Most visitors begin their vacation in Central Maui, arriving at Kahului Airport. Wailuku, the island’s county seat, and Kahului, three miles from the airport, are towns on the broad green plain of central Maui. Here are five attractions to be familiar with for your clients in central Maui.
1. Just outside Kahului, the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum tells the story of Hawaii’s sugarcane industry. Former missionary families concentrated in corporations known as The Big Five tightly controlled sugar production. The corporations gained control over the Hawaiian economy and were involved in the overthrow of the kingdom and the island’s annexation by the United States. The small museum tells the history of Maui’s sugar barons Samuel Alexander and Henry Baldwin, men who founded one of the Big Five companies.
2. Iao Valley State Park—Just outside Wailuku, the park is home to the Iao Needle, a natural rock pinnacle surrounded by the walls of Puu Kukul Crater. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972. The pillar is covered in green foliage. Tips for visitors include bringing mosquito repellent and visiting early in the day because the Needle is often hidden behind clouds in the afternoon.
3. Maui Tropical Plantation: This working farm outside Wailuku offers craft demonstrations, historical exhibits, and a tram ride through cane fields with narration on the pineapple-growing process and plant varieties. A coconut-husking demonstration is part of the tour. The gift shop offers food and gift products made in Maui. It would be a beautiful venue for a wedding or any event that requires a South Pacific setting amid exotic flowers and swaying palms.
4. Wailuku: Wailuku was Maui’s main tourist destination in the early 20th century. Resort towns such as Kaanapali have since eclipsed it, so much so that the town has few hotels. Many of its historic buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places: the Kaahumanu Church, temples, and the Bailey House. Market Street is the place to shop if people are looking for antiques.
5. Haleakala National Park: The park was originally created to preserve the beauty of Haleakala Volcano, but land acquisitions have also helped to protect the surrounding ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch in East Maui, and the coastline.
From the summit, two main trails lead into the crater: Sliding Sands Trail and Halemauu Trail. No food or gas is available in the park. Weather can be severe and is always changeable. Water is scarce, altitude can be a factor, and seasonal restrictions may apply. Be aware that Upcountry weather is entirely different from that of the coast.
