When you see a map of Central Maui, you will notice that the Kahului Airport is right there along with the route to the Hana Highway, however, there are some spectacular things to see and do in Wailuku and Kahului before you head off toward other destinations. Too many people just cruise right through on their way to other destinations, which means they are missing some historical and fun things to enjoy.
Kahului is the place where everyone enjoys shopping including the locals. Here you will find Costco, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, the Maui Marketplace and the largest mall around, the Maui Mall. For shopping and doing all kinds of business, Kahului is the place to go.
Then there is Wailuki, which is the county seat. At one time, this was the place everyone rushed to see, but its popularity has gone down over the years and so has most of the upkeep. You can enjoy some of the sights around Wailiku such as the ‘Iao Valley and the Iao Needle, the Hawaii nature Center, the Bailey House Museum, the remains of the Haliki’I and Pihana heiaus. Not only are these some of the most popular attractions but you might enjoy visiting the war memorial, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, the Skateboard park, Happy Valley, the state building, and the Banana Bungalow.
Kahului Harbor can be fun as you watch the ships come and go on their daily activities and then there is Ka’s Point and Kanaha Beach Park. Here you can enjoy Kite surfing, windsurfing, or just enjoying the beach and watching others. Just east of the airport and Kahului is the Spreckelsville Beach, which might not be close to the town but can be an enjoyable afternoon for a picnic.
Today, Wailuku may not have many visitors except passerby’s but if you do not stop and see what there is to see you will be missing out on one of the most historical places in
Central Maui. It still has its charm and with peace and quiet included, there is no other place in Maui like it.
You can always visit the ‘ Iao Valley and the Iao Needle which was the location of the major battle that brought the Hawaiian Islands under one ruler. The valley is the remains of the crater that was left behind by the West Maui volcano.
After you visit this beautiful valley, you can come back on highway 320, take a left on Mahalani and visit the War Memorial, let the children play at skateboard park, then jog over to Wahinepio to see the Maui Arts and Cultural Center before heading west on highway 340 to the Haliki’I and Pihana heiaus.
Haliki’I and Pihana heiaus were at one time luakini temples in which human sacrifices were done. From this hill, you will be awed at the magnificent view of both Wailuku and Kahului. The park at last sighting has not been well kept but it is still a wonderful sight to see.
Take your time and experience all that Wailuku and Kahului have to offer. You will have more time to live on the fast track, take time to enjoy a few quiet moments away from the crowd, this may be the last time while you are in Central Maui where you will not have to stand in line or be elbow to elbow with other tourists. Once you live this area, you will miss the beauty, the view, and even the excellent shopping adventures.
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