The crisp morning air, history and natural beauty make ʻĪao Valley a great way to start your day in Wailuku. Stroll the lush ethnobotanical garden or take in the stunning vista of the towering 1,200-foot Kkaemoku (ʻĪao Needle). The valley is the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790 where the armies of King Kamehameha I and alii nui of Maui (high chief) Kalanikūpule clashed in the great king’s quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. Advance online reservations are required for entry. Like many upland places in Hawaiʻi, quiet and respectful reverence is always the best approach.
54 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793.
Maui
Maui
itinerary
Wailuku
Welcome to Wailuku
Moku are traditional land divisions used throughout the Hawaiian Islands for centuries. Each moku has smaller land divisions, like ahupua‘a (land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea). These traditional land divisions are reflections of ancestral values of resource management and sustainability. They continue to guide us toward more regenerative ways to enjoy our island home.
THE MOKU OF WAILUKU
Upon landing on Maui, you’ll see two prominent mountains: the taller Haleakalā (“house of the sun”) and the older ʻEʻeka, also known as Mauna Kahālāwai. ʻEʻeka’s sharp peaks are carved by years of rainfall, making it the second wettest spot on Earth. It is the source of “Nā Wai ʻEhā” (“the four waters”): Waikapu, Wailuku, Waiehu, and Waihee, all located in the moku of Wailuku.
Like the abundance of water that once ran from the top of ʻEʻeka to the shores below, Wailuku is abundant with experiences that showcase Maui’s way of life. Experience the authentic charm of Wailuku, in just one day. Stroll through historic districts, savor local cuisine, and connect with the timeless allure of Maui’s heritage.
THE MOKU OF WAILUKU
Upon landing on Maui, you’ll see two prominent mountains: the taller Haleakalā (“house of the sun”) and the older ʻEʻeka, also known as Mauna Kahālāwai. ʻEʻeka’s sharp peaks are carved by years of rainfall, making it the second wettest spot on Earth. It is the source of “Nā Wai ʻEhā” (“the four waters”): Waikapu, Wailuku, Waiehu, and Waihee, all located in the moku of Wailuku.
Like the abundance of water that once ran from the top of ʻEʻeka to the shores below, Wailuku is abundant with experiences that showcase Maui’s way of life. Experience the authentic charm of Wailuku, in just one day. Stroll through historic districts, savor local cuisine, and connect with the timeless allure of Maui’s heritage.
Kakahiaka
(Morning)
Culture & History Aficionados
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
7:00 AM
Foodies
Breakfast
8:00 AM
The morning hike is an appetite builder, and there is no shortage of fun eateries just downstream. Try one of these local favorites for your first meal in Wailuku:
-> Wailuku Coffee Co. (808-495-0259): Coffee house in an old gas station with a full espresso bar, breakfast and light lunch fare. 26 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Maui Coffee Attic (808-250-9555): Café with coffee drinks, house pastries, pizza and salads, as well as live music and a patio. 59 Kanoa St., Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Stillwell's Bakery (808-243-2243) : Patisserie selling pastries, breads, homemade sandwiches and salads. 1740 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Wailuku, HI 96793
Shoppers
Shopping
10:30 AM
While you're in Wailuku town, take a walk around and enjoy local boutiques to find unique, Maui-made souvenirs while supporting the island’s artisans, makers and small business owners. Check out:
-> Native Intelligence (808-249-2421) : A cultural retail boutique curating the best in Hawaiian craftsmanship and design–even fresh lei! 1980 Main St. #2, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Paradise Now Hawaiʻi (808-205-2807) : Locally owned shop with vintage-inspired and hand-printed original art, attire, home + body goods and more. 7 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Native Intelligence (808-249-2421) : A cultural retail boutique curating the best in Hawaiian craftsmanship and design–even fresh lei! 1980 Main St. #2, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Paradise Now Hawaiʻi (808-205-2807) : Locally owned shop with vintage-inspired and hand-printed original art, attire, home + body goods and more. 7 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793
Awakea
(Midday)
Culture & History Aficionados
Art Murals
11:00 AM
Wailuku Town has the highest concentration of working artists in the County—colorful murals adorn historic buildings and galleries showcase local talent. Download and use the free Hoʻokamaʻāina Mobile App to take a self-guided walking tour. Each artist addresses Wailuku’s distinct sense of place, history and culture in a piece created through community consultations and storytelling.
Foodies
Lunch
12:00 PM
Experience Maui’s ʻono (delicious) culinary scene, including Maui’s own local favorites not found on the other islands like Dry Mein. Derived from saimin, a classic bowl of noodles and soup, dry mein features the same ingredients - char siu pork, egg, green onion and fishcake – but without the broth. Instead, it’s served with a side of savory broth for dipping. Try it for yourself:
-> Sam Sato’s (808-244-7124): A classic counter-service joint that’s home to the famous dry mein, one of Maui’s favorite dishes, garnished with char siu pork, egg, green onion and fishcake. 1750 Wili Pa Loop A, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Ichiban Okazuya Hawaiʻi (808-244-7276): A family-owned Japanese takeout restaurant serving local classics, like tempura and chicken katsu. Japanese food was introduced to Hawaiʻi by plantation worker immigrants between the 1860s and early 1900s, creating the delicious fusion cuisine there is today. 2133 Kaohu St., Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Sam Sato’s (808-244-7124): A classic counter-service joint that’s home to the famous dry mein, one of Maui’s favorite dishes, garnished with char siu pork, egg, green onion and fishcake. 1750 Wili Pa Loop A, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Ichiban Okazuya Hawaiʻi (808-244-7276): A family-owned Japanese takeout restaurant serving local classics, like tempura and chicken katsu. Japanese food was introduced to Hawaiʻi by plantation worker immigrants between the 1860s and early 1900s, creating the delicious fusion cuisine there is today. 2133 Kaohu St., Wailuku, HI 96793
ʻAuinalā
(Afternoon)
Foodies
Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum
1:30 PM
Hale Hōʻikeʻike (808-244-3326) features an impressive 2,000-piece artifact collection, over 8,000 historic photographs, as well as archival maps, manuscripts, genealogies and biographies. The collections are shared by the Maui Historical Society, which is committed to preserving and sharing the island’s history. Paid admission at the door grants access to a virtual tour guide mobile app. Guided tours can be scheduled in advance online.
2375A Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793
2375A Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793
Nature Lovers
Maui Ocean Center
3:30 PM
Take a quick 15-minute drive toward Maʻalaea to get to the world-famous Maui Ocean Center, Hawaiʻi’s largest aquarium. Take in the beauty of one of the world’s largest collections of live tropical corals in over 60 thriving exhibits and walk through the famous acrylic tunnel that immerses you into the underwater world of manō (sharks), honu (turtles), lupe (stingrays) and countless iʻa (fish). During the winter months, it’s quite easy to see whales breaching, making huge splashes of long-lasting memories. Reserve tickets online.
192 Maalaea Rd., Wailuku, HI 96793
192 Maalaea Rd., Wailuku, HI 96793
Ahiahi
(Evening)
Foodies
Dinner
6:00 PM
From food trucks to restaurants that serve dishes from the farm to your plates, Maui has something for every pallet and experience.
-> Plate Lunch Marketplace Food Trucks : Check out the food truck lot just beyond the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport hotel offering a delicious array of culinary delights served curbside. Try the deep-fried lemongrass chicken from Thai Mee Up or the juicy burger from Havens. For dessert, try an acai bowl with homemade lilikoʻi butter from Mo ‘Ono Hawaiʻi. 591 Haleakala Hwy., Kahului, HI 96732
-> Maui Fresh Streatery (808-344-7929): Founded by Chef Kyle Kawakami, a Maui native with a passion for farm-to-table dining, this mobile eatery has become a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike. With its ever-changing menu that reflects the seasons and availability of local produce, this popular food truck offers a true taste of the island's vibrant food scene. 21 Laʻa Street, Kahului, HI 96732
-> Plate Lunch Marketplace Food Trucks : Check out the food truck lot just beyond the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport hotel offering a delicious array of culinary delights served curbside. Try the deep-fried lemongrass chicken from Thai Mee Up or the juicy burger from Havens. For dessert, try an acai bowl with homemade lilikoʻi butter from Mo ‘Ono Hawaiʻi. 591 Haleakala Hwy., Kahului, HI 96732
-> Maui Fresh Streatery (808-344-7929): Founded by Chef Kyle Kawakami, a Maui native with a passion for farm-to-table dining, this mobile eatery has become a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike. With its ever-changing menu that reflects the seasons and availability of local produce, this popular food truck offers a true taste of the island's vibrant food scene. 21 Laʻa Street, Kahului, HI 96732
Foodies
Cocktails
8:00 PM
End the day sipping a refreshing drink, even if it’s a mocktail. From pau hana (after work) and into the evening, Maui mixologists craft sippers infused with tropical flavors, local spirits, and a touch of aloha. Check out:
-> Tiffany’s Maui (808-249-0052): A favorite local gathering spot serving refreshing drinks and local Hawai‘i cuisine—a fusion of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Portuguese. This local favorite is the latest restaurant by Chef Sheldon Simeon (featured on season 10 and 14 of Top Chef) and Janice Simeon. 1424 Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Esters Fair Prospect (808-868-0056): An authentic tropical cocktail bar serving local farm-to-table inspired small plates, as well as an outdoor patio with amazing views of ʻĪao Valley. 2050 Main St. #1B, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Wai Bar (808-214-9829): A welcoming, laid-back ambiance with inventive cocktails highlighting island flavors. 45 N. Market St. # B, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Tiffany’s Maui (808-249-0052): A favorite local gathering spot serving refreshing drinks and local Hawai‘i cuisine—a fusion of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Portuguese. This local favorite is the latest restaurant by Chef Sheldon Simeon (featured on season 10 and 14 of Top Chef) and Janice Simeon. 1424 Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Esters Fair Prospect (808-868-0056): An authentic tropical cocktail bar serving local farm-to-table inspired small plates, as well as an outdoor patio with amazing views of ʻĪao Valley. 2050 Main St. #1B, Wailuku, HI 96793
-> Wai Bar (808-214-9829): A welcoming, laid-back ambiance with inventive cocktails highlighting island flavors. 45 N. Market St. # B, Wailuku, HI 96793