Not far from the resort towns on the West and South side of the island, cooled by brisk trade winds and home to acres of sugar cane fields, Central Maui is steeped in the aura of old world Hawaii. This is the heart of Maui, where battles were fought, and early missionaries came to settle. On the lush, green mountainside and stretching down to the sea, you’ll find Wailuku rich in the history, culture, and heritage of the island.

Wailuku means, “Water of Destruction”. One of Hawaii’s most famous and fiercest battles was fought in 1790 between Maui warriors against the invading King Kamehameha, who sought to add Maui to his Hawaiian empire. The conflict that was so intense, bodies of the slain warriors formed a dam in the Iao River, and more than four miles of the stream ran red with their blood.

Wailuku was irrevocably changed with the arrivals of missionaries in the early 1800’s, who introduced western culture, agricultural implements, and spirituality.

By 1860, the sugar industry brought further change and ethnic and cultural diversity to Wailuku as people from Asia and Europe, came to the island to work in the factories and sugar cane fields, many making their homes in Wailuku.

By 1905 Wailuku had become the commercial, entertainment, and business hub of the island. It was an era of growth and prosperity and it continued into the 1960’s.
 
Today Wailuku remains the county seat and is the business and government center of Maui. It offers Island visitors a taste of the historic past as well as the promise of the future, and an array of activities and diversions, off the beaten path.

You can experience some of Wailuku’s history at the Ka’ahumanu Church, the oldest existing stone church on Maui. Built to honor King Kamehamena’s wife, an early convert to Christianity who was instrumental in the conversion of the Hawaiian people. Today you can experience Sunday morning services where the Hawaiian congregation sings hymns in their native language.

The Missionary, sugar cane cultivator, and painter, Edward Bailey, supervised the construction of the church in 1879. You can find out about him, and his impact, culturally, spiritually, and artistically on the island of Maui at The Bailey House Museum.

The museum was originally the home of Edward and Caroline Bailey and is rich in history and artifacts.

Moving up the road you’ll find the mystical and scenic Iao Valley State Park. Iao means, “cloud supreme” and is one of Maui’s most popular scenic destinations.  Mark Twain once referred to Iao as the “Yosemite of the Pacific.”

The Valley is a place long revered by Native Hawaiians, and was a burial place for ali’i,  or Hawaiian nobility. The remains of many ali’i remain undisturbed, tucked away in the deep and majestic valley walls.

Iao Valley is the home of the Iao Needle, a monolithic pillar of stone rising 2250 feet above sea level and topped with a grassy plateau that was once a natural altar as well as a strategic lookout for defense.

The lush and scenic valley is a great place for short or long hikes. One can experience the tropical taro plants and other native flora amidst breathtaking panoramic vistas and the trickling streams filling clear, blue natural pools.

Downtown Wailuku is in the process of gentrification and is filled with intriguing art galleries, retail shops, cafes and restaurants. Walk down Market Street, known as Maui’s “Antique Row” and discover specialty treasures you won’t find anywhere else, and merchants who will welcome you with the true spirit of aloha!

Market Street is also the home of the Historic Iao Theater. Built in 1928, the theater is noteworthy for being the oldest Theater building in Hawaii. In 1995, it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra “tread the boards” at The Iao Theater during USO shows in World War II and the premiere of the film From Here To Eternity was held here. Currently the Iao is home to Maui Onstage.

Eating out in Wailuku is an international adventure with cuisines from the four corners of the earth. Whether it be zesty Mexican fare, fresh seafood, or crispy Thai noodles, if you’re in the mood to eat, you’ll find some of the best and most affordable restaurants Maui has to offer.

Enjoy outdoor adventures in one of Maui’s favorite State Parks. Wailuku is a charming old world place to stay, shop, eat and enjoy. Experience the history and the heritage, the old and the new, the people and the land, the renovation and innovation, off the beaten path, in wonderful, historic, enchanting Wailuku.