Wailuku Wayfinding Signs Inspire Exploration

Fifty-five new wayfinding signs were installed in Wailuku Town on Friday, promoting health by encouraging walking and exploration of the town’s hidden and well‐known treasures.

The Wailuku Community Association in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute and the Maui Redevelopment Agency announced the addition of new pedestrian wayfinding signage that’s designed to help visitors and residents walk their town to find arts, cultural, and historical destinations.

The signs give directional information on locations as well as approximate walking times to each site.

Earlier this year, the Wailuku Community Association decided to head the effort by submitting an application for Central Maui to become the next Blue Zones Community. The Blue Zones project is a national initiative, sponsored by HMSA in Hawaiʻi as an effort for people to live longer, better lives. This year, two more Hawaiʻi communities will be chosen for the Blue Zones project.

After the Statement of Interest was accepted with pledge forms from community members, businesses and other organizations, the next step was the Community Site Visit.  “During the site visit, it was Central Maui’s chance to highlight the community and show that our motivation and need for an initiative like Blue Zones,” said project organizers.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui and Mayor Alan Arakawa joined in the opening presentation by highlighting Maui’s readiness and interest in the Blue Zones project.

The two joined in installing the first sign on Market Street, and in the spirit of healthy living touted by event organizers, proceeded to walk to their next meeting together.

Others who participated in the presentation were: Kandace Johns (Imua Family Services), Sonya Niess (NPAC), Mike Morris (YMCA), Erin Wade (County of Maui, Planning Dept.), David Yamashita (County of Maui, Parks & Recreation), Rowena Dagdag-Andaya (Public Works), and Alexis Dascoulias (Maui OnStage, ʻĪao Theater).

The Blue Zones community presentation was followed by lunch in the new ʻĪao Square, next to ʻĪao Theater and the installation of Walking Wayfinding Signage throughout Wailuku.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui and Mayor Alan Arakawa joined in installing the first sign on Market Street, and in the spirit of healthy living touted by event organizers, proceeded to walk to their next meeting together.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui and Mayor Alan Arakawa joined in installing the first sign on Market Street, and in the spirit of healthy living touted by event organizers, proceeded to walk to their next meeting together.

Fifty-five new wayfinding signs promote health by encouraging walking and exploration of Wailuku Town’s hidden and well‐known treasures.

Fifty-five new wayfinding signs promote health by encouraging walking and exploration of Wailuku Town’s hidden and well‐known treasures.

Fifty-five new wayfinding signs promote health by encouraging walking and exploration of Wailuku Town’s hidden and well‐known treasures.