CENTRAL MAUI

Central Maui is not big on upscale estates or grand architecture. It is proudly down-scale instead, and comfortably homey. Some real estate agents, realtors and realty companies specialize in Central Maui properties. They can give accurate and detailed answers to your questions.

Because this area doesn’t boast famous beaches or resorts, it has a simpler and, despite the nearby commercial activity, a slower lifestyle than some busier parts of Maui.

Central Maui, as seen by visitors, seems to be all business. That is hardly the case. While it’s true that the airport, major national chain stores, non-resort hotels, the harbor and most of Maui’s industrial development are in Central Maui, it is also true that Waihe‘e, Waiehu, Wailuku, Waikapu and the little noticed but pleasant residential neighborhoods of Kahului are here. For anyone who values convenience, this area has everything. Schools, both public and private, at all levels are here, including the University of Hawai‘i campus called Maui Community College. The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is here too, in the Maui Central Park development.

The conveniences of Central Maui also include shopping centers—Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Maui Mall, Kahului Shopping Center, Maui Marketplace and Triangle Square.

The rugged northwest coast of Maui is home to Waihe‘e and Waiehu, beautiful, semi-rural residential communities that are out-of-the way, but literally just around the corner from Wailuku, the county seat.

Wailuku, like Kahului is an area people pass through unaware of its expansive residential possibilities. Main and Market Streets attract visitors to galleries, cafés and the historic Iao theater. Just above the state and county government buildings at Main and High Streets, there is Iao Valley, a far-away-feeling canyon of green, dotted with private homes. Stretching throughout Wailuku and continuing into Kahului, there are numerous neatly laid-out neighborhoods, some of them more than 50 years old. Because the neighborhoods have parks and schools, they give no hint of the industry and bustling traffic so nearby.

Beaches in Central Maui are few and plain… that’s a plus for some people who prefer quiet shorelines. Kahului harbor beach—officially Hoaloha park—for instance, is often deserted, open for strolling, sitting, yoga, or whatever you like. There is also a windsurfing beach here, Kanaha Beach Park, near the airport. In the same airport-adjacent area is another peaceful retreat, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, a good place to watch birds and waterfowl, or just to relax.