Maui

Maui History & Culture

Maui is rich with Hawaiian legends and it's the only island in the chain named after a Hawaiian deity. In one legend, the half man, half god was said to have magically pulled the islands up from the sea with a fishhook. You can learn more ancient stories in chant, song, and dance at a Maui luau. Or get tickets to the amazing production “Ulalena” at the Maui Myth & Magic Theatre in Lahaina. Wander around town when you do, because the history of this old whaling village is everywhere you go. From the 1840s lighthouse, to the 1850s Hale Paahao Prison, to the 60-foot high banyan tree planted back in 1873. Visit the Carthaginian Floating Museum to learn about the whaling industry and get a taste of what a real whaling boat is like.

The road to Hana is a must-do for history and culture-seekers. It begins in the former plantation village of Paia where the mill still stands. It winds through several rural communities where thousands of plantation workers used to live. You can literally feel the history in the little village of Huelo, where the 1853 Kaulanapueo Church stands next to a small graveyard. Further down the road, is Koolau Forest Reserve filled with 200-foot tall eucalyptus trees that were brought in from Australia for the sugar cane mill’s wood-burning engines. Keep going and you’ll see Keanae Peninsula where the old Hawaiian village of Keanae stands. Native Hawaiians here still grow taro and pound it into poi. Continue on and you’ll come across more old Hawaiian communities and ancient churches, like the Kaenae Congregational Church built in 1860 of lava rocks and coral mortar. All in all, it’s a drive back in time you’ll never forget.

While you’re in Hana, you may want to stop by The Hana Cultural Center. Among other things, it features a historic jail and courthouse used from 1871 through 1978. The Bailey House Museum in Wailuku should also be on your list. It was originally a missionary home built in 1833, in the royal compound of one of the last kings of Maui and it contains an exceptional collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as 19th century paintings of Maui and its people. The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum in Kahului is a great place to learn about plantation life and also hosts historical artifacts and photomurals. Of course, there are more, but this should give you more than your fill.