This charming county park in central Maui includes various ethnic displays memorializing the different cultures that have played a role in the history of the Hawaiian Islands. The memorials at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens include traditional Hawaiian dwellings of ancient times as well as the traditional homes of the people who came from Portugal, China, New England, the Philippines, Japan, and China. The park is located in the lush Iao Valley and also includes memorial Gardens from the various represented cultures. The site was completely restored in 1994 and is now a wonderful showcase of important Hawaiian history.
Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens were established in 1952 to celebrate the diverse heritage of Hawaii’s immigrants as well as the original people to inhabit the islands. Traditional structures include a Japanese tea house, Hawaiian grass shack, Chinese moon gate, New England saltbox, and Portuguese outdoor oven. Throughout the gardens are small waterfalls and ponds all fed by the Iao Stream. This beautiful park is a great place to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Facilities
Facilities at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens include restrooms, picnic pavilions, and barbecue grills. Admission is free.
Access
To get to Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens follow Hwy. 32 west from Kahului toward Iao Valley. You will come to the gardens just before you reach the town of Wailuku.