Kahului

Kahului
Name	Kahului
Settlement type	Census-designated place

Kahului is a census-designated place in Maui County, Hawaii, United States, located on the island of Maui. It is the largest city on the island and is situated on the north coast, near the Iao Valley and the West Maui Mountains. The city is home to Maui Community College, University of Hawaii at Maui College, and is close to the Haleakala National Park. Kahului is also near the Ka'anapali resort area and the historic town of Lahaina, a former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Geography

Kahului is located on the northern coast of Maui, near the Maalaea Bay and the Auau Channel, which separates Maui from the island of Lanai. The city is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded by the West Maui Mountains to the west and the Haleakala volcano to the southeast. The Iao Valley is located just west of Kahului, and is home to the Iao Valley State Monument, a historic site that commemorates the Battle of Kepaniwai, fought between King Kamehameha I and the Maui army in 1790. The city is also close to the Puu Kukui preserve, a nature reserve that is home to several endangered species, including the Hawaiian goose and the Maui parrotbill.

History

The area that is now Kahului has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of ancient Hawaiian settlements dating back to the 12th century. The city was an important center for the Kingdom of Hawaii, with King Kamehameha I using the area as a base for his conquest of Maui in 1790. The city was also a major hub for the sugar industry in Hawaii, with the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company operating a large sugar mill in the area. The city is also near the Lahaina historic district, which is home to several historic sites, including the Lahaina Lighthouse, the Banyan Tree Park, and the Old Lahaina Luau. Kahului is also close to the Molokini crater, a marine sanctuary and popular snorkeling spot.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Kahului was approximately 26,337. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of Native Hawaiian, Asian, Caucasian, and African American residents. The city is also home to a large number of Filipino American and Portuguese American residents, who were attracted to the area by the sugar industry. The city is served by the Kahului Public Library, which is part of the Hawaii State Public Library System, and is also home to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, which hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year, including the Maui Film Festival and the Hawaii Book & Music Festival.

Economy

The economy of Kahului is driven by a mix of industries, including tourism, agriculture, and retail trade. The city is home to the Kahului Airport, which is a major hub for Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines, and is also a popular destination for cruise ships, including Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. The city is also close to the Maalaea Harbor, which is a major center for fishing and boating in Maui. The city is home to several major retailers, including Walmart, Target Corporation, and Safeway, and is also served by the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, a large shopping mall that features a variety of stores and restaurants, including Foodland, Starbucks, and McDonald's.

Transportation

Kahului is served by the Kahului Airport, which is a major hub for Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines, and offers flights to several destinations in Hawaii, including Honolulu, Kona, and Hilo. The city is also connected to the rest of Maui by a network of roads, including the Hana Highway and the Kahekili Highway, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and access to several popular attractions, including the Road to Hana and the Haleakala National Park. The city is also served by the Maui Bus, a public transportation system that offers routes to several destinations in Maui, including Lahaina, Kihei, and Paia.

Education

Kahului is served by the Maui County school district, which operates several schools in the area, including Baldwin High School, Maui High School, and Kahului Elementary School. The city is also home to Maui Community College, which is part of the University of Hawaii system, and offers a variety of academic programs, including associate's degree and certificate programs in fields such as business, health care, and technology. The city is also close to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which offers a range of academic programs, including bachelor's degree and graduate degree programs in fields such as engineering, law, and medicine. The city is also served by the Hawaii Pacific University, which offers a range of academic programs, including business, education, and nursing.

Category:Populated places in Hawaii