If you want to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history, the place to go while on Maui is the Bailey House Museum. Located in Wailuku, this museum, run by the Maui Historical Society, is the place to go to learn about Hawaiian culture, see artwork and artifacts and view furnished rooms from 19th century Maui. The house is a mission home built in 1833 on the site of the Royal Compound of King Kahekili, the last ruling chief of the island of Maui. Originally, the house served as a mission school for girls. It was purchased by Edward and Carline Bailey in 1847 where the Bailey family lived until 1888. The house has been resorted to it’s 19th century condition and currently serves to house many Hawaiian documents, artifacts and resources owned by the Hawaiian Historical Society. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Admission is $7 for adults ($5 for seniors)and $2.00 for children between the ages of 7-12. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge.
The coral reefs of Hawaii were very special to the Hawaiian people. In ancient times, not only did ancient Hawaiians get food from the sea, but they also worshiped coral as one of the first creatures to emerge from the sea during creation. The coral reefs are highly prized and protected as the special treasure that they are.
Exploring the Hawaiian coral reef is one of the outstanding things to do while vacationing in Hawaii. The waters are temperate and filled with fish of every color in the rainbow. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving or even “snuba diving” on every island. Sea life is abundant and colorful among the swaying sea plants and corals. The Hawaiian coral reefs are home to to unique species of sea animals that are not found anywhere else on the planet. It is believed that well over a quarter of the reef animals living in these waters are unique to the islands. Places like Hanauma Bay on Ohau or Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, to name just two, are great places to see unique marine life and enjoy all that the ocean has to offer in Hawaii.
If you enjoy Hawaii’s gorgeous lush foliage and tropical plants, a visit to Queen Liliuokalani, last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Islands, should definitely be on your list of things to see and do while on the Big Island of Hawaii. The gardens span some 30 acres and have huge banyan trees, pathways, pagodas, ponds and bridges to make your stroll around the lush gardens both enjoyable and memorable. The garden is located next to Coconut Island just off of Banyan Tree Drive. Take the road past the hotels and turn right toward the ocean. The gardens will be on the left with a gorgeous view of Hilo Bay sprawling before you. Wander over the footbridge to Coconut Island while you are there.
