Maui Remembers: A Local History Paperback - 1995

From the jacket flap

While renowned worldwide for its luxurious resorts and as a vacation playground, the island of Maui also has a fascinating history. At times mirroring events that shaped all of Hawaii's saga, much of Maui's history is unique, and certainly there is a distinct local flavor to the happenings played out on Hawaii's "Valley Isle." Through words and archival photographs, as well as rare items of memorabilia, Maui Remembers: A Local History comprehensively covers Maui's history from the time of the island's creation through the introduction of non-Polynesian settles, up to the modern era. Maui has a proud past. The island of Maui earned ancient glory through wise and courageous chiefs such as Piilani, who ruled over what was considered a model kingdom. Because of Maui's preeminence among its island neighbors, the saying "Maui no ka oi," or "Maui is the best" has been passed down for hundreds of years. Maui's people created its colorful story, such as the ruthless chief Kahekili, the powerful ruling queen Kaahumanu, and Hawaii's longest reigning monarch, Kamehameha III, who made Lahaina the capital of his kingdom. The outside world first encroached when French explorer La Perouse landed in 1786, followed shortly by sandalwood traders, boisterous whalers, and fervent missionaries. The development of thriving sugar and pineapple industries brought ethnic groups of every hue to Maui's shores. Other sojourners to Maui were tourists, such as Mark Twain who, upon leaving, admitted he had never "bade any place good-bye so regretfully."