Wailuku, the seat of the county government, is located in central Maui near the Kahului Bay. Although not directly connected to a beach or oceanfront area, the city is nonetheless a popular residential seat and vacation spot. It is a good central place to find relatively affordable accommodations and is filled with numerous historical buildings, museums, art galleries, and restaurants.

Wailuku Maui is also home to the many indigenous festivals featuring traditional Tahitian and Polynesian dance, food, jewelry, arts, and crafts. In addition, the Wailuku Open Market is a very famous produce and agricultural farmers market. The Maui County Farm Bureau oversees many of the other markets in the surrounding areas, making them some of the best farmers markets in the nation.

Indeed, Market Street in Wailuku is one of the top shopping centers in central Maui. Just to the west of the city lies the beautiful Ioa Valley and the Heritage Gardens. One can also have a breathtaking view of the volcano Haleakala from the city outskirts. Thus, Wailuku Maui is a great "starting point" for budget visitors to branch out into other areas of the island.

Living in Wailuku Maui

Due to the fact that Wailuku is not a resort or sightseeing center, most visitors will travel to other cities for the more expensive, luxury vacations. This area of Maui (which includes nearby Kahului) is home to more than 30,104 residents (census taken in 1990). Wailuku is filled with permanent residential homes, apartments, condominiums, as well as a few bed and breakfasts, hotels, and small, moderate resorts.