Discover Maui’s History

The island of Maui has an early history that mirrors the rest of Hawaii’s, characterized by warring chiefs, missionaries, colonization, and the sugarcane industry. Moreover, tourism has emerged as a significant economic driver across Maui and the state as a whole.

Being respectful and responsible should be a significant part of any trip, particularly in Hawaii. The islands’ intricate history of colonization, occupation, and development has led many Native Hawaiians and locals to harbor mixed feelings toward visitors.

The Kingdom of Hawai’i was recognized as a sovereign nation governed by the Hawaiian monarchy for many years. However, on January 17, 1893, 13 white businessmen staged a coup against Queen Liliʻuokalani, threatening an invasion supported by the U.S. military if she did not surrender her government. Following the successful overthrow of the kingdom, President Grover Cleveland described the situation as an “act of war,” recommending that the Hawaiian monarchy be restored. However, Congress rejected his proposal, and the men formed a provisional government that pushed for annexation, thereby ending the long line of Native Hawaiian monarchs.

In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the U.S., leading to increased exploitation of its people and resources. Hawaii became a state in 1959 through popular vote; however, by then, the majority of its citizens were non-native, with Native Hawaiians comprising only 17% of the population. Since then, Native Hawaiians have struggled to regain autonomy over their homeland.

Discover more about Maui by exploring its significant historical sites.

1. Mauna Kahalawai and Haleakalā

Maui was formed by two volcanoes, Mauna Kahalawai and Haleakalā, around 1.5 million years ago. As these volcanoes erupted, layers of lava built upon each other, eventually creating the island. Today, the two dormant volcanoes form peaks on different sides: Mauna Kahalawai in the west and Haleakalā in the east, which contribute to Maui’s nickname, the Valley Isle.

2. Maʻalaea Harbor

Around 1000 CE, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti voyaged to Hawaii in outrigger and double-hulled canoes, settling across the islands. These expert navigators utilized the stars, clouds, and wave patterns to reach land, creating what is now known as Hawaiian culture. Exploring outrigger canoe paddling can provide deeper insights into this cultural heritage.

3. La Pérouse Bay

In 1786, Captain Jean François de Galaup, Comte de La Pérouse, became the first European to set foot on Maui’s shore, and the bay named after him is a testament to his legacy. La Pérouse Bay, known as Keoneʻōʻio, is found past Kihei and Wailea, featuring a landscape dominated by jagged lava rocks. The area is popular for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling when conditions allow.

4. ʻIao Valley

In 1790, Kamehameha I ventured to Maui to unite the Hawaiian Islands, initiating a battle against Kahekili’s son, Kalanikupule, in ʻIao Valley. The battle was significant, leading to many casualties, which led the streams of ʻaIao Valley to be dammed by the fallen. This historical event is known as the Battle of Kepaniwai, or the “Damming of the Waters.”

5. Lahaina: The Seat of the Kingdom

After unifying the islands, Kamehameha I ruled from Hawaiʻi island until his death in 1819. In 1820, his wife Keopuolani relocated to Lahaina, which became the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. The kingdom’s successful interactions with Europe and America attracted numerous missionaries and sailors, leading to significant cultural and educational developments in the area.

6. Waiola Church

Waiola Church in Lahaina is where Christianity took root on Maui. Established in 1823 as Ebenezer Church, it was renamed to Waiola Church in 1953. Queen Keopuolani showed interest in the church’s teachings and was baptized just before her death, making the church significant in Hawaiian Christian history.

7. Whalers Village

Although Whalers Village was constructed in 1970, it serves as a reminder of the booming whaling industry of the 1800s. Lahaina became a key rest stop for whalers during their voyages, maintaining its relevance until the 1850s when the industry declined. Remarkably, thousands of humpback whales now travel to Maui during winter to mate and give birth.

8. Wailuku

Since the arrival of Polynesians, land management by Native Hawaiians prohibited the exploitation of resources, allowing for community ownership and sustainable practices. However, with the introduction of Western land ownership concepts, many Native families were displaced during the Great Māhele initiated by Kamehameha III in 1848. This significant change reveals the tensions between local traditions and foreign practices.

9. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Following the Great Māhele, foreign settlers established the five largest agribusiness and sugarcane companies known as the Big Five. The sugarcane industry significantly influenced Maui’s economy, bringing in migrant workers from several countries. However, as tourism began to grow in importance, the sugarcane industry slowly waned, with the last sugar mill closing in 2016.

10. Kahoʻolawe

Kahoʻolawe, a sacred uninhabited island, was used for military training during WWII after being seized by the U.S. Army in 1941. Protests from Native Hawaiians over the desecration of this sacred land led to restoration efforts after congressional action to return the island to the state in 1990. Organizations continue to work towards its rehabilitation, highlighting the lasting impact of historical events on native lands.

11. Kula

The introduction of axis deer to Maui in 1959 has led to significant ecological challenges. Once an invasive species, their population has risen to over 60,000, causing serious harm to Maui’s native forests and water retention capabilities, fostering increased aridity and drought.

12. Wailea

The shift towards tourism as a primary economic driver led to the establishment of resorts in regions like Kaʻanapali and Wailea during the 1960s. These areas are now bustling with hotels, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, cementing tourism’s ongoing significance to Maui’s economy.

13. Honokahua

The excavation at Honokahua in 1987 uncovered an ancient Hawaiian burial ground, leading to significant cultural and ethical disputes regarding development. The discovery emphasized the need for respect towards indigenous burial practices, prompting legal protections for unmarked burials in Hawaii.

14. Kihei

The real estate development boom in Maui has substantially altered its landscape since the 1970s, driven by an influx of visitors seeking work and living space. This growth has, unfortunately, led to an increased cost of living and displacement issues for the indigenous population.

15. West and Upcountry Maui

On August 8, 2023, wildfires devastated West Maui and Upcountry Maui, caused by strong winds associated with a nearby hurricane. The disaster, claiming the lives of 115 individuals, marks one of the deadliest events in American history, sparking widespread aid efforts for displaced residents.