Makawao is an ideal location for access to a lot of the attractions around the valley and the beaches on the south Southwest shores. We went to The Ocean Aquarium, the IAO Needle and Haleakala to watch the sunset and stay for the fantastic stargazing. Unfortunately we didn't make advance reservations made for the King's Cottage Tasting Room at the Maui Winery in Kula, so we should have planned ahead for that.