As America’s youngest state, the Hawaiian Islands are full of history, charm, and Aloha, and nowhere is that more evident than in our spectacular small towns. While we love Hawaii’s most charming towns as much as the next person (because really, who could NOT fall in love with Haleiwa, Lahaina, and Hanalei?), there are some insanely cool small towns that remain off the beaten path. Nestled on Maui’s northeastern coast, Wailuku is one of the most underrated towns in Hawaii.
Home to approximately 15,000 residents, Wailuku is surrounded by lush farmland and is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Kahului and also serves as the gateway to the lush Iao Valley.
The birthplace of Hawaii’s mighty sugarcane industry, this census-designated place was home to the Wailuku Sugar Company in the mid-1800s, and houses, schools, churches, temples, banks, shops, and community buildings were constructed to meet the needs of this thriving community.
In 1905, Wailuku was designated as the county seat of Maui and became a hub for government, business, and entertainment. Growth continued into the late 1960s, and today, Wailuku is lovely little community big on charm and full of history.
In the early 20th century, Wailuku was Maui’s main tourist destination, though it has since been pushed aside with the rise of resort towns like Ka’anapali. Today, there are no major hotels in Wailuku, and you won’t find that many tourists visit this charming community. So, if you’re looking for a town off the beaten path, Wailuku is the place to go.
Rich with history and now bustling with revitalization projects, this community is as charming as they come with plantation-style storefronts, historic sites, and unique murals.
Historic sites include Kaʻahumanu Church, which is named after one of Hawaii’s great monarchs, Queen Ka’ahumanu and dates back to 1876, the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District, the historic — and haunted — Iao Theater, and the Bailey House, a 19th century former seminary and home that now houses a museum and the Maui Historical Society.
While Wailuku is home to popular local shops, restaurants, and bakeries that have been around for generations, the town also features emerging boutiques and laid-back cafes and coffee shops.
Wailuku is the perfect blend of old and new, and it’s sure to please.
While many view Wailuku as simply the gateway to the Iao Valley, it is so much more than that, and you should plan your visit today.
Looking for more incredible underrated towns where the tourists won't find you? Check out our previous article here.
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