Maui was named after this mythological
being, perhaps because the shape of the island is said to resemble
his head and body. But it was a man named Piilani who made the
greatest impact here as the first ruler to unite all of Maui.
In 1790, after a fierce battle in Iao Valley, King Kamehameha took
control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of the unified
Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the
center of government for Hawaii. Simultaneously, the town
experienced a surge in its whaling industry. At the height of the
whaling era (1840-1865) as many as 500 ships anchored in Lahaina’s
port.
Maui has many historical places of interest that shouldn’t be
missed. From ancient myths to its booming whaling era, Maui’s rich
history will add a fascinating new dimension to your visit.
HISTORICAL SITES ON MAUI:
Halekii-Pihana State Monuments
Two historical sites with remnants of a lava rock heiau (religious
temple) and a reconstructed house of refuge that existed in Old
Hawaii (circa 1240). Like all heiau and ancient Hawaiian sites,
these areas should be treated with the utmost respect and reverence.
Olowalu Petroglyphs
Primitive drawings etched in rock allow you to see history preserved
in stone. These simple figures depict life of the ancient Hawaiians.
Iao Valley State Park
The valley was a sacred burial ground for the alii (Hawaiian
royalty). In 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai took place here, uniting
Maui with the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
This stately plantation home lets you learn all about Maui’s
plantation life and sugar industry with authentic machinery, photo
murals, and artifacts.
Whalers Village Whaling Museum
This free museum is home to hundreds of whaling artifacts, photo
murals, interpretative graphics, and scrimshaw, illustrating life at
sea in the 1800s.
