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New mobile app spotlights history, art of Wailuku town

A map shows the location of places of interest featured in a new mobile app, “Ho‘okama‘aina,” which showcases the history and culture of Wailuku town. Photo courtesy Small Town Big Art

The Maui News

A new mobile app celebrating the history of Wailuku town and offering walking tours of the area has been launched, according to an announcement from Maui County, Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House/Maui Historical Society and Maui Visitors Bureau.

Ho’okama’aina, which translates as “to become familiar with,” features cultural, historic and public art places of interest as well as a timeline and a developing schedule of events. The app also serves as an educational tool where individuals can contribute their Wailuku mana’o (knowledge, suggestions and more).

Named in collaboration by Sissy Lake-Farm and Hokuao Pellegrino of Hale Ho’ike’ike, Ho’okama’aina is a play on words incorporating Kama.

“Because our island was associated with Kamalalawalu (Ali’i nui, or supreme ruler of Maui), we thought Ho’okama’aina, to familiarize ourselves with the historical and cultural places of Wailuku,” they explained in a news release. “Also the fact that the Kama ‘Auwai was one of the most important cultural features of the Wailuku ahupua’a and moku.”

Place-based information covering a variety of Wailuku highlights, from the 1833 Bailey House and the 1953 Maui Ki-Aikido Shunshinkan Dojo to the native plantings along Market Street and wide collection of public art projects can be found within the app. Those wishing to participate in a self-guided walking tour are encouraged to park at the Wells Park Temporary Parking Lot, which is also the site of a public artwork by Wailuku artist Jaclynn Sabado-Eitel entitled “Makai to Mauka.” The tour continues mauka along the location markers found within the app.

For more information on parking the area, visit wailukulive.com/parking.

“We are excited to be a partner in enhancing the Wailuku town visitor experience in order to attract mindful visitors for a different type of experience — in this case, a virtual experience that can be shared by anyone at anytime, regardless of the user’s physical location,” said Leanne Pletcher, director of public relations and marketing for Maui Visitors Bureau.

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