The date when
Polynesians first settled the island of Maui is uncertain. Early archaeological studies suggested that they came in multiple gradual waves, the earliest possibly from the
Marquesas sometime before 450 AD., and the most recent from
Tahiti sometime after 700 AD. Under this theory, the Tahitian arrivals introduced the core pieces of Hawaiian traditional culture: language, economic activities, the hereditary class system, land tenure, religion, and customs such as the strict
kapu system that affected all aspects of life. However, later analyses suggest that the first settlers did not arrive until 900–1200 CE. Hawaiian oral tradition lists an unbroken chain of twenty-five rulers (the
Moʻi of Maui) beginning with
Paumakua the first
Ali'i Nui of Maui. Maui's oldest known temple enclosures (
heiaus) are at
Halekii and Pihana from about 1200. The structures were, according to legend, built by the Menehune in a single night from stones on Paukukalo Beach. More likely they began as small structures and were expanded as the prestige of the Wailuku grew. The last additions were thought to have been made by King
Kahekili. Pihana, also called Pihanakilani and Piihana, was a
luakini where human sacrifice was carried out. According to accounts written by outsiders, victims were most often kapu breakers or war captives.
Chiefdoms Until the 15th century Maui comprised three chiefdoms: Wailuku, Lele (Lahaina), and Hana. Eventually all of West Maui was consolidated at Wailuku, with Hana remaining an independent chieftaincy. West Maui and East Maui permanently merged about 1550 when King
Piʻilani married the daughter of Hoolae, the 6th Alii Nui of Hana. From that time until conquest Maui was ruled by a single joint royal family (Hawaiian: alii). Piilani and his successors were known for the peace and prosperity that followed. They constructed a highway that circled the island along its coast; remnants of which still exist. They also built the island's and Hawaii's largest temple enclosure. Today it is called
Piʻilanihale, built on an older temple site from about 1294. It is about high and long. Other heiau were constructed at
Olowalu and Waianapanapa.
Heiau and other structures Many ancient structures on Maui are named in story but no longer survive. There was a fort at Ka'uiki Head at Hana which was the scene of several battles between chiefdoms on Maui or invasions from Hawaii. The last battle occurred when King Kahekili fought off a Hawaiian raid in the 1780s. On a small island at the tip of Kauiki Head a huge statue of
Kawalakii was erected by King Umi of Hana to frighten off would-be invaders. The Hauola Stone in
Lahaina Harbor was believed to have healing qualities; it is still there. Extensive
archaeological research has been undertaken at Kahikinui on Maui's southeast coast. Several heiau have been located, as well as villages, and fields. Heiau in the Wailuku area include: Keahuku, Olokua, Olopia, Malena, Pohakuokahi, Lelemako, Kawelowelo, Kaulupala, Palamnaihiki, and Oloolokalani. There were at least three additional heiau between
Kahului Harbor and Wailuku. There is a partially collapsed heiau at Keoneoio (
La Perouse Bay.) In several parts of the island small shrines were set up, usually a single or cluster of standing stones where fishermen could pray and give offerings. Rarely walled canoe 'sheds' are still preserved. The Ke'anae Peninsula's
taro field system is a prehistoric field system still in use. Maui has several
petroglyph sites that have been variously interpreted as ancestral voyages, historic events, and religious stories. One of the best remaining sites is in the cliffs above
Olowalu. Nearby Maalea had an extensive panel which was destroyed by a developer.
Kaupo has little 'footprints' across a lava flow said to be the prints of Menehune. The Kula area has several sites on private land. There are some at Nuu as well. Vandalism to these sites has led to their closure or limited access to permit holders.
Land tenure Hawaiians developed a complex and effective land tenure system. The island of Maui was divided into twelve districts (Hawaiian: moku). with Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe constituted their own districts or were subdivided into many other districts. Each district was ruled from earliest times by a family and later by a chief's family. Each moku was divided into many community units (Hawaiian:
ahupuaa) which ran from the top of the mountain to the ocean in a roughly triangular shape ruled by subchiefs. Boundaries were natural features such as streams, rock outcrops, or forest. Each community unit was subdivided into extended family units (Hawaiian: ili) that also ran from the mountains to the ocean, so each family had access to mountain forests, uplands, coast plains for farming, and ocean. Each district had a sanctuary (Hawaiian: puuhonua) to escape vengeance or penalty. Maui's sanctuary was located at Kukuipuka on Maui's west side near Waihee. After fleeing there, making restitution and waiting a period of time, the offender could return home. During warfare, women, children, and elders could go there and not be harmed.
Kapu society The social system was called the
kapu system. According to legend the system was brought to the islands from
Tahiti by the priest
Paao perhaps as early as 1300. The kapu system was rooted in the class system and religious practice. People were born into one of four ranks. At the top were the
alii. Next were the
kahuna, those of priestly rank who conducted religious ritual ceremonies, served as spiritual advisers, and healers. The third rank were
makaaina, the commoners who worked the farms, built canoes, gathered wood, fished and performed labor. The fourth rank,
kauwa or outcasts, were outside the system and lived outside the community much like 'untouchables' in traditional
Hindu society. There were three main kapu (rule) types: fixed kapu, flexible kapu, and temporary kapu. Examples of fixed kapu were the complete separation of men and women at meals and that menstruating women had to live outside the household. Other fixed kapu related to the
alii which set them apart from commoners and maintained their status in a society with few material possessions. Flexible kapu could be altered by the local chief. For example, certain kinds of fish could not be caught at certain times of the year. Temporary kapus were invoked for a period of days. For example, following a funeral, no one could fish for a period of time. The effect was to maintain order in the community. Kapu also conserved the environment by protecting plants and wildlife from overuse. The result of the kapu system was to preserve the
mana or sacredness of the totality of the environment which would bring about peace, harmony and stability. Kapu breakers disrupted the
mana and jeopardized the entire community. ==Early European encounters==