PHOTOS: Maui Lu Iconic Longhouse Building Demolished

By Wendy Osher

Demolition got underway this month at the old Maui Lu Resort in South Maui, with the iconic longhouse and church building coming down in the process.

The demolition comes as the 28-acre property was sold to the Japan-based Capbridge Group, a company that is collaborating with Hilton Grand Vacations to conduct a $300 million redevelopment of the property into a 388 unit timeshare resort.

In a company announcement late last year, executives said the project is scheduled to break ground in late 2015 , and open in 2017.

The property is located mauka of South Kīhei Road, and is adjacent to the Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center and Kalepolepo Beach Park .

According to the October announcement, the new resort will be developed as a villa-style resort featuring 740 feet of oceanfront property.

The residences will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences; a super pool; fitness center; and kids and teen centers.

Future home of the new Hilton Grand Vacations Club Resort. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui Lu. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui Lu demolition looking at the old Church/Longhouse area. Photo credit courtesy: Kevin J. Olson.

Maui Lu demolition looking at the old Church/Longhouse area. Photo credit courtesy: Kevin J. Olson.

Maui Lu demolition looking at the old Church/Longhouse area. Photo credit courtesy: Kevin J. Olson.

Maui Lu demolition looking at the old Church/Longhouse area. Photo credit courtesy: Kevin J. Olson.

Maui Lu sign. Photo credit courtesy: Kevin J. Olson.