Makawao Dining Guide

Upcountry Flavors: The Complete Makawao Dining Experience

The food scene in Makawao is as diverse and authentic as the town itself. From a century-old bakery to modern, farm-to-table restaurants, there's a flavor for every palate. Here's how to eat your way through town.

Morning Coffee & Legendary Bakeries

16. T. Komoda Store and Bakery

This is not just a bakery; it's a Maui institution. Since 1916, the Komoda family has been serving up legendary baked goods from their humble storefront on Baldwin Avenue. There are four things you absolutely must try: the pillowy cream puffs, the glazed stick donuts, the guava-filled malasadas, and the long johns. A word of wisdom I cannot stress enough: the line forms early for a reason. If you arrive after 10 a.m., your favorites might be gone!

The magic of Komoda's lies in their commitment to traditional methods. Many of their recipes haven't changed in over a century, passed down through four generations of the Komoda family. The cream puffs are filled with fresh whipped cream just hours before opening, the malasadas are hand-rolled and filled with tropical fruit preserves, and everything is made in small batches to ensure freshness. The aroma that greets you when you open the door—yeast and sugar and vanilla—is the same smell that has welcomed customers for over 100 years.

The sourdough starter used at Restaurant Marlow is over two years old, creating complex flavors in the pastries that you simply can't get from commercial yeast. The croissants are buttery and flaky with that distinctive tang, and the cinnamon rolls are perfectly balanced between sweet and sophisticated. Paired with their expertly pulled espresso, it's a breakfast that rivals anything you'd find in a major city.

Casual Lunch & Midday Bites

19. Freshies Maui

Tucked away in a courtyard, this cafe is a peaceful oasis. Enjoying a hearty brunch dish like their huevos rancheros in the shade of a massive coral tree is one of my favorite ways to spend a lazy Upcountry afternoon. The setting is as important as the food here—you're dining in a tropical garden where the sounds of the town fade away.

The menu at Freshies changes seasonally to highlight the best of what's available from nearby farms. Their huevos rancheros might feature eggs from free-range chickens raised in Kula, topped with salsa made from tomatoes grown in Haiku. The portions are generous, the flavors are bright and fresh, and the atmosphere is pure aloha.

20. Habibi On Maui

When you're craving something fresh and flavorful, Habibi is the answer. This small, open-air spot serves delicious and authentic Middle Eastern street food. The pita bread is made fresh daily, and the lamb shawarma is outstanding.

Habibi brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to the islands, but with a distinctly Hawaiian twist. The lamb is locally sourced from Maui ranches, the vegetables come from Upcountry farms, and even the hummus is made with ingredients that reflect the multicultural heritage of the islands. The casual, outdoor setting perfectly matches the street food concept—grab your order and find a spot under the shade trees to enjoy your meal.

21. Rodeo General Store

For a quick and satisfying lunch with a paniolo vibe, this is the place. They make great sandwiches, smoothies, and a hearty chili that's perfect on a cooler Upcountry day. The atmosphere here is pure cowboy country, with Western memorabilia decorating the walls and country music playing softly in the background.