Wailuku in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Guardian of Sea-Going People
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 9, 2025
1. Guardian of Sea-Going People Marker
Asian migration to Maui began in the 1880's with the arrival of the first Japanese laborers. Many found work in the sugar cane fields, while others became fishermen and settled in coastal villages such as Ma'alaea. Perpetuating homeland traditions, Japanese immigrants soon erected this shrine dedicated to Ebisu-sama, the god of fishermen and one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune.
Offerings were given regularly to the god to ensure the safety and prosperity of fishermen who ventured daily into unpredictable waters off the Maui coast.
A Living Tradition
The ancient Japanese practice of honoring Ebisu-sama with a festival is a living tradition in Ma'alaea. The Ebisu Matsuri festival is held annually in January. The shrine's reverend offers prayers and chants to the god for protection and prosperity for those who make their living on the sea. It is said that no one who has been blessed during this festival has ever been lost at sea.
[Captions:]
Ma'lalaea Shinto celebrated 100 year anniversary in January 2015 with banners.
Aku Fishing Boat typical of the Maalaea fleet c. 1945 1995. Aku is type of tuna often
this page online
The Maalaea Ebuisu is housed in the shrine before you.
Ebisu is worshiped in modern Japan as the protector of basic livelihoods, and is believed to import happiness and prosperity.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 20° 47.528′ N, 156° 30.707′ W. Marker is in Wailuku, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is on Maalaea Road 0.6 miles north of Honoapiilani Highway (Hawaii Highway 30), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 132 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku HI 96793, 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 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Submarine Communications Buoy (a few steps from
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 9, 2025
2. Guardian of Sea-Going People Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
