Wailuku Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Wailuku, located on the island of Maui in the United States, is a charming and picturesque census-designated place that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences. From its stunning landscapes to its welcoming community, Wailuku is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience.

One of the main attractions in Wailuku is the Iao Valley State Park, a lush and verdant valley that is steeped in historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the park's well-maintained trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Iao Needle, a towering rock formation that rises dramatically from the valley floor. The park's serene atmosphere and majestic scenery make it an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, and immersing oneself in the natural wonders of Hawaii.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Bailey House Museum is a must. Housed in a historic missionary home, this museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Maui's rich cultural heritage. From traditional Hawaiian crafts to ancient artifacts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the island's history and the people who have called it home.

Food lovers will delight in the vibrant dining scene in Wailuku. The town is home to numerous restaurants and eateries that offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international flavors. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, mouthwatering sushi, or a hearty plate of local favorites like kalua pork and poi, Wailuku has something to satisfy every palate.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Wailuku is also a shopper's paradise. The town is dotted with charming boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops where visitors can find unique souvenirs, locally made crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures. From handmade jewelry to vibrant artwork, Wailuku offers a wealth of shopping opportunities for those looking to bring a piece of Hawaii home with them.

Alternative names: Population: 15.3 thous.Area: 5.67 mi²Elevation: 279 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 20°53'18"N, 156°30'7"W

Location

HawaiiUnited States

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Wailuku Top Attractions

Wailuku Attractions - What to See and Explore

Wailuku offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Iao Valley, ʻĪao Theater, Bailey House Museum, Maui Academy of Performing Arts. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Valley • Park • Regional park
Iao Valley
Iao Valley is a lush, stream-cut valley in West Maui, Hawaii, located 3.1 miles west of Wailuku. Because of its natural environment and history, it has become a tourist location. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Concerts and shows • Theater
ʻĪao Theater
The ʻĪao Theater is a Spanish Mission style theater opened in 1928, in the city of Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. It was originally both a movie and vaudeville house, until it fell into disrepair in the 1980s. Facing possible demolition, in 1994, it was listed on the State of Hawaii's Register of Historic Places.
Museum • History museum • Art museum
Bailey House Museum
Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House is a museum of Hawaiian history and art located in Wailuku, on the island of Maui, in Hawaiʻi. It is owned and operated by the Maui Historical Society.

Concerts and shows • Theater
Maui Academy of Performing Arts
The Maui Academy of Performing Arts is a nonprofit theatre company that produces community theater and offers classes to children and young adults. Over the years, the mainstay of the Academy has been their drama, dance, and summer programs. MAPA was founded in 1974 as the Maui Youth Theater by Linda Takita.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Kaahumanu Church
Kaʻahumanu Church is a Church in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. Upon visiting a religious service in Wailuku in 1832 by Jonathan Smith Green, Queen Ka'ahumanu requested that a more permanent church structure be named for her, but her request was not honored until 1876 when the current structure was built by Edward Bailey.
Historical place • Wailuku Ahupua`a
Chee Kung Tong Society Building
The Chee Kung Tong Society Hall was a former Chinese society hall located on 2151 Vineyard Street in Wailuku, Maui. Built to provide services to single immigrant Chinese males, mostly working for the sugarcane plantations, it provided religious and political help, in addition to mutual aid.
20°53'10"N • 156°30'18"W
Ka'ahumanu Church
Architecture • Sacred and religious sites • Church
20°47'46"N • 156°30'40"W
Maui Golf & Sports Park
Water park • Park • Game and entertainment center
Park • Garden
Kepaniwai Park
Iao Valley is a lush, stream-cut valley in West Maui, Hawaii, located 3.1 miles west of Wailuku. Because of its natural environment and history, it has become a tourist location. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
20°53'18"N • 156°30'4"W
Native Intelligence
Art gallery • Museum • Shopping

Things to See and Do in Wailuku by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Wailuku.

Culture

ʻĪao Theater
Wailuku
Concerts and showsTheaterWailuku Ahupua`a
Maui Academy of Performing Arts
Wailuku
Concerts and showsTheaterWailuku Ahupua`a
Native Intelligence
Wailuku
Art galleryMuseumShoppingWailuku Ahupua`a

Active

King Kamehameha Golf Club
Wailuku
GolfWaikapu Ahupua`a
Kahili Golf Course
Wailuku
GolfWaikapu Ahupua`a
Maui Golf & Sports Park
Wailuku
Water parkParkGame and entertainment centerUkumehame Ahupua`a

Day trips

Wailuku – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Wailuku, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Wo Hing Society Hall (Lahaina), Banyan Tree (Lahaina), Sugar Cane Train (Lahaina).

12 milesW
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Wo Hing Society Hall, Lahaina
Nestled in the heart of Lahaina, Maui, the Wo Hing Society Hall stands as a testament to the cultural heritage and historical presence of the Chinese community in Hawaii. This museum, housed in a restored two-story building, offers visitors a glimpse into the life...
11 milesW
Park, Museum
Banyan Tree, Lahaina
Lahaina Banyan Court Park is a public park located at the corner of Front Street and Canal Street in the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. The 1.94 acres park, also known as Lahaina Courthouse Square and commonly called...
11 milesW
Museum
Sugar Cane Train, Lahaina
The Lahaina, Kaanapali and Pacific Railroad is a steam-powered, 3 ft narrow gauge heritage railroad in Lāhainā, Hawaii. The LKPRR operated the Sugar Cane Train, a 6-mile, 40-minute trip in open-air coaches pulled by vintage steam locomotives. The tracks connect Lahaina with Puukolii, stopping briefly at Kaanapali.
36 milesNW
Volcano
Kauhakō Crater, Molokai
Kauhakō Crater is a volcanic crater located in Kalawao County, Hawaii, United States. The crater was formed between 230,000 and 300,000 years ago, as the result of the eruption of volcano Pu'u' 'Uao. It is located in the center of the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokaʻi, and has a diameter of 500 metres by 650 metres.
20 milesSE
Observatories and planetariums
Pan-STARRS, Maui
The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System located at Haleakala Observatory, Hawaii, US, consists of astronomical cameras, telescopes and a computing facility that is surveying the sky for moving or variable objects on a continual basis, and also producing accurate astrometry and photometry of already-detected objects.