Kahului

Kahului

Kahului is Maui's largest city and serves as the island's commercial, transportation, and retail hub. Located on the northern isthmus between West and East Maui, Kahului is home to the island's primary airport, deep-draft harbor, and major shopping centers. With a population of over 28,000, the city offers a mix of modern conveniences, cultural landmarks like the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and nearby natural attractions including Kanaha Beach Park and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kahului, Maui

Kahului, Maui's largest city, is situated on the northern edge of the isthmus of West Maui and East Maui (Haleakala). In the 1850s, Henry Baldwin and Samuel Alexander purchased a large chunk of land between Makawao and Pa'ia from the Kingdom of Hawaii. The land where now Kahului is located was cultivated into a sugar plantation.

In 1876, when water was scarce in the area, they constructed a 17-mile (27 km) long irrigation ditch that sourced water from Haleakaka. The flourishing of the sugar plantation led to the building of roads, houses and other industries in Kahului.

Today, Kahului is Maui's commercial and travel hub. It has Maui's main airport, the Kahului Airport, and the island's only deep-draft harbor, which is always bustling with shipping activities. Kahului is also the retail center on Maui, having big retail giants like Home Depot and the only Walmart on the island.

The largest shopping center in Kahului is the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, named after the famous Hawaiian queen. Cultural establishments, such as the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, are also located in Kahului. Natural sights include the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanaha Beach Park.

Key Features of Kahului

  • Commercial and retail hub: Home to Maui's largest shopping centers and chain retailers
  • Major transportation center: Location of Maui's main airport (OGG) and only deep-draft harbor
  • Historic sugar industry roots: Developed from plantation lands by Alexander & Baldwin
  • Cultural institutions: Hosts the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and Sugar Museum
  • Natural surroundings: Close to Kanaha Beach Park and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Population: 28,219 (2020 Census)
  • Zip code: 96732


Show Form

No ratings yet. Be the first to add a rating!

Frequently Asked Questions

✈️Does Kahului have Maui's main airport?

Yes, Kahului Airport (OGG) is the primary airport for all inter-island and mainland flights to Maui.

🛍️Is Kahului a good place for shopping?

Absolutely. Kahului is home to major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, and the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center.

🌺What cultural attractions are in Kahului?

You can visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum to learn about local heritage.

🏖️Are there any beaches near Kahului?

Yes, Kanaha Beach Park is a popular beach near the airport, known for windsurfing and kiteboarding.