Bailey House

Bailey House Review

This repository of the largest and best collection of Hawaiian artifacts on Maui—including objects from the sacred island of Kahoolawe—was first the Wailuku Seminary for Girls and then the home of missionary teachers Edward and Caroline Bailey. Built in 1833 on the site of the compound of Kahekili (the last ruling chief of Maui), the building was occupied by the Bailey family until 1888. Edward Bailey was something of a Renaissance man: Beyond being a missionary, he was also a surveyor, a naturalist, and an excellent artist. In addition to the fantastic Hawaiian collection, the museum displays a number of Bailey's landscape paintings, which provide a snapshot of the island during his time. There is missionary-period furniture, and the grounds include gardens with native Hawaiian plants and a fine example of a traditional canoe. The gift shop is one of the best sources on Maui for items that are actually made in Hawaii.