MAUI COUNTY'S SMALL TOWNS ARE
BIG TREASURES
Maui's small towns offer a glimpse of daily island life with an
easy going charm that elicits warm feelings from visitors and residents.
The centers of commerce and social life, Maui's small towns continue to
thrive as vital mixtures of family businesses passed down through
generations and new enterprise, characterized by traditional architecture
blended with contemporary structures.
Central Maui - The Island's Heartland
Wailuku, a commercial center and the seat of County government, is
nestled at the foot of the dramatic West Maui Mountains, and is the
gateway to lush I`ao Valley, once considered the scared burial ground of
only worthy Hawaiian chiefs. The town's hilly streets wear a blend of the
old and new. Known as the home of the "Mom & Pops," Wailuku's wooden
storefronts showcase more than 40 family businesses that have been in
continuous operation for generations.
A stroll along Market Street, where Mark Twain once lived, reveals some
of the island's secret treasures at bargain prices. If you're looking for
a gift from Maui, the difficulty here is not finding something but
deciding which will fit in your suitcase. Wailuku is home to many
manufactured and homegrown products that are sold throughout the world
including manju, mochi, coffee, sushi, manapua, jams and jellies and dried
fish.
A Rediscover Wailuku walking tour developed by Wailuku Main Street
Association highlights more than 23 fascinating historic assets and an
oral history project is being developed for all of Maui County.
Representing the diverse cultures that shaped Wailuku's development and
architecture, Wailuku's historical and cultural attractions are many:
Bailey House "Ho'oike" Museum, Pihana Kalani Heiau, `Iao Needle, Tropical
Gardens, John F. Kennedy Profile & Cultural Gardens, and the `Iao
Theater, built in 1927, is the oldest of its kind in the state of Hawai‘i.
Nearby Wailuku lies the historical village of Waihee. Once was the site
of the largest taro farm on Maui which ran from Waihee Valley Stream to
Paukukalo, today's community anchors are Saint Anthony's Catholic Church
and the small Waihee Store.
Maalaea, a small fishing village, is the site of the only remaining
Shinto Japanese shrine in Hawaii dedicated to the fishing god Ebisu Sama.
Surrounded by fields of sugar cane and the Kealia Pond National Wildlife
Refuge, Maalaea borders on a bay favored by Maui's special winter
visitors, the humpback whale.
Upcountry - A Piece of Heaven
Rolling hills and misty mountains unfold as cool breezes carry the
scent of eucalyptus throughout the region known as Upcountry Maui. High on
the slopes of Haleakala, Upcountry is covered with ranches and farmland
and dotted with small towns. Kula, just below the volcano summit, offers
spectacular sweeping views of Maui and the nearby islands of Kaho`olawe
and Lana`i. Kula's most outstanding landmark, the brilliant white
octagonal Holy Ghost Church built by Portuguese immigrants in 1894, has
been recently restored and keeps stately watch over the area. The village
of Keokea conveys the area's history of agriculture including cabbage,
carnations, protea and famous Kula Onions. The Kwock Hing Society Temple
in Keokea remains a memorable landmark and a visible sign of Chinese
influence in an area that has been known as Maui's Chinatown.
Pa`ia, a historic coastal plantation town the island's north shore, has
a rural ambiance that disguises its sophistication. As home to
internationally famous Ho`okipa Beach Park, known as the "windsurfing
capital of the world," Paia offers a variety of clothing stores, curio
shops and restaurants. Its rich cultural heritage, like many of Hawaii's
small towns, includes the influence of the sugar industry and the diverse
cultures of those who immigrated to Maui.
One of the State's last paniolo towns, Makawao is replete with ranches,
horses, cowboys, game birds and the Fourth of July Makawao Rodeo. Charming
art galleries, boutiques, eateries and small shops offer the specialties
of this area including cream puffs, nachos, Portuguese Sweet Bread, blown
glass and Paniolo country wear and gear. In 1999, Makawao Town was voted
one of the "Top 25 Arts Destinations in the U.S." Makawao's rustic setting
adds to its rich tradition.
Hana - A Touch of Old Hawaii
Hana, on the eastern end of Maui, is considered the last unspoiled
Hawaiian frontier. Visitors must cross 54 bridges and wind around 600
curves to reach Hana. Along the way they are greeted by sparkling
waterfalls, lush Hawaiian foliage, the taro patches at Keanae and Wailua
and rich Hawaiian legends. In Hana, you will find Hawaii's largest heiau,
Hale Piilani. It is now part of the tour of Kahanu Gardens, one of five
National Tropical Botanical Gardens. The historic St. Sophia's Church is
one of the landmarks that you've arrived in this Hawaiian community.
Hasegawa General Store and Hana Ranch Store offer a variety of staples and
souvenirs found only in the charming and remote village of Hana.
Moloka'i - The Friendly Isle
Kaunakakai, located on the island of Moloka'i, is a special experience
and lives up to its reputation as "The Friendly Isle." A historic tour of
the town developed by the Moloka`i Main Street Association is designed to
let the walker appreciate the charm and sense of history Moloka'i offers.
A place where you'll receive a wave from the friendly folks, Kaunakakai,
is the base of day trips to Papohaku Beach, Waikolu Valley Lookout,
Kamakou Preserve (home of native birds and endemic plants), Halawa Valley
and Kalaupapa National Historic Park. The rural shops in this little town
offer a variety of Moloka`i's best such as Moloka`i sweet bread, taro
chips, poi and honey.
RESOURCES
Tri-Isle Main Street Resource Center/Wailuku Main Street Association,
Inc.,
Jocelyn Perreira, Executive Director/Program Co-ordinator
1942 Main Street, Suite 103, Wailuku, HI 96793 808 244-3888
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