"Maka'ika'i Ma Loko O Lahaina"
A Journey Through Lahaina's Past
Join Maui Nei on a journey through Hawai'i's past that explores both the prominent and lesser-known corners of historic Lahaina town.
Our knowledgeable local guides welcome our visitors with a chant at the sacred Hauola birthing stone (at Lahaina Harbor), a place of healing and creation, and then embark on a tour that begins 1700 years ago with the arrival of the first Polynesians. The first portion of the walk takes place at Keawaiki, the town's harbor and gateway to the King's compound. After a stop at the Brick Palace of King Kamehameha I, the first king to unite the Hawaiian Islands, we step through a taro patch to emerge in the year 1823 at the Baldwin House, to learn of Hawai'i's missionary period. We move swiftly on through time to the plantation period, down Luakini Street, to explore the area where the immigrant plantation workers lived and prayed.
Half way through our walk, we enjoy a restful stop and cold, refreshing bottled water under the shade trees. Here, visitors are encouraged to "talk story" with the guides.
We continue our walk down Waine'e Street to Waiola Church and Cemetery. From this vantage point, the power of the surrounding mountains is easily grasped. The guides share their knowledge of the significance of these mountains to the Hawaiians, an important element in understanding Hawaiian culture and why the ali'i (chiefs) chose to settle in this very area.
Lahaina's ancient past is revealed while strolling through its oldest cemetery on the Waiola Church grounds. A chant is offered while entering the sacred realm of Moku'ula, the home and final resting place of Hawai'i's royalty. Here, the significance of this revered site is explained in full. The walking tour ends at the former surfing grounds of the Hawaiian high chiefs, on the beach at 505 Front Street Shops and Restaurants. Kamehameha Iki Park is next door, and the construction of Mo'o Kiha (canoe) can be viewed.
A return to Lahaina Harbor is just a short walk from this location.
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