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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 Hawaii.
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. |
