Olowalu, Hawaii

Olowalu, Hawaii
A view of Olowalu
Coordinates: 20°48′39″N 156°37′20″W / 20.81083°N 156.62222°W / 20.81083; -156.62222
Government
  BodyMaui County Council
  MayorAlan Arakawa
  Hawaii SenateRosalyn Baker
  Hawaii House of RepresentativesAngus McKelvey
  U.S. HouseKai Kahele
  U.S. SenateBrian Schatz
Area
  Total
7.6 km2 (2.94 sq mi)
  Land7.6 km2 (2.94 sq mi)
Elevation
6 m (20 ft)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
100
  Density13.12/km2 (33.97/sq mi)
  Summer (DST)UTC12 (Hawaii)
ZIP Code
96761 (Lahaina)
Area code808

Olowalu is a community on the west side of the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii. It is located about 4 miles (6 km) south of Lahaina on the Honoapiʻilani Highway. It is a census-designated place (CDP), with a population at the 2020 census of 100.

It once sustained a large population, governed by the high chiefess Kalola, daughter of Maui ruler Kekaulike, and grandmother of Keopuolani. It was home to a traditional farming community until the arrival of the Europeans, who replaced it with a sugarcane plantation. The massacre in 1790, as well as the labor-intensive sandalwood trade up-country, contributed to the site's decline. A substantial real estate development is under consideration for the area. The area is home to one of Hawaii's most striking reefs.