Kahului

Kahului
Name	Kahului
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Hawaii
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Maui
Area total sq mi	16.40
Area land sq mi	13.20
Area water sq mi	3.20
Population as of	2020
Population total	28,219
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Hawaii–Aleutian
Utc offset	-10
Coordinates	20, 53, 10, N...
Postal code type	ZIP codes
Postal code	96732-96733
Area code	808
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	15-22700
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0360131

Kahului. It is the largest census-designated place on the island of Maui and serves as the commercial and financial hub of Maui County. Located on the northern shore of the island, its deep-water harbor and central Kahului Airport make it the primary gateway for goods and visitors to the Valley Isle. The community is characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, major retail centers, and industrial areas supporting the island's economy.

History

The area was historically significant for its fishponds and wetland taro fields, cultivated by Native Hawaiians long before Western contact. In the 19th century, the land became part of the vast Kingdom of Hawaii holdings of Henry P. Baldwin and Samuel T. Alexander, founders of the Alexander & Baldwin sugar company. The development of the modern town began in earnest with the construction of Kahului Railroad in 1879 to service the expanding Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar plantation. Following World War II, the plantation town was systematically redeveloped into a planned community by Alexander & Baldwin, transforming it into the primary urban center for Maui.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 16.4 square miles, with a significant portion consisting of water from Kahului Harbor and the adjacent Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated on an isthmus between the West Maui Mountains and the eastern slopes of Haleakalā, bordering the communities of Wailuku to the west and Spreckelsville to the east. The landscape is largely flat, developed land, with the protected wetlands of Kanahā Pond providing a critical habitat for migratory birds like the aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt).

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 28,219, representing a diverse ethnic makeup. Significant groups include those identifying as Asian, Native Hawaiians, and individuals of two or more races, reflecting the broader multicultural fabric of Hawaii. The population density is high relative to other parts of Maui, with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. Socioeconomic indicators often show a contrast between the commercial wealth generated in the town and the challenges of cost of living common across the Hawaiian Islands.

Economy

The economy is dominated by transportation, retail, and light industry, centered around Kahului Harbor and the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center mall. The harbor is the main commercial port for Maui, handling containerized cargo, fuel, and cruise ships such as those from Norwegian Cruise Line. Major employers include the statewide retail chain Maui Mall, the principal hospital Maui Memorial Medical Center, and various logistics and distribution companies. While no longer home to active sugar cultivation, the legacy of the Alexander & Baldwin plantation era remains influential in local business and land ownership.

Transportation

It is the transportation nexus of Maui, anchored by Kahului Airport, the main airport offering direct flights to destinations like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Tokyo via carriers such as Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The Maui Bus public transit system has a major hub here, with routes connecting to Kīhei, Lahaina, and Upcountry Maui. Major roadways include the Hana Highway, which begins its scenic route to Hana here, and the Maui Veterans Highway, providing a direct link to South Maui communities.

Education

Public education is managed by the Hawaii State Department of Education, with schools including Kahului Elementary School, Lokelani Intermediate School, and Maui High School. The community is also served by Maui College, part of the University of Hawaii system, which offers vocational and associate degree programs. Several private institutions, such as Seabury Hall and St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School, are located in nearby Makawao and Wailuku, drawing students from the area.

Category:Census-designated places in Maui County, Hawaii Category:Populated coastal places in Hawaii