Wailuku Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wailuku
Wailuku showing heritage architecture
Wailuku featuring outdoor art
Wailuku
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
It may take its name from one of Hawaii’s bitterest and bloodiest battles, but today this charming town is all about peace and tranquility.

Wailuku is Maui County’s capital town, a place where fierce battles were fought, Hawaiian kings went to rest, a sugar industry was born and missionaries worked. Its eclectic history is only part of the appeal. Today, it charms with its old churches, wooden storefronts, antique stores and quaint cafés.

The town is situated at the foot of the West Maui Mountains and bordered by Iao Valley’s lush green forests and tropical plants. This was the setting for one of Hawaii’s most savage battles, the origin of the town’s name. In 1790, the invading King Kamehameha defeated Maui warriors in his attempt to unite Hawaii. So many men died, it was said that several miles of the 'Iao River ran red with their blood. Wailuku translates as “waters of destruction.”

The area changed when the missionaries arrived in the early 1800s, bringing with them Christianity and Western culture. Further upheaval came with the growth of the sugar industry. This boom attracted immigrants from Europe and Asia, many of whom settled in the area.

Glimpse Wailuku’s history with a visit to Kaahumanu Church, the oldest on the island. This large bluestone structure is the fourth place of worship for the Wailuku congregation on this plot of land the first was a shed, the current structure was built in 1876.

Explore the Bailey House Museum, the former home of missionary teacher Edward Bailey and his family. The 19th-century building’s displays include Hawaiian and missionary artifacts, paintings and furniture.

One of the most popular parts of Wailuku is Market Street, with its assortment of retail shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafés. It’s here that the town’s peaceful atmosphere is pleasantly disrupted on the first Friday of every month: The area is closed off to traffic for 2.5 hours and plays host to a lively street party, which features singing, dancing, magicians and street vendors.

Located on central Maui, Wailuku is 5 miles (8 kilometres) from Kahului Airport. 

Where to stay in Wailuku

Default Image

Ukumehame Ahupuaa

If you're spending some time in Ukumehame Ahupuaa, Maalaea Bay Beaches and Papalaua Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

Ukumehame Ahupuaa
Default Image

Wailuku Heights

While Wailuku Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Iao Valley State Park and Maui Tropical Plantation.

Wailuku Heights
Howzit Hostels

Howzit Hostels

1 out of 5
2080 W Vineyard St, Wailuku, HI
The price is ₹13,720 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹13,720
₹16,184 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Wailuku. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (345 reviews)
"the downstairs common areas are well designed & equipped but the upstairs looks tired. Especially one of the bathrooms. The organised day trips are a great attraction."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Howzit Hostels
Maui Coast Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2259 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
The price is ₹19,755 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹19,755
₹27,263 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kihei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,040 reviews)
"It’s right close to the beach on a walking distance. 25kins away from OGG airport and close to hookipa, Paia, Waleia. The staff is very accommodating and will make sure your trip is memorable. It has all the modern amenities and offer you free shuttle service throughout the day."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Maui Coast Hotel
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

4 out of 5
2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI
The price is ₹22,897 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹22,897
₹31,578 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,372 reviews)
"No kleenex And very little on the toilet paper roll after the room was cleaned yesterday no spare roll of toilet paper in the room"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,425 reviews)
"Clean units and beautiful beach"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,622 reviews)
"Beautiful property at an unbeatable price point. Gorgeous, well- kept property with the spirit of Aloha from the staff. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
"Good value for its location and access to adventures."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Wailuku