Maui Central Valley
Maui's Central Valley contains much of the island's population and is the center of its agricultural industry - both pineapples and sugar cane.
The largest city on Maui, Kahului contains both the airport and the harbor. As the island's commercial and retail center, Kahului contains many shopping malls, fine restaurants and a few other interesting tourist destinations like the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanaha Beach County Park, and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is located near the largest working sugar factory currently in Hawaii. The museum features exhibits on the past history of the industry and of Maui's.
Once a royal fishpond, the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is now a site dedicated to the preservation of two native Hawaiian bird species - the coot and the stilt. Although, many other migrating birds also call this site home.
The Central Valley region of Maui also contains the city of Wailuku, the most popular tourist destination in the early 20th century. The city is located at the mouth of the 'Iao Valley, a lush stream-fed valley that contains beautiful lava formations such as the 1200 foot high 'Iao Needle.
Wailuku also holds a few points of historical interest, the Ka'ahumanu Church and the Bailey House Museum. Designed by Edward Bailey, the Ka'ahumanu Church was built in 1832 in honor of King Kamehameha's Queen, ali'i Ka'ahumanu. Her power and influence were instrumental in bringing Christianity to Hawaii. Visitors to the Bailey House Museum can view important ancient Hawaiian artifacts. The museum's current site was originally the home of missionaries Edward and Caroline Bailey and was built in 1833.
Visitors to the Central Valley can also visit two of Hawaii's ancient temples, Halekii Heiau and the Pihanakalani Heiau. The two temples or heiaus are also the area's most accessible archeological sites. Chiefly used as areas of refuge for those in trouble, occasionally, human sacrifices were performed at the temple sites. Scientists believe that Pihanakalani may have been the site where Kamehameha I performed such sacrifices on Maui. Halekii Heiau was reconstructed in 1958, giving tourists a glimpse of how the site looked during its use near 1240.
Those interested in native flora can visit the Tropical Gardens of Maui during their visit to Wailuku. Founded in 1987, the gardens contain 4 acres of native Hawaiian plant life and tropical plants from all over the world. Visitors to the gardens can also purchase the featured plants.
Hawaii Vacations
Maui Vacation
Maui Central Valley
