Wailuku Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wailuku
Wailuku which includes heritage architecture
Wailuku showing 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

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Ukumehame Ahupuaa

If you're spending some time in Ukumehame Ahupuaa, Papalaua Beach Park and Ukumehame 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
Stay at this hotel in Wailuku. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Iao Theater and Bailey House Museum are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
"I liked the extra security for the upstairs units."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Yonegan Central Maui Getaways
Howzit Hostels

Howzit Hostels

1 out of 5
2080 W Vineyard St, Wailuku, HI
The price is AU$267 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$267
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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! (362 reviews)
"The staff was the best! Instalations very comfy and clean. Pancakes for breakfast were a good way to start the day :)"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Howzit Hostels
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
The price is AU$615 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$615
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,757 reviews)
"Always is a 10/10"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
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.
Kanai A Nalu-Spectacular Whale Watching, Beachfront, Wifi & Split Air thru out

Kanai A Nalu-Spectacular Whale Watching, Beachfront, Wifi & Split Air thru out

Wailuku
Book a stay at this beach condo in Wailuku. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Maalaea Beach and Maalaea Harbor are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"As promised this was a fantastic view in Maui. We sat on the balcony that looks out over the beach and oven, and it was beautiful. Every morning and every night. I loved that there were 2 separate bedrooms, one have 2 beds so each of the kids got their own bed. They also had their own bathroom. Great ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Kanai A Nalu-Spectacular Whale Watching, Beachfront, Wifi & Split Air thru out
195-295/night, Oceanfront with 2 Master Suites, Fully Stocked, Amazing View!!!

195-295/night, Oceanfront with 2 Master Suites, Fully Stocked, Amazing View!!!

Wailuku
Book a stay at this beach condo in Wailuku. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Maalaea Beach and Maalaea Harbor are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"This VRBO had so many amenities:* well-stocked, tidy kitchen with a knife sharpener and nonstick pans in good shape, basic seasonings, olive oil, aluminium foil, baggies, plenty of serving dishes, many appliances, ice dispenser* plenty of beach gear: towels, chairs, umbrella, a wide assortment of ..."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025

195-295/night, Oceanfront with 2 Master Suites, Fully Stocked, Amazing View!!!
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! (3,757 reviews)
"Always is a 10/10"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
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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