Wailuku Photos
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Wailuku, Maui
Wailuku was once the center of power and the home of great Hawaiian chiefs. In 1790, it was the site of the victory of King Kamehameha’s army from the Big Island and the defeat of Maui’s King Kahekeli II’s army in the battles of Kepaniwai and Iao Valley. As a result of the clash, many people died, bloodying and damming the valley’s river with corpses. The place of death was then named Wailuku, which means “waters of destruction.”
In the mid-1800s, Christian missionaries started to arrive and settle in Wailuku, bringing with them their religious beliefs, culture and agricultural methods. Some local Hawaiian royalties helped propagate Christian beliefs, including King Kamehameha I’s wife, Queen Kaahumanu.
In 1876, the Kaahumanu Church was built in her honor. The church stands next to the home of Edward Bailey, the missionary and artist who designed the church. Today, the Bailey House serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts from the old Hawaii and its missionary days, and also artworks of Bailey.
Truly a place of interesting historical events, Wailuku is also the birthplace of Hawaii’s sugar industry. By the 1860s, the town was bustling with sugar production. In 1905, Wailuku was designated as the county seat of Hawaii.
Today, Wailuku no longer has the hustle and bustle of its early days. What it continues to offer its visitors is rich history and culture. Houses and structures are architectural bearers of Wailuku’s New England and Art Deco heritage. And its 12,296 residents, just as well, reflect the diverse ancestry of Wailuku - 42.08% are Asians, 11.70% are Caucasians, 7.75% Latinos and 26.28% from two or more races.
Wailuku’s zip code is 96793.
Wailuku Overview
- Town with a rich history
- Buildings reflect Wailuku’s New England and Art Deco heritage
Location: Northern part of Maui, about 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Kahului
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