The historic Lahaina Harbor from the water.
Just imagine the whaling days of Maui in the late 1800s and why people have called it the "Wild West of the Pacific." It is easy to find the historical sites around Maui with a map, car and good pair of walking shoes. Don't forget your imagination either, because the 50th state is full of rich history and culture.
Instructions
Lahaina
1. The best place to start your historical tour of Maui is in Lahaina. This West Maui area has about 25 historical sites to visit, since it was once the whaling industry's main port. Start at Dickenson and Front streets by parking your car in any of the parking lots, which typically charge by the hour, or find a space on the street for free 3-hour parking. Get ready to walk this unguided tour by following brown and white signs from the Lahaina Historical Society. Any one of the society's restored houses will have volunteers willing to direct you, but be sure to ask for a Walking Tour map so you don't miss any of the 25 sites. Be sure to check out these popular Lahaina historical sites: Pioneer Inn, Banyan Tree, Baldwin Home, Courthouse and Jail and the Waine'e Church.
2. After touring Lahaina, continue driving north on Highway 30 until you reach Kapalua, best known as the site of the Ritz Carlton resort and the Mercedes Benz Championship Golf Tournament. Take Highway 340 out of Kapalua until you reach mile marker #16. There you will find the Bellstone, a large volcanic rock sitting on the side of the road. What makes this site so special is that whenever the rock is struck, it sounds like a bell chime. Take a whack at the mountain side of this rock to hear its unique sound.
3. Also in North Maui are the Olowalu Petroglyphs, an actual drawing by ancient man into the lava rocks. One of the petroglyphs shows several people grouped together with animals, canoes and tools. It is thought that the larger representation of a human is meant to depict royalty, while the smaller figures represent commoners. To get here, take Highway 30 in North Maui to mile marker 15; there you will see the Olowalu General Store. Take the dirt road behind the store towards a silver water tower, and about 1/4 mile down the road you will spot a mound of rocks on the right and a faded, red handrail leading to the petroglyphs.
4. In Central Maui, there are two must-see historical sites --- Bailey House Museum and Halekii and Pihana Heiaus. The Bailey House Museum, at 2375 Main Street in Wailuku, was built in 1833 for Edward and Caroline Bailey as part of the royal compound of Maui's last king. The museum displays Hawaiian artifacts, 19th-century paintings and a gift shop. The Bailey House Museum is located off Highway 320 just past Kehalani Parkway and Vineyard Road.
The Halekii and Pihana Heiaus are two of Maui's archaeological sites. A lava foundation is all that remains of Hawaiian temples built in 1240 when human sacrifices were common. These sites were resurrected in the 1950s and are located past the Wailuku Industrial Area toward Waihe'e. Turn left on Kuhio Place, left on Hea Place, and look for a sign marking the entrance.
5. In Southwest Maui is the Palapalo Ho'omau Church near Hana, the island's southernmost point. Charles Lindbergh, the aviator, lived out his life in Hana and is buried at this church's graveyard. The church was built in 1857 out of limestone coral, and Charles Lindbergh's grave is under the plum tree. This historical site is located eight miles south of Hana at mile marker #41.
Tags: historical sites, Bailey House, Bailey House Museum, House Museum, mile marker, Charles Lindbergh