Kahului

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

Central Maui hub: Island's main commercial, shopping and transportation center

Airport access: Home to Kahului Airport, Maui's primary airport

Harbor role: Kahului Harbor supports cargo, cruise and shipping activity

Retail center: Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, Maui Mall Village, Costco, Target and major services

Cultural landmark: Maui Arts & Cultural Center hosts concerts, exhibits and community events

Nature nearby: Close to Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanaha Beach Park

Visitor planning: Useful for errands, early flights, rental cars and central island access

Population: 28,219 at the 2020 Census

Zip code: 96732

Plan Your Visit

Use Kahului for airport access, shopping, rental cars, events, Kanaha Beach Park and Central Maui route planning. Allow extra time for airport roads, harbor traffic and shopping-area congestion.

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Photo gallery

Kahului Photos

Browse Kahului photos featuring aerial town views, Kahului Harbor, Maui Beach Hotel, historic storefronts, shopping areas and sugarcane-era scenery in Central Maui.

Location, Parking and Directions

Kahului is located in Central Maui on the northern side of the island's central isthmus. From the airport, main roads lead toward Wailuku, Paia, Kihei, Upcountry Maui and West Maui. Parking varies by shopping center, beach park, event venue and airport-area business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kahului on Maui?

Kahului is in Central Maui, on the northern edge of the island's central isthmus between the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala.

What is Kahului known for?

Kahului is known for Maui's main airport, Kahului Harbor, major shopping centers, business services, Kanaha Beach Park, Kanaha Pond and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Is Kahului a resort town?

No. Kahului is Maui's main commercial, airport and shopping hub. It is practical for errands, arrivals and events, but it does not feel like a beach resort area.

What can visitors do near Kahului Airport?

Visitors can stop at Kanaha Beach Park, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Queen Ka'ahumanu Center and nearby Wailuku or Paia.

Is Kahului a good place to stay?

Kahului works well for airport convenience, business trips, early flights and central access. Visitors wanting a resort beach stay usually compare other Maui areas.