Learn About Maui’s History & Culture at Hale Ho’ike’ike
Not too far away from the Valley Isle’s stunning beaches, lush jungles and colorful, umbrella-adorned drinks, a museum dedicated to sharing Maui’s history and the Hawaiian culture awaits. Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House is centrally located in historic Wailuku Town. Curated and organized by Maui Historical Society, it provides important information about both pre- and post-contact Maui making it a must-experience for anyone seeking a deeper connection to this beautiful island.
Since Brandon and I were not born and raised here, we feel a strong responsibility to learn as much as we can about our now island home. One of the ways we’re doing that is by visiting local museums. If you’ve got a thirst for history, join us on our Hale Ho’ike’ike field trip through this post. Hopefully, you can nerd out and plan your own trip there in the future!
THE BAILEY HOUSE
While Hale Ho’ike’ike is located off of Main Street in Wailuku, as soon as we drove through the gate, we felt like we were stepping back in time. Something about the majestic presence of Mauna Kahalawai (the West Maui Mountains), the mature landscaping and architecture of the Bailey House commanded our attention. Suddenly, we were very aware that everything around us had a story to tell. Even the Bailey House itself is steeped in history.
While a detailed timeline can be found here, the Cliff’s Notes version goes something like this. Once the former Central Wailuku Female Seminary, founded in 1837 by Ulumaheihei Hoapili, reigning governor of Maui, the house was soon run by Edward Bailey in 1842.
Fast forward to 1878 – Edward’s son William Bailey sold the home to the Wailuku Sugar Company. Over the course of the next 70 or so years, the home served many different purposes. From a kindergarten, to the WWII Maui headquarters for Office of Civilian Defense, to home of a former editor of the Maui News whose house was destroyed in a tsunami, the Bailey House’s uses were diverse.
In 1951, Maui Women’s Club prompted the founding of the Maui Historical Society. On July 6, 1957, 120 years after the opening of the Seminary, Maui Historical Society opened Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House.
Now, let’s step inside, where the guided tour begins. The 45-minute experience is led by one of the museum’s volunteers, who walks you through a few primary areas.
THE KEONI ROOM
The Keoni Room is the first building constructed on this property and the oldest Western building on the island. It features a rare collection of Hawaiian Land Snails. It also displays a quilt of the Ha’aheo Aloha pattern.
THE KAHEKILI ROOM
The Kahekili Room features the artwork of Edward Bailey, former owner of the property. Brandon and I thought it was interesting to see Maui’s landscapes through his eyes and get a glimpse of what it looked like in the 1800s.
THE KEOPUOLANI ROOM
The Keopuolani Room was a highlight for us! It showcases the largest public collection of Hawaiian artifacts in Maui County. We were especially intrigued by an artifact that had been found in a tomb in Hana. Other antiquities on display in this room include kapa, which is a type of cloth made from bark by Native Hawaiians and different kinds of lei.
HALAU WA’A (CANOE HOUSE)
Outside, you can explore the grounds on your own. The property includes Halau Wa’a (Canoe House), which we found particularly cool! It houses a beautiful 100+ year old canoe named Honaunau, which according to Maui Historical Society, is the last example of a fishing canoe carved out of koa. Halau Wa’a is also home to Duke Kahanamoku’s redwood plank surfboard. You know Duke – the father of surfing – yeah, that Duke! 😉
ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS
Hale Ho’ike’ike offers rotating exhibits in its Kawika Room (which used to be the Seminary’s dining hall). When we visited, we saw “Hawaiian Women’s Fashions – Kapa, Cotton & Silk.” We enjoyed it so much that we even bought the book of the same title by Agnes Terao-Guiala for the THERE Maui House! Make sure to check the website here for the most current exhibit in this space before you go.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TIPS
Before you visit, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Limited hours – Please check the website here for current days and times as these change due to COVID-19.
Virtual tour – During these unexpected times, Hale Ho’ike’ike occasionally closes. If you are unable to visit, they offer a virtual tour online through their mobile app found here.
Reservations required – When the museum is open, advanced reservations are required.
Shop online – Hale Ho’ike’ike has a great shop full of made on Maui products. Proceeds support Maui Historical Society. If you can’t make it in person, shop online here.
Most importantly, have fun & share what you learn!
Where should you head for some after-museum fun? Check out the Waihou Spring Trail here.
