Maui's Remarkable Queen and the Center's namesake was born in a cave on the remote coast of Hana. Ka'ahumanu was destined to become one of Hawaii's most important and influential queens, the favorite wife of the warrior chief, Kamehameha. Ka'ahumanu's most enduring act was to dissolve the ancient "kapu" - laws that reinforced a rigid class system and prohibited women from many political, religious and social activities.

You can read more about Queen Ka'ahumanu when you visit her statue and the pond near center court. Passerby often toss coins in the water surrounding the queen's statue. While the pool is not a wishing well, Ka'ahumanu was a monarch who cared a great deal for her people. In that spirit, we collect the coins and donate them to local non-profit organizations each month.

Click here to view the statue of Queen Ka'ahumanu!