Wailuku Civic Center Historic District

The Wailuku Civic Center Historic District is a collection of government buildings featuring Mediterranean Revival style in central Wailuku on the island of Maui. These buildings line South High Street and nearby avenues, housing various county and state administrative offices.

The main structures were built between 1901 and 1931 under the direction of Henry Livingston Kerr and C.W. Dickey, establishing the center as a modern seat of government for Hawaii. This period was critical in transforming Wailuku from a plantation town into an administrative hub.

The buildings reflect how the local government shaped its civic spaces in the early twentieth century, blending American and Hawaiian influences in their design. You can observe this fusion as you walk through the district, particularly in the decorative details on the facades.

The buildings are spread across several streets in central Wailuku, so a leisurely walk is the best way to see them all. The area is pedestrian-friendly and the structures are relatively close together, making a visit straightforward.

The 1907 Courthouse was built with concrete blocks designed to look like stone, a practical solution for Hawaii's tropical climate. The 1928 Library was initiated by the Maui Women's Club, showing how community groups created public spaces for themselves.