Lahaina in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Seamen's House & Hospital
Ala Hele Mo'olelo O Lahaina
| | Lahaina Historic Trail | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
1. Seamen's House & Hospital Marker
Completely restored in 1982 to its original appearance, the Seamen's House was first built in 1833 on the commission of King Kamehameha III. At the time, Lahaina did not extend much farther north than Dickenson Street, which was then a stream flowing alongside the missionary compound. This building was deliberately situated about a mile from the homes of the missionaries and devout Christian Governor Hoapili. The King approached a Honolulu merchant to build a house on his property which would cater to visiting sailors as an inn and a store. The King also had another purpose in mind: he needed a place to indulge in activities not condoned by the influential missionaries and to be away from their prying eyes. They frowned on the partaking of "ardent spirits" and maintaining the old tradition of a sacred marriage between closely related high chiefs. So it was here the King could meet with his beloved sister, Princess Nδhi'ena'ena.
By 1841, Joaquin Armas, a Mexican cowboy who was hired as the "King's bullock catcher," became landlord of this estate. In 1844, the structure was leased to the U.S. State Department
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During archaeological excavation, a "permanent guard" was found under a corner of the foundation: the skeleton of a human sacrifice which lay halfway outside the building. After being blessed by a Hawaiian minister, the skull maintains its permanent vigil over the building to this day.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 20° 52.776′ N, 156° 40.996′ W. Marker is in Lahaina, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is on Front Street north of Baker Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1024 Front 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.
2. Seamen's House & Hospital
Before the 2023 wildfire which destroyed most of Lahaina.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Porter Anchor (a few steps from this marker); Hauola Stone (Pohaku O Hauola) (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lahaina Court and Custom House (approx. 0.6 miles away); An Island Without Ghosts (approx. 1.7 miles away); Grinding Stones, Hoana (approx. 2.1 miles away); Plantation Pioneers at Rest (approx. 2.2 miles away); Koko O Na Moku Race Track (approx. 3 miles away); The Stones of Moemoe and Wahine O Manua (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lahaina.
Regarding Seamen's House & Hospital. The building was mostly destroyed by the 2023 wildfire that destroyed the town.
3. Seamen's House & Hospital - 2023
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
4. Seamen's House & Hospital Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
5. Seamen's House & Hospital
The Porter Anchor is at left. See nearby marker.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
6. Seamen's House & Hospital
Photographed by Craig Baker
7. Seamen's House & Hospital Marker
Operated by the Marine Hospital Service, predecessor of the United States Public Health Service.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
8. Seamen's House & Hospital Marker
National Historic Landmark District Contributing Property.
This site has been identified for the highest level of care under FEMA Programmatic Agreement. Access to this site without a cultural monitor present is prohibited.
Prior to accessing the property and removal or relocation of debris, consultation with property owner to verify the location of sensitive materials is required.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 10, 2026
9. Seamen's House & Hospital Marker
US Army Corps of Engineers, Hawaii Wildfire Response Debris Removal Support, 1024 Front St.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 36 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 12, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
