Kahului, Hawaii

Kahului, Hawaii
Name	Kahului
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision name1	Hawaii
Subdivision name2	Maui

Kahului, Hawaii. Kahului is a census-designated place and the primary commercial and transportation hub of the island of Maui in Maui County, Hawaii. Located on the northern shore of the island's isthmus, it is home to the island's main Kahului Airport, its largest deepwater port at Kahului Harbor, and major retail centers. With a population of over 26,000, it is the most populous community on Maui, serving as a gateway for residents and visitors traveling to destinations like Lahaina, Kīhei, and Haleakalā.

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-era holdings of Henry Perrine Baldwin and Samuel Thomas Alexander, founders of the Alexander & Baldwin sugar company. The development of modern Kahului began in the early 20th century when Alexander & Baldwin planned the community to house workers for its nearby Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company plantation, the last sugar mill in Hawaii which closed in 2016. The construction of Kahului Harbor and the Kahului Railroad were pivotal in establishing the town as Maui's central port for the sugar industry and later for general cargo and tourism.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kahului has a total area of 16.5 square miles, of which 13.2 square miles is land and 3.3 square miles is water, primarily consisting of the bay and harbor. It is situated on the northern coastal plain of Maui's isthmus, between the volcanic peaks of the West Maui Mountains and Haleakalā. The town is bordered by the communities of Wailuku to the west and Spreckelsville to the east. Key geographic features include the Kahului Bay shoreline and the mouth of the ʻĪao Stream.

Demographics

As of the most recent U.S. Census, Kahului had a population of approximately 26,337. The demographic makeup is highly diverse, reflecting Hawaii's multiethnic society, with significant populations of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and White residents. Many residents have mixed ancestry. The community has a slightly lower median household income compared to the state average, partly due to its role as a central service and retail employment center. Population density is higher than in many other Maui districts, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and commercial zones.

Economy

Kahului is the primary commercial and industrial center of Maui. Its economy is anchored by the Kahului Airport and Kahului Harbor, which handle the vast majority of the island's air passenger traffic, cargo, and cruise ship visits. Major retail hubs include the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center and big-box stores, serving both local residents and tourists. While tourism indirectly supports many jobs in retail and services, Kahului also has light industrial areas, government offices like those for Maui County, and was historically defined by the now-closed Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company mill. Companies such as Hawaiian Airlines and Young Brothers have significant operational presences in the town.

Transportation

Kahului is the transportation nexus of Maui. Kahului Airport is the main airport for inter-island and mainland flights, served by carriers including Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Kahului Harbor is the island's principal commercial port, managed by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, handling Matson and Pasha Hawaii cargo ships as well as Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises vessels. Major roadways include the Hana Highway, which begins in Kahului and leads to the famous Road to Hāna, and the Maui Veterans Highway connecting to Kīhei and South Maui. Public bus service is provided by the Maui Bus system.

Education

Public schools in Kahului are part of the Hawaii State Department of Education. Campuses include Kahului Elementary School, Lokelani Intermediate School, and Maui High School. The community is also home to the main campus of the University of Hawaii Maui College, which offers associate degrees and vocational training. Several private schools, such as Seabury Hall and St. Anthony School, are located in the broader Central Maui area. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center, adjacent to Kahului, serves as an important educational and cultural venue for the entire island.

Notable people

Notable individuals born in or associated with Kahului include professional surfer and shaper Dave Kalama, musician and member of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame George Kahumoku Jr., and former National Football League player Mana Silva. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh spent his final days in the nearby area of Kipahulu and is buried there. Many local artists, cultural practitioners, and athletes have roots in the Kahului community, contributing to Maui's rich cultural landscape.

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