Kahului

Kahului sits on the northern central coast of Maui, spreading across several miles with commercial districts, shopping centers, residential areas, and industrial facilities near the Pacific. The town features wide roads, parking lots, and low-rise buildings clustered around the airport and harbor.

The settlement grew during the 19th century with the establishment of sugar plantations and the construction of a deep-water harbor for agricultural exports. After World War II, the area transformed from a plantation town into a regional trade center with an airport and modern facilities.

The name Kahului comes from Hawaiian, meaning "the winning," and was given to the area after traditional land divisions were established. Today, locals refer to the town as the commercial heart of Maui, where residents shop at shopping centers and run everyday errands away from tourist areas.

The airport sits centrally in town and is the first stop for most visitors arriving on Maui. From there, main roads lead to hotels, beaches, and other parts of the island, so travelers often pass through multiple times.

The Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary sits at the edge of town and contains ancient Hawaiian fishponds where endangered waterbirds like Hawaiian stilts and coots live. Few visitors stop at this sanctuary, even though it lies right along the airport access road and offers free entry.