While lounging on beaches or admiring sunsets from your Hawaii vacation rental are essential elements to any Maui vacation, perhaps what makes a trip to this beautiful island truly memorable is the renowned culture that has shaped Maui into what it is today. There is distinct diversity abundant all over the island, which means there are plenty of opportunities to find ways to learn and engage in the cultural traditions and native practices of Maui. Whether it’s through touring a museum or attending some of the famous festivals held throughout the year, here are a few of the ways visitors can get a better sense of the incredible culture that Maui is famous for:
Historic locations
History buffs will love knowing there are a ton of places to check out that outline and emphasize all the iconic moments that have taken place on Maui. For starters, plan a trip out to Iao Valley State Park near Wailuku, which is a National Natural Landmark as well as a site for one of the most important battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai took place here. During the battle, King Kamehameha I defeated the native forces of Maui and it was a huge turning point that many historians believe to be the costliest battle in Hawaiian history. There’s also the Lahaina Historic Trail, where visitors can get a taste of what life on Maui was like back in the early 19th century with a collection of shops and exhibits that embody the culture of the island from hundreds of years ago.
Iao Valley State Park was the site of one of the most important battles in Hawaiian history.Museums
Visiting some of the informative and entertaining museums scattered throughout the island is the best way to gain better insight into the rich culture of Maui. Arguably the most famous museum on Maui is the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku, which is also listed in National Register of Historic Places. Owned and operated by the Maui Historical Society, the Bailey House Museum was originally built in 1833 as a boarding school for missionary settlers in the area. Today, the museum acts as a multi-floored collection of many exhibits and artefacts. Another interesting museum to check out is the Whalers Village Museum, located in Lahaina. This is where visitors can learn more about the innovative sailing industry that helped shape Maui’s economy for many years to come.
“The Maui County Fair is the pinnacle of annual festivals in Maui.”
Festivals
Be sure to attend one of dozens of festivals that take place throughout the year in Maui, as they some of best ways to get in touch with local culture. From feasting on all the authentic dishes served up by the best local chefs in town to sitting back and listening to the soothing sounds of Polynesian-influenced hula music, there are are multiple festivals that will be sure to have what type of entertainment you’re looking for. In the summertime, there’s always the Wa’a Kiakahi Canoe Festival to look forward to, which helps honor the navigational skills of Hawaiian and Polynesian ancestors who sailed through the islands with only the stars serving as their compasses. The Maui Film Festival takes place every June, and celebrates some of the up-and-coming cinema visionaries who call Maui home. Of course, the Maui County Fair held every September is a massive get-together of all things Maui, ranging from delicious food to live music to games and rides fit for the whole family.