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Maui : Wailuku and Kahului

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Wailuku and Kahului

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  • Wailuku, Maui’s County seat, and Kahului, the island’s business and retail center, are nestled between Pu’u Kukui (West Maui Mountains) and Haleakalā. For centuries this area has been the center of power and population on Maui, and today it offers a vast array of culture, history, nature, entertainment, dining, shopping, and recreation. As the gateway to Maui, Kahului is also home to the island’s largest airport and primary harbor.

Top 10 Sights
  • 1. Market Street

    Nowhere is the small-town charm of Wailuku more evident than on Market Street. Here you can find unusual boutiques, antique shops, local art galleries, and the 1920s’ pink ‘Īao Theater, which hosts community stage productions.

  • Ka’ahumanu Church 2. Ka’ahumanu Church
    2. Ka’ahumanu Church

    This smart, white, steepletopped church mirrored the establishment of Christianity in Hawai’i. It began as a grass hut, progressed to an adobe structure, was replaced by stone in 1837, and rebuilt in its present form in 1876. It was spruced up again in the 1970s. (see Ka’ahumanu Church)

  • Wailuku Public Library 3. Wailuku Public Library
    3. Wailuku Public Library

    Wailuku Library (1928,) and the neighboring Territorial Building (1931) were designed by C.W. Dickey, the architect credited with developing the Hawaiian style, characterized by a double-hipped roof.

  • Maui Tropical Plantation 4. Maui Tropical Plantation
    4. Maui Tropical Plantation

    Here, a tram takes you on an exotic journey of the senses through fields of sugar cane, and plantations of pineapples, bananas, mangoes, papaya, and macadamia nuts. This working farm also has a gift shop and a restaurant on site (see Maui Tropical Plantation).

  • Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum 5. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
    5. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

    This award-winning museum, housed in a period residence, presents a lively look at Maui’s plantation life through interactive displays, photos, and artifacts. (see Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum)

  • Kanahā Pond 6. Kanahā Pond
    6. Kanahā Pond

    As well as providing respite for migrating ducks and geese, Kanahā Pond is also home to the Hawaiian stilt (ae’o) and the Hawaiian coot (alaeke’oke’o) , both endangered species. They can be seen from an observation shelter just off Route 37.

  • 7. Keōpū’olani Park

    Fronting the ocean, this beautiful 101-acre park has many paths that meander through broad green lawns, a native botanical garden, a croquet course (for public use), a skate park, and a playground.

  • Maui Arts & Cultural Center 8. Maui Arts & Cultural Center
    8. Maui Arts & Cultural Center

    The MACC presents an almost daily schedule of performances and exhibitions, and its 1,200-seat Castle Theater regularly shows independent and classic films. (see Maui Arts & Cultural Center)

  • 9. War Memorial Park

    Honoring the servicemen and women of Maui County who have given their lives for their country, this complex is the site of many athletic and community events. Each fall, the grounds are transformed into a colorful maze of tents, booths, and livestock for the Maui County Fair (see Maui County Fair).

  • 10. Haleki’i and Pihana Heiau

    Two of Maui’s most impressive archeological sites. Haleki’i (literally, “image house”) was a chiefly compound; Pihana, a luakini (temple), where human sacrifices were offered. There are also magnificent views here of Haleakalā and ’Īao Valley.

Practical Information
Central Maui is the place to go for a short day of sightseeing. All the attractions are within short distances of each other. Find a large assortment of books about Maui and local handicrafts at the Bailey House Museum shop. Some of the best cheap eats on the island are located in Wailuku – at the top of the list are Sam Sato’s, Wei Wei BBQ, Maui Bake Shop, Tokyo Tei, ’Īao Cafe, Saeng Thai, and Asian Star. Maui Tropical Plantation Waikapu 2447643 9am–5pm daily free; tram $9.50 Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum Pū’ūnene 8718058 9:30am–4:30pm Mon–Sat $5 Maui Arts & Cultural Center Kahului 242 7469
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