History of Maui

For a History of Maui we will start with the Hawaiian history and move forward into today:

In Hawaii there are legends and oral history passed down to explain many things including the creation of the Island of Maui. The demigod Maui is famous for many things including pulling the Island of Maui from the sea with his magical fish hook, and for causing the sun to remain on Haleakala for longer days for his people. Haleakala which looms largely over South Maui was named by the Hawaiians as "House of the Sun".

Early Hawaiians that settled in South Maui were fishermen. Upcountry on the slopes above were the farmers who farmed many things but a main stable was the sweet potato. Taro came from the Wailuku area of Maui. The early Hawaiians under the direction of Mo'i Umi constructed three fishponds to be created at the Kalepolepo area of North Kihei. The mullet from these ponds was for the alii or chief. Hawaiians referred to Kihei as "Kama'ole" which means "barren". Without the water used to irrigate the area South Maui would indeed be "barren" as evidenced by the non watered areas "mauka" (mountainside) of Piilani Highway.

When Kamehameha Nui invaded Maui in 1790 he landed his fleet of war canoes in South Maui. The reigning chief fought back hard, and Kamehameha ordered his canoes to be destroyed in a fight to the death approach at battle. There would be no retreat on his part and they forced the existing Maui warriors back to Waikapu.

The first "European" to arrive came to the very South end of South Maui and a bay there is named for him: La Perouse. He landed near there in 1786. Foreign missionaries came later and many churches in South Maui were established including the older one still seen today in Makena.

Maui is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian islands and is approximately 48 miles (76.8km) long and 26 miles (41.6km) wide, totaling 728 square miles. South Maui is comprised of Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea and Makena. Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai. The island of Maui is comprised of 2 shield volcanoes that overlapped to form the flat isthmus between. The West Maui Mountains are actually one mountain named Mauna Kahalawai that has eroded by rainfall to the point where it has the appearance of a mountain range. Haleakala "House of the Sun" on the other side of the isthmus is much younger and shows less wear with less rainfall.

In the 1960's water was piped to the area from Central Maui making it an attractive area to live, vacation and work. Condos sprung up heavily in the 1970's as did shopping centers. The roads also were paved. A sugar cane factory was tried at one time in South Maui but met with failure. You can still see plenty of sugar cane fields between Maalaea and Kihei and the cane fields are burned mostly at night and in the early morning you can see the brown haze float out over South Maui's waters. There has been a push for cane burning to end and the sugar industry has looked into other ways of harvesting, but for now cane burning is the preferred method.

Don't miss Upcountry and East Maui when you visit here either. Both areas have rich history to share. The Tedeschi Winery located at Ulupalakua Ranch shows the history of cattle ranching here on Maui and has historic photos on display. Going to East Maui The Hana Museum is rich in its cultural items to share. Heiau and other culturally significant areas can be explored in Hana including the Wainapanapa Beach Park. Past Hana in Kipahulu is also the grave of famous aviator Charles Lindeburgh.

Pineapple fields can be found on the West side in the Kapalua area past Lahaina, in Central Maui up against the West Maui Mountains and from the North Shore Ha'iku area to Upcountry Pukalani, and Makawao. This crop is still hand picked although there is a conveyor belt that moves with the pickers that takes the fruit up to the truck to be stacked by other workers. Maui is famous for its "Maui Gold" variety of pineapple that is less acidic and has a rich gold color.

Tourism is Maui's largest economic base today. People come from many countries to stroll the sandy beaches, snorkel in the clear water, and to experience the Aloha here. A luau is not to be missed and the Old Lahaina Luau is one of my personal favorites. Shopping at The Shops at Wailea or on Front Street Lahaina you will find everything from souveniers, clothing, restaurants and fine art galleries. Once a week in Kahului at the Maui Community College there is the local Swap Meet which features souveniors, many being made on Maui. There is definitely something for everyone on Maui and we know everyone that comes here and is touched with the Aloha Spirit will leave some of their own "history" behind.

When staying in Hawaii you may find yourself needing to know some of the local language. In Hawaii not only is English spoken but people do blend in the Hawaiian Language frequently and you will hear it in songs being played on the radio too.

Some basic words are provided to help you while visiting our Hawaii home.

Aloha: Greetings (hello or goodbye) with love

A hui hou: Good bye (see you later/again)

Mahalo: Thank you
(Your welcome is understood and need not be said)

A'ole Pilikia: No problem

E Malama Pono: Take Care

E Kala Mai: Excuse me

E Hiki No: You are Excused

Kapu: Keep out/No Tresspassing

Kukui: A nut used for lei, medicine and light purposes

Papa He'e Nalu: Surfboard

Nalu: Wave

Moana: Ocean

Kai: Sea

Wai: Fresh water

Makai: Toward the ocean

Mauka: Toward the mountain

Wa'a: Paddle (Canoe)

Ua: Rain

Pua: Flower

Pupu: Shell

Pupus: Appetizers

Poi: Taro root pounded with a poi pounder and water to make a smooth texture. Eaten with fingers and good mixed with chicken and fish.

Ono: Delicious

Ma'ika'i: Good

Ae: Yes

A'ole: No

Poke: Raw fish, squid or crab marinated with a variety of seasoning sometimes incl seaweed.

Lomi Lomi Salmon (to massage): Raw salmon mixed with tomato, and onion.

Kalua Pig: A roasted/smoke type of meat, typically found at a Luau served out of an underground pit called an Imu.

Hula: Dance

Kumu: Teacher

Kahuna: Person of Wisdom

Kahu: Priest

Makua: Parent

Kupuna: Grandparent

Keiki: Child

Lei: Garland of shell or flowers
Common flower lei include orchid, plumeria, tuberrose, and carnation.

Slippers: Flip flops/sandals
We take off our shoes prior to entering a home in Hawaii.