Makawao (meaning "beginning of the forest") is a settlement of Portuguese immigrants mainly involved in rearing cattle. Over the years the place has become well-known in Hawaii on account of the rodeos that are held here throughout the year. The most popular of these takes place on July 4th, American Independence Day. Makawao has about 1100
inhabitants and it has a distinctive flavor of the Wild West, like that of Wailea/Kamuela in the north-east of Big Island. The retention of Makawao's character as a Wild West town has been a source of concern for some years. Both Mexican and steak restaurants are located in the two main streets, Baldwin and Makawao Avenue. A peculiarity is Kitada's food stall, said to sell the best saimin, a filling noodle soup, which originated in Japan.
The land around Makawao is not typically Hawaiian but is nevertheless attractive with horses and cattle grazing in meadows and on the slopes.
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