Wailuku

Travel Guide

Wailuku
Wailuku which includes heritage architecture
Wailuku which includes 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 kilometers) from Kahului Airport. 

Where to stay in Wailuku

Default Image

Ukumehame Ahupuaa

While visiting Ukumehame Ahupuaa, you might make a stop by sights like Maalaea Bay Beaches and Papalaua Beach Park.

Ukumehame Ahupuaa
Default Image

Wailuku Heights

When in Wailuku Heights, you can plan a visit to Iao Valley State Park and Maui Tropical Plantation, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wailuku Heights
Yonegan Central Maui Getaways

Yonegan Central Maui Getaways

2 out of 5
197 North Market Street, Wailuku, HI
The price is P3,856 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P3,856
P8,852 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wailuku. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Iao Theater and Kaʻahumanu Church are ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
"Property does not have laundry room."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Yonegan Central Maui Getaways
Howzit Hostels

Howzit Hostels

1 out of 5
2080 W Vineyard St, Wailuku, HI
The price is P9,571 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P9,571
P11,291 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Wailuku. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (349 reviews)
"Wonderful staff! Great daily excursions! Laundry room. Clean showers. And super affordable!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Howzit Hostels
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

5 out of 5
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua, HI
The price is P52,289 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P52,289
P65,455 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kapalua. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"A great place to relax."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
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 Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Book a 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,643 reviews)
"Close to ocean, lots of places to eat within 5-10 minutes"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Book a 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,434 reviews)
"True studio with large kitchen area, living/dining are. Very spacious."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (210 reviews)
"Right on the beach! All the restaurants, shops and excursion pick ups right there too!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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

Things to do