living that brought residents back to the area. With this increase in population grew new opportunities for businesses and eventually lead Makawao to become a tourist destination.
Makawao has been able to hold onto its characteristics and identity as a community. Baldwin Ave. in Makawao is a testament to preserving the rich history and reminds us of an older time in Hawai’i
in 2015, the Makawao History Museum published a self-guided walking tour of Makawao dedicated to telling the stories of the people who have lived here. Fell free to participate in the walking tour and learn about the historic buildings that define the character of this town.
