About Us

Makawao Elementary School (MES) is located on the slopes of Haleakalā, at the gateway to historic Makawao Town. Serving Upcountry Maui since 1839, the school has a rich history—including buildings constructed in 1936 that once served as a U.S. Army hospital during World War II.

Today, Makawao Elementary educates students in kindergarten through fifth grade from the communities of Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Olinda, and designated areas of Haʻikū.

Our Mission
Makawao Elementary School is committed to creating a safe, nurturing learning environment that supports the whole child. We strive to provide a meaningful and relevant education that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful, contributing members of a global society.

Our Vision for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Curriculum is standards-based, meaningful, and relevant.

• Instruction is aligned to standards, rigorous, and engaging for all students.

• Students are empowered to take ownership of their learning through self-assessment.

• Teachers collaborate weekly in Data Teams to plan and implement effective instructional strategies and use formative assessments to monitor student understanding.

Our Commitment to Relationships
We aim to foster a welcoming and friendly environment for students, staff, families, and the broader community.