Maui Guide: Experience the Local Culture
Learn more about Maui’s culture at one of these attractions.
Photos: Ryan Siphers
Hale Pa‘i is the home of the first newspaper west of the Rockies, on the campus of Lahainaluna, the West’s first high school. Inside the coral-brick building, see the vintage press and prints that introduced Hawaiians to elephants and other marvels.
980 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, (808) 667-7040, lahainarestoration.org/hale-pai-museum
During your trip to Hāna, plan a lengthy detour at Kahanu Gardens. Wander past the world’s most extensive breadfruit collection to discover Pi‘ilani Heiau, a massive, 3-acre stacked-rock platform. It’s said to be the largest temple in Hawai‘i, constructed in the 1300s with rocks hand-carried from miles away.
650 Ulaino Road, Hāna (808) 248-8912, ntbg.org/tours/kahanu
Stop by the Bailey House on the way up to ‘Īao Valley. This beautiful seminary-turned-museum brims with artifacts (imagine trying to hoist the massive spear) and luminous paintings by missionary and teacher Edward Bailey.
2375A Main St., Wailuku, (808) 244-3326, mauimuseum.org
Omiyage
Get your Maui Built stickers and onesies at Maui Tropix.
61 Dairy Road, No. 1, Kahului, (808) 871-8726, mauibuilthawaii.com
Grab a few 5-ounce pouches of Lavender Gourmet Seasoning at Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm. Elevate your next lamb or stew with this mix of lavender, red alae sea salt, macadamia nuts and spices.
1100 Waipoli Road, Kula, (808) 878-3004, aliikulalavender.com
Squeeze into Sam Sato’s to buy some baked manju. Ooh, the white bean is so ‘ono! Cash only, 75 cents each.
1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, (808) 244-7124
At the Eden-like Maui Bees Farm in Kula, pick ripe vegetables and buy summer or winter harvest honey.
150 Pulehunui Road, Kula, mauibees.com
The gem-like chocolates you’ll get at Sweet Paradise Chocolatier are as fancy as any you’d find in Paris: made with liliko‘i, lavender honey, chai tea or grand Marnier.
34 Wailea Gateway Place, #107, Kīhei, (808) 344-1040 sweetparadisechocolate.com
Maui author Toby Neal explores the shadowy side of paradise in her fast-paced Lei Crime series. Unsound, set in Haleakalā, is terrifying enough to scare you away from the serene park. Maybe read that one after you return home.
This story is part of The Holoholo Guide to Maui in our November 2015 issue. Check back here for more.
