MAKAWAOUPCOUNTRY MAUIHappy trails lead to Makawao. On the midslopes of Maui’s Haleakala Crater, Makawao has one foot in its plantation and cowboy past and another in a thriving arts community. Where else can you watch a rodeo and take a yoga class in the same day? Makawao is famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. Since the late 19th century, horseback riding paniolo have been wrangling cattle in Maui’s wide-open upland fields. The Makawao Rodeo, held on the Fourth of July, is Hawaii's largest paniolo competition. The weekend events include a parade, cowboy skills contests, and other festivities. At high noon, locals stomp to Kitada’s Kau Kau Korner for a steaming bowl of saimin, Hawaii’s local noodle soup. For dessert, pick up a famous cream puff from T. Komoda Store. Established in 1916 by Takezo Komoda, a Japanese plantation worker, this little store and bakery makes big business in Makawao. Lines can be long, so come early. The bakery is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. You can also spend an entire afternoon exploring and shopping in the variety of eclectic shops, boutiques and art galleries in town. The combination of its paniolo heritage and its lively artistic community make Makawao a unique stop on your visit to Upcountry Maui. > Learn more about Upcountry Maui | 
