Article: Maui Town Names Defined

You may find variations on these definitions as the Hawaiian language is rich with varied meanings.

Kahului - scented tree

Wailuku - destroying water

Lahaina. -means cruel sun

Ka’anapali - rolling cliffs

Napili - a coming together place. Pili” by itself has several meanings, the most common alluding to closeness, friendship, and sticking together

Hana - work

Kipahulu - fetch from exhausted gardens

Kihei - cape, cloak, shawl or blanket

Makawao - Eye of the Forest

Ulupalakua - Ripe Breadfruit of the Gods

Haiku - Kahili flower

Paia - Noisy (Quite appropriate nowadays)