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

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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
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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
Yonegan Central Maui Getaways

Yonegan Central Maui Getaways

2 out of 5
197 North Market Street, Wailuku, HI
The price is ฿2,496 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿2,496
฿5,343 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wailuku. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Iao Theater and Kaʻahumanu Church are ...
8/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"Quite"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Yonegan Central Maui Getaways
Howzit Hostels

Howzit Hostels

1 out of 5
2080 W Vineyard St, Wailuku, HI
The price is ฿5,333 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
฿5,333
฿6,291 total
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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! (353 reviews)
"The staff were excellent and made the stay very easy and friendly."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Howzit Hostels
Maui Coast Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2259 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
The price is ฿6,796 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
฿6,796
฿9,507 total
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kihei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,131 reviews)
"Very polite and kind many amenities"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Maui Coast Hotel
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
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! (3,673 reviews)
"Great area and great place to stay"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
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! (2,442 reviews)
"Very good location and great amenities. Unfortunately, the air conditioning was really undersized for the unit and it would get hot indoors around the afternoon. We had friends over and had to move to another unit."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (221 reviews)
"We stayed 10 nights at the Whaler, we had a studio with ocean view and a kitchen. The hotel was very nice, the bed was really comfortable. The staff was very nice and really responsive."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 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.

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