8 Reasons to Love Wailuku, Maui
Home to old-school eateries, cozy cafés and adorned in colorful murals, there’s plenty of reasons to fall in love with this historic hub on the Valley Isle.
At the foot of Mauna Kahālāwai (the West Maui Mountains) is the town of Wailuku. A little off the beaten path for travelers, downtown Wailuku is a hub for commercial businesses and government entities. But beyond these places, the historic town is home to mom and pop shops that have been around for generations and a new crop of trendy boutiques and bars. And you can’t miss all of the vibrantly painted buildings that serve as canvases for local muralists.
Wailuku town is also considered the gateway to ʻĪao Valley State Monument. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972, the lush park is home to the iconic ʻĪao Needle. The area is also believed to have been used as a sacred burial ground for Hawaiian chiefs.
Whether on your way to ʻĪao Valley State Monument or after your visit, you should take some time to explore the eclectic town of Wailuku. There’s lots to love there.
1. Decades-Old Bakeries
Four Sisters Catering is a quaint yellow building.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
For more than 40 years, Four Sisters Catering has been turning out its famous melt-in-your-mouth butter rolls, gooey cinnamon rolls and fluffy malasadas. You can find this humble shop in a little yellow building on Vineyard Street. Just be sure to visit in the morning; the bakery often sells out by afternoon.
The cinnamon rolls at Four Sisters Catering are exceptional.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
And just down the road is Stillwell’s Bakery & Café, in business since 1994 and known especially for its cream horns. The pastries are perfectly flaky and stuffed with a creamy custard that you’ll be thinking about long after it’s gone.
foursisterskitchen.com, stillwellsbakery.com
READ MORE: 13 Maui Desserts You Can’t Miss
2. Maui’s Favorite Noodle Spot
Sam Sato’s is famous for its large portions of noodles, specifically its dry mein.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Many people consider Sam Sato’s the best place on Maui for saimin. Tucked away in Wailuku, the no-frills restaurant is famous for its generous portions of noodles. But the specialty here is the dry mein. Slightly thicker than saimin, the noodles are mixed with a savory seasoning, char siu pork, bean sprouts, green onions, and the dashi (broth) is served on the side.
READ MORE: How Hawaiʻi-Style Saimin is Making a Comeback
3. Local Okazuya
Ichiban Okazuya Hawaiʻi is a hidden gem in Wailuku. This old-school Japanese delicatessen is popular for its plate lunches piled with local comfort food—all at reasonable prices. Here, you’ll want to try the tender chicken katsu and udon noodles.
READ MORE: Your Ultimate Guide to Okazuya in Hawaiʻi
4. Cool and Cozy Cafés
Wailuku is home to a handful of quirky cafés that are perfect places to rest, relax and refuel on caffeine. Perched on Market Street, Wailuku Coffee Co. is a little community hub where businesspeople, artists and travelers converge. The café serves top-notch coffee and espresso along with breakfast bagels, sandwiches and salads. For a prime people-watching spot, grab a seat outside and take in the town’s energy.
Maui Coffee Attic is a cozy spot in Wailuku.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Mathieu Duchier
Maui Coffee Attic is also a unique spot that exudes Wailuku’s eclectic vibe. Grab a cup of coffee and a delicious homemade pastry, like a signature lilikoʻi bar or haupia scone, and then take a seat. There’s live music almost every day, ranging from ʻukulele and slack-key performers to classic rock and cover bands.
wailukucoffeeco.com, mauicoffeeattic.com
5. A Former Gas Station Turned Restaurant
The Parlay is a popular meeting place for good food and drinks.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
What was once an old, abandoned gas station, is now a new and lively eatery in Wailuku. The Parlay opened back in August 2024 and quickly became a popular meeting place for good food and drinks. The restaurant is fun and casual, and the menu fits the vibe. From chicken wings and smash burgers to vegan cashew dip, the bar bites here are top-notched. For something to sip on, you can choose from a selection of creative cocktails, wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages, too.
READ MORE: All Bets Are Good at The Parlay, a New Maui Restaurant
6. Cool and Chic Local Boutiques
Native Intelligence boasts a beautiful collection of Hawaiian crafts and goods.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Mathieu Duchier
Among the cream horns, coffee and bowls of saimin, you can enjoy some retail therapy in Wailuku. Stylish boutiques and unique shops line Market and Main streets. Native Intelligence boasts a beautiful collection of Hawaiian crafts and goods, from artisan jewelry to books in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
CUT Market is a favorite for gently used clothing and accessories.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Depot Market, a shop providing job opportunities for adults with disabilities, also offers a variety of handmade jewelry. At Paradise Now, you can shop for one-of-a-kind prints and apparel inspired by Hawaiʻi, and CUT Market is a favorite for gently used clothing and accessories.
READ MORE: This Maui Boutique Supports Adults with Disabilities
7. Vibrant Murals
You can’t miss all of the vibrantly painted buildings in Wailuku.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
One of the first things you might notice while exploring Wailuku is the colorful murals—thanks in large part to Small Town Big Art. Over the years, the foundation has worked with local artists to create murals celebrating the distinct history and culture of Wailuku. A digital map of the murals can be found on the foundation’s here.
8. First Friday Block Parties
The charming town of Wailuku comes to life on the first Friday of every month.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson
On the first Friday of every month, Wailuku’s streets come to life. In the evening, the roads close and traffic is replaced by pop-up shops set up by food vendors and artisans. The family-friendly celebration is a wonderful time to wander the town’s streets, support local businesses, listen to live music and enjoy the energy of Wailuku.
Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.
