A Weekend of Heart-Pounding Action and Family Fun on Upcountry Maui: Prepare for the Makawao Stampede 2025!

The Makawao Stampede is back and bigger than ever at the Oskie Rice Arena, so mark your calendars and bring the whole “ohana!”

Monster Bull Bash & Live Music on Friday, July 4
The Monster Bull Bash will take over the arena for an exciting evening to start off the holiday weekend! A unique live performance by country music star Jimmy Charles kicks off the evening, laying the groundwork for an exciting evening of expert bull riding and exhilarating entertainment.

Paniolo Day is Saturday, July 5.
Enjoy a full day of traditional rodeo excitement as you honor Maui’s cowboy culture! Highlights include the popular Roselani Ice Cream Eating Contest, a family-friendly Keiki Zone, a hands-on petting zoo, and the rodeo’s first performance. Families are encouraged to play, cheer, and take in the charms of the Upcountry on this day.

Patriotic Day and Championship Finals on Sunday, July 6
Patriotic Day, a celebration of tradition and skill, marks the end of the weekend. Watch the thrilling Crowning of Champions as the best competitors attack the arena, participate in the Mahi Pono Watermelon Eating Contest, and support expert operators in the Kubota Excavator Challenge.

The Makawao Stampede is more than simply a rodeo; it’s a multigenerational celebration of culture, community, and rural life. “It’s where families come to make memories that last a lifetime,” the event organizers say.

Visit http://www.OskieRiceEventCenter.com for a complete schedule of events this week, and this Fourth of July weekend, visit Upcountry!

Upcountry Forestland Acquired By The State

As reported by Maui News, over 3,000 acres of upcountry land has been purchased by the state. The plans for the land include trails for hiking, picnic spots, and forests excursions. Reforestation is also a top priority which will provide clean drinking water to Makawao residents. 

Public use of the area is most likely at least a year out.

 

64th Annual Makawao Rodeo

Starting Thursday, July 4th and running through Sunday, July 7th is the 64th Annual Makawao Rodeo at the Oskie Rice Arena. This four day event is a favorite for locals and visitors to attend every year during the 4th of July holiday celebration.

The Makawao Parade is one of the highlights for the event. The parade will take place on Saturday, July 6th starting at 9:00 am. The parade is full of colorful floats, decorated horses, and lots of people marching along the route.

The schedule starts on July 4 with the prelims for the qualifying. On Friday the 5th, it’s BullBash. Gates will open at 4:00 pm with the show scheduled to begin at 6:30. On this day expect a beer garden and food vendors.  On Saturday, July 6th, gates will open at 1:00 pm with the rodeo starting at 3:00 pm. Rodeo events include mugging, barrels, and sheep riding! On the final day Sunday, July 7th, gates will open at 10:00 am and the rodeo will begin at 12:30 pm. Sunday’s events include the finals and awards presentation.

Guests in attendance may want to bring an umbrella for shelter from various weather elements. Seating is provided by bleachers so plan accordingly.

Seabury Hall’s 46th Annual Craft Fair

This Sunday, May 11th, Seabury Hall will be hosting their 46th annual craft fair! The fair is scheduled from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Seabury campus located at 480 Olinda Rd., Makawao. Admission is $5 for adults with children 12 and under free!

The fair is held annually in support of the schools scholarship program. This is also a great place to find a unique gift for Mother’s Day! Shoppers will find art, jewelry, and clothing items among other things. There will also be a silent auction, and a rummage sale. Live music will be playing in multiple spots throughout the campus, not to mention a very expansive food court! Kids will be happy to play on the giant waterslide, participate in games, have their face painted, and jump in the bouncy castle.

On site parking is available for $10 with free offsite parking also available. Come enjoy a wonderful day in upcountry and support the scholarship program for Seabury Hall!

Makawao Steak House Closes

Members of the upcountry community were deeply saddened at the closure of Makawao Steak House. The restaurant closed its doors Sunday after a two-year financial loss. The restaurant had been in business for more then 40 years.

Makawao Steak House was originally owned by the Eneim family. It started as a store, but was converted to a restaurant to accommodate the theater next door. The hope in the community is that whomever is the new owner will keep the Makawao Steak House tradition.

Many have taken to the Makawao Steak House Facebook page sharing memories, favorite dishes, and sending well wishes. The restaurant will be truly missed.