Why Waianae Place Behind the Coral Walls of the Old Lahaina Prison?

Forget practicing aloha or planning to surf or fish next weekend if you find a parking spot…at 173 Waianae Place (MLS# 371272) you will already be there.

173 Waianae Place in the ’50s and today (Click on images to enlarge)

This quiet, secluded Kama’aina (local) house is full of soul and history, is centrally located a block away from Lahaina Harbor, and is an easy bicycle ride to most places around town. When you are sitting in the living room, your view is the coral walls of Hale Paahao; the Old Prison.

Living room with a view of the coral prison wall

A short walk out the backyard with your surf board or fishing gear brings you to the Harbor or Breakwall surf spots. When you come home, shower off in the outdoor shower, and enjoy a meal with your Ohana (family/friends) under the shade of the 50-year old plumeria tree covering your lanai (patio) that stays cool with the trade winds wrapping around from the ocean.

The house was built in 1950 by the same owners who lived there until recently…you will be the second owner. The wood was salvaged from the Sacred Hearts fire of 1950. The house was built off the ground to allow the trade winds to pass under and keep the house cool. The double hung solid wood windows, sought out by collectors, can be left a crack open on the top to let the hot air out and open on the bottom to allow the breeze to enter…these feature solid wood screens as well that are very well maintained.

Backyard view of the house and wood shed (center of photo) from Luakini Street; open lot backs up to 173 Waianae Place

The wood working tools used to build the house are still in the shed in the backyard. This funky shed has poured cement floors and would make a great art studio or man cave.

Back in the Day

Back in the ’50s and ’60s, the kids say there were rabbit and chicken cages up against the prison wall and the eldest boy’s chore was to go out and bring home the dinner. The kids say they remember walking to school at Sacred Hearts along the cane fields (where Aina Nalu is now).

173 Waianae Place being built in 1950 with wood from the Sacred Hearts School (Photo shot from on top the coral wall)

You can feel the mana (life/spirit) of Hale Paahao just gazing at the coral walls…this was actually the New Prison in 1852 when it was built from the coral bricks from Old Prison originally located by the banyan tree. It was built mainly to “lock up rowdy sailors” and allow them to sober up while awaiting their captain to bail them out. The family who lived in this home remembers playing in the prison garden when they were young; there was a big puka (hole) crumbled in the West wall.

Hale Paahao Plaque today

Another favorite pastime for the kids was to go to the harbor when the Carthaginian was still there and dive for coins from the tourists…they would then use their newly gained money to buy milkshakes and burgers at “Sunset Freeze” (later Burger King and now Paia Fish Market across from the Banyan Tree).

Lahaina is a national historical town due to its colorful whaling past. Maui’s Front Street has been named to a national list of the 10 Great Streets for 2011. The selection was made by the American Planning Association, according to Maui Now. Lahaina was also named one of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns, according to Coastal Living in 2012.

The Carthaginian II Whaling Ship in Lahaina Harbor in the ’70s where kids used to dive for coins

Come See it For Yourself

This home makes great use of the lot; the three bed, one bath house is downstairs with the kitchen opening up on the backdoor dining area. The wood shed is in the backyard near a gate to cross the empty lot to Front Street. You have a sweet mango tree in the garden creating shade.

Downstairs is a washer and a clothes line to help save energy and make use of the Lahaina sun. There is also a wash room, outdoor shower, and a half bath downstairs. Double carport is so great for Lahaina, so you don’t need to block your view of the coral walls with vehicles.

Upstairs is a bedroom and bathroom with a separate entrance. There is a great view of the mountains over the plumeria tree from upstairs. 173 Waianae Place is vacant and easy to show; come feel the good vibes for yourself…

If you would like to schedule a showing or learn more about this property, the Old Lahaina Prison, or the surrounding area, please contact me.

Ol’ kine car and a vat to boil whale blubber (photo 2016)

Playing inside the coral walls in the 1960s

View of 173 Waianae Place (center of photo) from inside the prison walls in 2016

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