DK Travel : Maui : History & Culture

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Waine’e Cemetery

The first Christian cemetery in Hawai’i. Many Hawaiian ali’i (royals) are buried here, including King Kaumuali’i, the last king of Kaua’i; Queen Keōpūolani, the highest Hawaiian ali’i ever baptized as a Protestant; and Princess Nahienaena, sister of Kings Kamehameha II and III.
Waiola Church

Immortalized by American author James Michener in his novelHawai’i , this church was built in the early 1800s and, over its 200-year history, has been destroyed three times – twice by windstorms and once by fire. The building was repositioned during its last reconstruction in 1951 and has been standing sturdily since. Still known largely as Waine’e Church, it was officially renamed Waiola (“water of life”) in 1953.
Weaving

Traditionally, women are the weavers in Hawai’i, and many of the old everyday objects they created from lau hala (leaves of the pandanus tree) and the minutely thin makaloa (sedge grass) are considered works of art today. Lau hala mats, hats, and handbags are easily found in craft shops, but makaloa is now something of a rarity.

Coconut frond hat
Western Contact

The landing of British explorer Captain James Cook at Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawai’i in 1778 is generally acknowledged to be the first time Hawaiians had contact with westerners. There is evidence that Spanish ships sailed into island waters in the 16th century, but there are no records of any contact being made with the islanders.
Whalers Village Museum

The skeleton of a 40-ft Sperm whale guards the entrance to Whalers Village, a museum that presents a vivid picture of the 19th-century Pacific whaling industry. Photo murals, an authentic whaling boat complete with gear, and a re-created ship’s forecastle graphically illustrate the seafaring life.
Wili

Plant materials are attached to a natural backing by winding fiber around them. Wili lei have no knots until the very end.
William F. Quinn

The first elected governor of the state of Hawai’i, sworn in on August 21, 1959.
Wo Hing Temple

This brightly painted building illustrates the influence of Chinese immigrants to the commerce of Maui. Brought in great numbers to work on sugar plantations, it was not long before the Chinese settlers had enough money to leave the employment of others and set up their own businesses. The Wing Ho Temple, built by a Chinese fraternal society as a social hall, now preserves the history and contributions of Maui’s Chinese community through its exhibits.
’Īao Valley

The sacredness of this valley stretches far back into the prehistory of Hawai’i, but in more recent times it became known as the site of one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on Maui. Hundreds were killed in the 18th century when Kamehameha I waged war to unite the islands under his rule. The area is now a state park, with marked trails for hiking and the cool freshwater ’Īao Stream offering the respite of a cool dip on a hot day. (see ’Īao Valley and Kepaniwai)
’Ukulele Making

A Portuguese import of the late 19th century, the ’ukulele quickly found its place in Hawaiian music. ’Ukulele making is still a respected art in Hawai’i, and companies like Kamaka on O’ahu and Mele ’Ukulele on Maui produce high-quality, handcrafted instruments.