Lahaina in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Lahaina Court and Custom House
Ala Hele Mo'olelo O Lahaina Lahaina Historic Trail
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, Oct 2016
1. Lahaina Court and Custom House Marker
The Lahaina Court & Custom House was first built in 1859 with the remains of Hale Piula, the unfinished coral palace of King Kamehameha III. From its opening in 1860, it served as a customs house for the whaling and trade ships and a center for government offices during the Monarchy period. On August 12, 1898 when the Hawaiian Islands were officially annexed to the United States, Lahaina's assistant postmaster oversaw the lowering of the red, white and blue banner of the Hawaiian Kingdom and watched the American flag being raised in its place over this courthouse.
Renovated in 1925, Old Lahaina Courthouse was used as a courtroom, tax and post offices, police station and jail until the 1970's when the Lahaina Civic Center was constructed. Having fallen into disrepair, the courthouse underwent renovations in 1998 and has been restored to its 1920's grandeur. It is now home to the Lahaina Visitor Center, Lahaina Arts Society, Lahaina Restoration Foundation's museum and Lahaina Town Action Committee's offices.
Erected by Lahaina Historic Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 20° 52.312′ N, 156° 40.681′ W. Marker is in Lahaina, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is at the intersection of Wharf Street and Hotel Street, on the left when traveling south on Wharf Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 648 Wharf St, Lahaina HI 96761, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Lahaina and West Maui. Globally, it is in North America, Polynesia, the Pacific Ocean, North Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hauola Stone (Pohaku O Hauola) (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Seamen's House & Hospital (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Porter Anchor (approx. 0.6 miles away); An Island Without Ghosts (approx. 2.3 miles away); Grinding Stones, Hoana (approx. 2.7 miles away); Plantation Pioneers at Rest (approx. 2.8 miles away); Koko O Na Moku Race Track (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Stones of Moemoe and Wahine O Manua
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, Oct 2016
2. Lahaina Court and Custom House Marker
Courthouse with the marker in the grass to the left.
More about this marker. The courthouse was mostly destroyed during the August 8-9, 2023 wildfire that destroyed most of the town.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, Oct 2016
3. Lahaina Court and Custom House
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
4. Lahaina Court and Custom House Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
5. Lahaina Court and Custom House
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
6. Lahaina Court and Custom House
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 11, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
