From Molokai's old myths to Maui's booming whaling era, the Islands' rich history will add a fascinating dimension to your visit. Maui was named after a mythological being, perphaps because the shape of the Island is said to resemble his head and body. But it was a man named Pi'ilani who made a great impact here as the first ruler to unite all of Maui.
In 1790, after a fierce battle in Iao Valley, King Kamehameha took control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of unified Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the center of government for Hawaii. Simultaneously, the town experienced a surged in its whaling industry. At the height of the whaling era (1840-1865) as many as 500 ships anchored in Lahaina's port. Maui has many historical places of interest that shouldn't be missed.
Historical Sites on Maui
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
Learn about Maui's plantation life and sugar industry with authentic machinery, photomurals and artifacts.
Bailey House Museum Explore a historic 1833 mission home to view 19th century artifacts and exhibitions. Guided tours are available in Wailulu, open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Haleki'i-Pihana State Monuments
Two historical sites with remnamts of a lava rock heiau (religious temple) and a reconstructed house of refuge. Like all heiau and historical Hawaiian sites, these areas should be treated with the utmost respect and reverence.
Iao Valley State Park
The valley was a sacred burial ground for the ali'i (Hawaiian royalty). In 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai took place here, uniting Maui with the Hawaiian Kingdom. Open daily, 7am-7pm
Hale Pa'ahao: Lahaina Prison
Hale Pa'ahao was built in the 1850s to replace the 1830s coral block fort on Lahaina's waterfront. You can view the prison yard wall and wooden buildings Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm.
Whalers Village Whaling Museum
This free museum is home to hundreds of whaling artifacts, photos, murals, interpretative, graphics, videos and scrimshaw illustrating life at sea in the 1800s.
CULTURE
From early Polynesians to contemporary artists, Maui, Molokai and Lanai have inspired generations of creativity. Today, that rich culture and history is displayed in museums and galleries, cultural centers and even botanical gardens. Explore the past and present as you learn the meaning behind the Islands' stories and images.
Discover Aloha
Throughout Hawaii there is an unseen force that is felt by those who visit. We call it the spirit of aloha, a mystical phrase that gives Hawaii its nickname. Aloha is a Hawaiian word commonly heard as a greeting, but it also means love, kindness and compassion. Aloha animates life here for visitors and residents alike. Learn to say it freely and discover its power and its gift for making friends.
The music of Hawaii will add another cultural element to your visit. You'll hear the traditional slack-key guitar and ukelele, but also Hawaiian reggae, hip-hop and modern beats. Be sure to take home some Hawaiian music CDs to remember your visit to the Islands.
Hula
Born in Hawaii, hula remain powerful means of sharing myths and legends. The dance uses the body to tell a story. Hula, however, is also about the stories, language, chants, mele (songs) and the plants from which instruments and adornments are made.
