Island living between Pacific beaches and towering rainforest mountains
With pebbly Pacific beaches on one side and breathtaking West Maui Mountains on the other, Wailuku offers island living with lush, scenic surroundings. And unlike nearby places, it’s not a resort town — it’s better known for its laidback lifestyle and small-town feel. Market Street is a great example of this, with wooded storefronts, boutiques, cafes, bakeries and long-running restaurants lining the street. “It’s walkable, bikeable, close to major retailers and services and the views are epic. From some homes you can see the sunrise and sunset on both coasts,” says Realtor Adam Miller of Real Broker.
A range of housing options from seaside overlooks to suburban streets
Housing in Wailuku includes everything from seaside cottages and midcentury subdivisions to master-planned communities and homes perched in the ridges below Pu?u Kukui, Maui’s tallest mountain. Closer to downtown, neighborhoods are laid out on gridded streets, while those farther out back up to wide-open greenspace and forested hillsides. The master-planned Kehalani community is one of the area’s newest neighborhoods. It spreads across 550 acres and, once complete, will be the largest planned community on Maui. The median home price in Wailuku is $1 million, putting it slightly above the statewide median.
Public schools close to home and a highly rated Catholic school
Students attend schools in Hawaii’s singular school district, which gets an A-minus rating from Niche. Wailuku has two public elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Those seeking an alternative to public school might check out St. Anthony School, a sought-after private Catholic school with an A-minus rating.
Scenic views of coastal panorama and steep Maui mountaintops
Public parks, local beaches and scenic hiking trails have made this area a haven for outdoor lovers. Paukukalo Beach, strewn with pebbles and driftwood, offers a place to relax while watching waves crash along the shoreline. Rugged hikes and vistas are found in the West Maui Mountain range, including celebrated spots like the Iao Needle Lookout Trail. This paved trail climbs from the valley floor and ends with a stunning view of the Iao Needle, a greenstone spire surrounded by rainforest. Community parks like Keahalani Park offer play areas and grassy lawns for picnicking, while Kepaniwai Park offers a beautiful escape with a Japanese temple and themed gardens.
Small-town shops and diverse dining on Market Street
Wailuku has a small, walkable downtown and arts district peppered with local businesses, restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. Narrow streets with colorful wooded storefronts and second story balconies give the district a decidedly old-school vibe. “Wailuku is more of a commercial area than nearby Waikapu. You have government buildings in Wailuku, as well as Main Street through the center,” Miller says. There’s a wide range of eateries to choose from, including Vietnamese, Japanese Hawaiian and Chinese. A Saigon Café is widely regarded for its Vietnamese soups crafted with only fresh ingredients. Big box retailers and major grocery chains like Target, Walmart, Safeway and Costco are also close by.
Maui baseball games and the Maui County Fair
The War Memorial Stadium Complex in Wailuku is home to the Maui Interscholastic Baseball and American Legion games, as well as the site of the annual Maui County Fair. This pivotal event brings in more than 100,000 visitors with rides, comedy acts, live music and livestock exhibits. The fair’s food court, complete with pie contests, is a highlight of the festivities. There’s also a public eight-lane Coach Sakamoto Pool at the War Memorial Stadium Complex, named in honor of legendary Swim Coach Soichi Sakamoto who trained Olympic champions in the ‘30s and ‘40s.
Getting around the island by car, bus and airplane
While Maui is largely car-centric, there are several bus lines accessible from Wailuku travel to the island’s cities and towns. Air travelers can catch a flight at Kahului Airport, the second busiest in Hawaii, only 5 miles east of town. Maui Memorial Medical Center is right in the center of the Wailuku; it’s Maui’s only major hospital.
Maui is known for its relatively low crime rates
Wailuku is under the jurisdiction of the Maui Police Department. Property and violent crime rates on Maui have trended slightly lower over the last decade, according to FBI stats. Maui is generally regarded as one of the safest islands in Hawaii.
Mike holds an active real estate license with Pacific Image Properties and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel & Resort Management. Mike specializes primarily on condominiums and residential properties in all areas of Maui. When Mike is not selling real estate he is researching the latest technology and exploring more ways to better serve his clients. Mike’s work ethic and energy are immediately noticeable. with a string support staff Mike is equipped with all of the tools to ensure a smooth and productive transaction. Mike is available 7-days a week.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
