D ISCOVER

On the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, the incredible depth and richness of history and tradition will draw you closer to the local culture. Traditional tales are shared through the graceful movements of hula, the flavorful traditions of lū‘au and the engaging sounds of music. There is so much to discover on these treasured islands that you will find yourself wanting to return again and again.

Legend of Maui

Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories) and the famous song by Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole tell the tales of Māui, the “Hawaiian Sup‘pa Man,” who fished the islands out of the sea, stole the secret of fire for the Hawaiian people from the ‘alae nui (the largest native mud hen) and harnessed the sun so that men like his father, Chief ‘Akalana, had more time to catch fish, and women like his mother, Hina, had more time to dry their kapa (bark cloth). But it was Pi‘ilani, a great ruler, who made an impact as the first to unite all of Maui in the late 14th century. King Kamehameha I later took control of Maui in 1790, after a fierce battle in ‘Īao Valley, and made Lāhainā the new capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. At the same time, Lāhainā experienced a surge in its whaling industry. At the height of the whaling era (1840-1865), as many as 500 ships anchored in Lāhainā’s port! From Hawaiian legend to contemporary culture, Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i have inspired generations of creativity. See this rich culture and history displayed today in museums, galleries, cultural centers, botanical gardens and many historical sites. Explore the past and present as you learn the significance behind the islands’ former times.