Everything You Need to Know About the Bailey House Museum

Hale Hōʻikeʻike, also known as the Bailey House Museum, is the largest and oldest history museum in Maui, Hawaii. The house was built in 1833 and is one of the first western-style houses in Wailuku. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features an incredible collection of Hawaiian antiques as well as missionary, monarchy, and plantation-era artifacts. It’s an incredible place to explore, and it’s just half a mile from The Historic Wailuku Inn! Here are some of the things you’ll find at the Bailey House Museum.

Find out more about the Bailey House Museum when you download our free vacation guide. It’s full of information on the best things to see and do in Maui!

Spend a Day at the Bailey House Museum

The Building

The Old Bailey House is situated at the mouth of the Iao Valley on the royal compound of Kahekili, the last ruling chief of Maui. Originally a mission house for adults and children, the home was transformed into the Wailuku Female Seminary in 1837. The boarding school focused on Christianity, academic pursuits, and domestic skills like sewing and housekeeping. After funding for the school was abandoned, Caroline and Edward Bailey bought the property and stayed there until 1888. The Bailey House opened its doors as a museum in 1957.

Exhibits

Hale Hōʻikeʻike (Hawaiian for “House of Display”) contains a number of diverse exhibits on its two floors. You’ll discover Hawaiian artifacts like tools and weapons, oil paintings by Edward Bailey, a wooden statue of the Hawaiian demi-god Kamapua’a, and a replica of an ancient Polynesian-style sailing vessel. There’s even a small snail and mollusk collection. Be sure to visit the second floor where you’ll find various furniture and belongings that were common in 19th century Hawaii.

Gardens & Grounds

The ethnobotanical gardens at the Bailey House Museum showcase a variety of rare Hawaiian plants, including a few endangered species. It’s a great place for a photo op! Near the gardens, a small outlying shelter displays a 1900s-era outrigger canoe used for fishing. The 33-foot vessel is carved from a single koa log and is one of the last koa fishing canoes made in Hawaii.

Gift Shop

Make sure to finish up your tour with a visit to the museum gift shop. The shop offers a variety of locally-made items including Maui coffee, soap, and sea salt. You’ll also find a number of Hawaiian history books. The museum and grounds are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come Home to The Historic Wailuku Inn

After you explore the Bailey House Museum, head back to our Maui bed and breakfast and unwind! Our inn offers beautiful guest rooms, luxurious amenities, and a delicious, complimentary breakfast each morning. We even have a number of vacation specials to help you save on your trip! Visit our accommodations page to see what’s available and contact us to make your reservations. We look forward to having you!