Welcome to Wailuku
Ancient history and vivid tropical forests set up the base of this vivacious, family-oriented community
Tucked at the opening of Iao Valley, the family-friendly town of Wailuku marries the charm of residential living with the splendor of the tropical island scenery. Sunbeams burst through the fogged peaks of the surrounding West Maui mountains each morning, and the vivid tapestry it paints makes it easy to see how residents could fall in love with the location.
Wailuku serves as the county seat of Maui, but the land was once the honored gateway into the sacred burial grounds of Iao Valley, a resting place for Chiefs. The area is abounding in rich history, from centuries-old battlegrounds to ancient temples and historic homes, which greatly adds to its charismatic appeal.
Wailuku Real Estate Market
Wailuku real estate has the advantage of being varied in both price and style, and here, buyers can find a beachfront home for less than a million dollars. From 1970s beach bungalows right next to the island’s best surf breaks to starter condos and multimillion-dollar ranches perched high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, Wailuku homes have something for everyone. Contact the 'Ohana Real Estate Team of Wailuku realtors & agents to find condos, ranches, houses & homes for sale in Wailuku, HI.
What to Love
• Only ten minutes from the Kahului Airport
• The colorful history and a multitude of fascinating historical sites
• Plenty of local shops and neighborhood eateries
People & Lifestyle
Wailuku contains a strong local community that’s dedicated to preserving the island’s history and heritage while also committed to improving through growth and expansion into modernity. It’s one of Maui’s best locations for families, with excellent schools and a great variety of housing options to suit any need.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
Charming mom-and-pop shops, local boutiques, trendy coffee cafes, and diverse food serve as the base for Wailuku’s commercial industry. Here, wood-fronted stores and restaurants line the quaint streets, and each has often been a staple of the community for decades.
Curating only the finest in Hawaiian design, craftsmanship, and culture for their impressive retail collection, Native Intelligence showcases the exemplary talent of native creators. Prefer to make your own piece of art? Friends and Faire specialize in teaching others the joy of crafting projects, with each session ending in your customized, self-created work.
Live performances from local musicians establish the perfect ambiance at Guava Tree Bar & Grill, where the island fare and crave-worthy cocktails turn first-time visitors into loyal customers. At Sam Sato’s, casual counter service provides appetizing Asian dishes for diners on the go, while Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe is a must-try for anyone with an insatiable sweet tooth.
Things to Do
As with much of the island of Maui, the energetic spirit of celebration thrives in Wailuku. Each month kicks off with Wailuku’s First Friday Town Party, which is hosted on Market Street and includes street vendors, merchants, games, live entertainment, and heavenly food. Additionally, Wailuku is the setting for the annual Maui Fair, a larger-than-life event that boasts a street fair, animal contests, rides, games, live performances, crafts, and an entire village of food and festivities to enjoy.
Those interested in marine biology and conservation, or those who simply love the magic of interacting with the ocean’s wildlife, can rejoice — Wailuku’s Maui Ocean Center is home to the largest tropical reef aquarium in the entire Western Hemisphere. The Maui Ocean Center has been voted among the top ten aquariums globally. Its exhibits range from an open-ocean-themed tunnel where sharks pass overhead to a virtual experience with humpback whales and a living reef. Known as the premier Hawaiian language and entertainment event of the entire year, Ho’omau is a one-of-a-kind organization focused on preserving native culture.
Schools
Wailuku is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
• St. Anthony School, 7-12, highly rated private Catholic high school, #4 in the state