DK Travel : Maui : History & Culture

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Ka’ahumanu Church

A Wailuku landmark, the Ka’ahumanu Church was designed in New-England style by Edward Bailey, a Protestant missionary who lived in the house next door. The church was built in 1876 to honor Queen Ka’ahumanu, the powerful ali’i (monarch) whose influence was instrumental in establishing Christianity in the Hawaiian islands. Sunday services are conducted in the Hawaiian language.
Keka’a

Keka’a is a lele (a jumping off point for spirits going to the next world). This particular one is a high bluff of black lava rock from which ancient Hawaiians believed their spirits sprung forth. It is directly in front of the Sheraton Maui on Kā’anapali Beach. Also known – some would say disrespectfully – as Black Rock, this area is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. It’s easily accessible from the beach and teems with marine life.
Kepaniwai Park Gardens

This peaceful park is a tribute to Maui’s ethnic diversity. A leisurely stroll here reveals a replica of a traditional piece of architecture and a garden from each of the major contributors to Hawai’i’s cultural mix: a Japanese tea house; a Chinese pagoda; a Portuguese villa; a Flipino abode; and a New England frame house. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian grass hale (house) recently succumbed to fire. Picnic areas with barbecue pits are set in the shade of trees by ’Īao Stream. (see ’Īao Valley and Kepaniwai)
King Kamehameha I

The ali’i who succeeded in defeating Kahekili and uniting the islands into the Kingdom of Hawai’i.
King Kamehameha I Unites the Islands

An accomplished warrior chief from the island of Hawai’i, Kamehameha I waged war to conquer O’ahu and Maui, then forced the island of Kaua’i to cede to his dominion. Thus the islands were unified into the Kingdom of Hawai’i in 1809.
Kīpu’u

Short lengths of vines or long-stemmed leaves are knotted together.
Kui

Today’s most familiar lei –flowers strung together with needle and thread.
Lei Hulu (Feather Lei)

Traditionally made of feathers from now mostly extinct or endangered native birds, the art continues using feathers from common birds.
Lei Making

There’s no more enduring symbol of Hawai’i than the lei (garland). In the past, permanent lei were made from shells, seeds, bone, and feathers, and temporary lei from vines and leaves. Today, colorful and fragrant flowers like plumeria and tuberose are most associated with this craft.
Lei Pūpū (Shell Lei)

These range from pukashell lei , wildly popular in the 1970s, to museum-quality Ni’ihau-shelllei , worth many thousands of dollars.