Is Makawao Safe, Pros and cons of living in Makawao

Makawao, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to the natural beauty of Maui. This Upcountry town, nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā, provides a distinct lifestyle from the island’s coastal resorts. Makawao is known for its artistic community, historic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage, and a more laid-back pace of life.

For those considering a move, understanding the local environment is crucial. This includes an overview of safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and the diverse population that calls Makawao home. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive look at what life is like in this distinctive Maui community.

Is it Safe to Live in Makawao?

Makawao generally experiences a low crime rate, with overall crime rates reported as 23% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, being 55% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This contributes to a sense of security, with residents having a 1 in 62 chance of becoming a victim of crime (as reported by AreaVibes).

While crime rates are significantly lower than the national average, there has been a year-over-year increase of 17% in crime within Makawao (as reported by AreaVibes). Despite this increase, the town is considered safer than 48% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Community vigilance and awareness remain important aspects of maintaining safety in any locale.

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Market Trends

The Makawao housing market is characterized by high property values. The average home value in Makawao was approximately $1,103,697 as of March 31, 2026, showing a decrease of 2.6% over the preceding year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in Makawao was $1,379,667 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

For those considering purchasing property, the median sale price per square foot in Makawao is $841 (as reported by Realtor). The market can be competitive, with active listings totaling 51, indicating a relatively tight market that may favor sellers (as reported by Realtor).

Rental Market Overview

Rental prices in Makawao are also on the higher side, reflecting the overall cost of living on Maui. The average rent across all property types in Makawao was $2,800 per month (as reported by Zillow). More recently, Zillow reported the average rent in Makawao as $3,138 as of March 31, 2026, with a month-over-month decrease of 4.2% (as reported by Zillow).

The rental price range in Makawao can vary significantly, with listings typically ranging from $1,700 to $6,950 per month (as reported by Zillow). There were approximately 40 rentals available in Makawao as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Overall Cost of Living

Makawao’s cost of living is considerably higher than the national average. The overall cost of living in Makawao is reported to be 53% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This is also 37% lower than Hawaii’s state average, indicating that while expensive, it is more affordable than some other areas in the state (as reported by Salary.com).

The primary factors contributing to this higher cost of living are elevated housing expenses, transportation costs, and food prices (as reported by Salary.com). For a single person, estimated monthly living costs in Makawao are around $3,775, and for a family of four, they are approximately $8,312 (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Makawao’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses and larger institutions. Key employers in the region include educational institutions like King Kekaulike High School and Seabury Hall, as well as healthcare and social service organizations such as Maui Youth & Family Services/Aloha House/Malama Family Recovery Center (as reported by Zippia). The Maui Chamber of Commerce also plays a role in supporting the local business community (as reported by Chamber of Commerce Hawaii).

Other significant employers are often found within the broader Maui County, including those in tourism, agriculture, and hospitality sectors, which are vital to the island’s economy. Organizations like the Makawao Merchants Association aim to bolster local commerce and provide opportunities for small businesses (as reported by Cause IQ).

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Hawaii, which includes Makawao, has been relatively low. As of March 2026, Hawaii’s unemployment rate was 2.4% (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics and YCharts). This figure is lower than the long-term average for the state (as reported by YCharts).

The average salary in Makawao can vary by profession. For example, the average salary for a Factory Worker is approximately $45,676 annually (as reported by Indeed). The median wage in Makawao is around $41,200 per year, with the 75th percentile earning approximately $51,200 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Weather Patterns

Makawao experiences a warm, humid, and partly cloudy climate throughout the year. The typical temperature range is between 60°F and 81°F, with temperatures rarely dropping below 55°F or exceeding 84°F (as reported by Time and Date). The area is known for being windy, which can offer a pleasant breeze in the warmer months.

The warmest months for water temperature in Makawao are typically from August to November, with September seeing an average of 80°F. Conversely, the coolest water temperatures occur from January to May, with March averaging around 75°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Rainfall and Seasonal Variations

Makawao receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 58 inches (as reported by Livability.com). While specific monthly rainfall data for Makawao is not detailed in the provided snippets, general climate information suggests a partly cloudy pattern with some seasonal variations. The best time for hot-weather activities, based on temperature and cloud cover, is typically from early July to mid-September (as reported by Time and Date).

The weather in Makawao is generally pleasant year-round, contributing to its appeal as a residential location. The area is not prone to snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 0 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Demographics

School System Overview

Makawao is served by a range of public and charter schools, with several receiving favorable reviews. Makawao Elementary School has a reputation for being one of the best public elementary schools on the island (as reported by Niche). Hawai’i Technology Academy Public Charter School also receives high marks, with an overall Niche grade of A (as reported by Niche).

Other schools serving the area include King Kekaulike High School, which serves multiple Upcountry communities (as reported by Zippia). Niche ranks Makawao among the top places for public schools in Hawaii, placing it at #24 out of 48 (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

Makawao has a population of approximately 7,353 residents as of recent estimates (as reported by World Population Review and Census Dots). The population has seen a slight decrease since the 2020 census, but the area is considered to be growing at a modest rate (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Makawao is 42.8 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The community is diverse, with a significant presence of various racial and ethnic groups. The racial composition includes White (28.55%), Asian (18.26%), Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (14.78%), and Multiracial populations (26.79%) (as reported by World Population Review and Census Dots). Makawao is noted as being more racially diverse than Hawaii overall (as reported by Census Dots).