Maui Historic Sites | Go Hawaii

Historic Places

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Maui Historic Places

Maui’s rich history offers plenty of special places to explore, ranging from heritage sites that provide significant historical, cultural and environmental contributions, to natural wonders, and everything in between. These must-see destinations have been visited by the people of Hawaiʻi for generations.
 
Maui Heritage Sites
On Maui, there are two Heritage Sites of Hawaiʻi. Haleakalā National Park is a stunning natural wonder spanning from Upcountry Maui’s highest point (10,023 feet) to the southeastern coast of Kīpahulu. Covering 30,004 acres, this park has the largest concentration of endangered species of any national park. It is also known for unforgettable Haleakalā sunrises atop its soaring summit.
 
Just beyond the Maui county seat of Wailuku, you’ll discover the lush ʻĪao Valley State Monument. Home to the ʻĪao Needle, one of Maui’s most famous landmarks, this is the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where the forces of King Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790. Culturally and spiritually significant to Maui, this beautiful heritage site is the perfect spot for a short, relaxing hike that’s complemented by historical markers describing the battle.
 
Kāʻanapali Beach
Kāʻanapali was once a retreat for the royalty of Maui. On the northern side of Kāʻanapali Beach is the sacred spot of Puʻu Kekaʻa, also known as Black Rock. Ancient Hawaiians believed this cliff was a jumping-off place for the soul to enter the spirit world. Today, you can watch the daily sunset cliff-diving ceremony, which reenacts the feat of King Kahekili, who bravely dove from this sacred spot.
 
Lāhainā Historic Trail
The seaport town of Lāhainā served as the center of government for the Hawaiian monarchy for nearly five decades until the mid-1800s. Lāhainā was also an international whaling center in the 1800s. You can visit the sites of these periods by taking the self-guided Lāhainā Historic Trail, which highlights 62 important historical landmarks.
 
Hāna
A visit to remote Hāna in East Maui is like stepping back in time. Undeveloped and pristine, you can sense the tradition and aloha that surrounds this lush town. Just beyond Hāna in Kīpahulu, you can find the grave of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh in a small country church.
 

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