Hale Paahao - Lahaina, Maui Island, HI
Posted by: 
denben
N 20° 52.309 W 156° 40.481
4Q E 741923 N 2309711
These signs are located to the left of the two-story wooden gatehouse entrance to the Hale Paahao (prison) on Prison Street in Lahaina, Maui.
Waymark Code: WMRA1B
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 05/29/2016
Views: 1
Hale Paahao (stuck-in-irons house) was Lahaina’s “new” prison in the 1850s. During the peak of the whaling era the small village of Lahaina was rampant with rowdy sailors who were ready for fun and relaxation along with villagers who were willing to play and trade with them.
In 1851, “an Act relating to prisons, their government, and discipline” was passed by the legislature and approved by the King. It authorized a new jail for Lahaina which was to be built to “keep entirely separate from each other the male and female prisoners, and to have a yard enclosed by fences of sufficient height and strength to prevent escapes …” (
visit link)
The first sign reads:
"Historic site #53 Hale Paahao
This view of the original gatehouse was photographed by Dr. Ingalls, ca. 1908. The Lahaina used this photograph as a guide to restore the building in 1988. The gatehouse was used by the master as a house for his family. He was required to check cell and prisoner daily as well as keep the prison records."
The second sign reads:
"HALE PAAHAO
This prison was built in 1852 during the reign of King Kamehameha III to lock up rowdy sailors who failed to return to their ships at sundown, as well as unruly natives. The surrounding coral wall was built in 1854. The guard house and cells were completely rebuilt in 1959.
Commission on Historical Sites"
The coordinates are from the gatehouse entrance to the Hale Paahao