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On the map, Wailuku looks like any other small town. There’s a Main Street, a Market Street, government and court buildings, a few churches, a library and school, fancy offices and a park or two. But a leisurely drive through the heart of Wailuku reveals the lush Iao Valley looming ahead, historic buildings and trendy boutiques all within walking distance.
Parking is free in the municipal lot (turn left off Market St.); take off on foot to explore Wailuku’s rich cultural heritage. At the Wailuku Main Street Association office (2035 Main, Ste. 1), pick up a “Discover Wailuku” walking tour brochure, which reveals 23 historic sites that helped shape Wailuku’s development.
The Iao Theater, built in 1927, the oldest in the state of Hawaii, the Circuit Courthouse, built in 1907, and Kaahumanu Church with its landmark clocktower, built in 1876— all have embraced Wailuku town through many chapters of time. Not that Wailuku is stuck in its own history—new shops and restaurants rub shoulders with time-honored businesses to breathe new life into the heart of Maui’s government and commercial district.
Its “downtown” layout means that within a few city blocks one can find everything from fabulous local art, monkeypod furniture and European antiques, to designer jewelry, sassy shoes, clever gifts and sought-after Hawaiian wear.
Belly rumbles are easily satiated with sushi, gourmet popcorn, Belgian chocolate, organic deli delights, Thai cuisine and the ever-popular platelunch, as well as a really great cappuccino. Well, perhaps not all at one sitting…
It’s easy to explore Wailuku’s shopping oasis, which is concentrated along historic Market Street. Wailuku town’s cooler climate and relaxed atmosphere drawsvisitors and locals alike to its friendly storefronts and family-owned enterprises.
One such gem is Sig Zane Designs, located at 53 N. Market St. (249- 8997) which cherishes its one-to-one contact with customers. Sig himself is a fisherman, surfer, dancer, artist and cultural practitioner whose designs reflect the deep significance of Hawaii’s natural environment. His signature images depict taro, hala, ‘ie ‘ie, kukui and other plants and flowers prized by native Hawaiians; his beautiful line features aloha wear for men, ladies and keiki.
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Another Wailuku fashion plate is If the Shoe Fits, found at 12 N. Market St. (249-9710), where funk and fashion play footsie with flip-flops and stilettos. Owner Teri Edmonds caters to every shoe fetish—from practical to whimsical, casual to chic.
An entire corner of the store is devoted to an array of wedding and prom shoes, ready for on-island custom dyeing. The shoe lover will also find sandals, handbags, boots, Tommy Bahama’s men’s shoes, as well as slippers popular with local surfers. La Plume and Cozy Goose shoes prove that comfort and fashion can be compatible—their wide sizes and orthopedically-sound designs would stillfit in at any fancy function. There’s truly something for everyone, and as Teri loves to say, “If the shoe fits, buy it in every color!”
A few steps away is Lizzie K at 40 N. market St. (243-0005), a “little hidden treasure,” according to one first-time shopper. Known for its unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts, the store features an enchanting ambiance, and reasonable prices to suit every budget. “This is my life-long dream, my passion,” says owner Irene Cregan, who named the boutique afterher husband’s Hawaiian tutu, or grandmother.
Across the street at 7 N. Market St. (249- 0014) one finds Old Daze Antiques, where bona fide Watts and McCoy pottery pieces share display footage with old Matson menus and feather leis, Hawaiian sheet music and depression glass. Owner Alan Birnie, a part-Hawaiian who spent much of his childhood attending antiques auctions on the East Coast, now boasts the largest toaster collection in the state. That’s right, toasters. Alan can ship anything for his customers: antique kitchen collectibles, pre-statehood bottles and breezy island furniture- even a gramophone!
At the corner of Market and Vineyard Streets at 160-C, N. Market St., you’ll find the Maui Art Gallery, which features koa-framed oil and acrylic paintings by John Noble (244-4609). A Maui resident since 1976, John has drawn inspiration from Maui’s ethereal light and dramatic vistas. His skillful use of sweeping lines, vibrant colors and innovative styles has been honed since he began painting at age 10. His studio gallery, at the north end of Market Street, allows him to custom frame his works in koa and monkeypod, complete with goldleafing.
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