Founded in 1934, Hui No‘eau is a gathering place for some of the greatest artistic minds contributing to Maui arts and culture. The Hui is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, non-degree granting, community-based arts education organization offering open access to quality visual arts instruction by teaching artists. Situated on the historic estate of Kaluanui, the Hui campus consists of housing structures, stables, and a garage that have since been transformed into fully functioning working artist studios, fine art galleries and classrooms.
Starting around 1850, East Maui Plantation was located on the property. This sugar plantation was perhaps one of the first in Hawai‘i to use centrifugal force to separate sugar crystals from molasses. Visitors will find remains of this early mill site near the main entrance to the property. Around 1885, Henry Perrine Baldwin, father of Harry Baldwin, purchased the property. In 1917, Harry and Ethel Baldwin built the main home and outbuildings of Kalaunui. Designed by prominent architect C.W. Dickey, the buildings of Kaluanui showcase Mediterranean influence with some unique features for homes in Hawai‘i.
In 1934, Ethel Baldwin, her daughter Frances Baldwin Cameron, and a group of twenty friends gathered together to form a club to celebrate their love of art. They began regular meetings and named the club “Hui No‘eau.” After a brief vacancy when the club met elsewhere and Kaluanui was home to the president of Maunaolu College, Hui No‘eau returned to Kaluanui after Maui Land & Pineapple Company granted use of the space for art programs.
In June 2005, the Hui community purchased the 25-acre property from Maui Land & Pineapple Company for the sum of $3.5 million, a sharp increase from an annual rent of $1 paid up until that point. This purchase assured that the property would be available for future generations of artists and for Maui residents and visitors to enjoy in perpetuity. Raising the funds needed to purchase Kaluanui posed a serious challenge, however, the community’s voice was loud and strong, resulting in the success of the “Save the Hui- Buy Kaluanui” campaign and the high regard for Kaluanui as a public asset.
The sense of place provided by the vast estate and awe-inspiring views of Haleakala, West Maui Mountains and Maui’s North Shore develop inspiration and invigorate artistic energy. Historic structures and expansive gardens serve as an educational centerpiece in our Maui community, offering a fully accessible, vital, open space for residents and visitors to explore, learn, enjoy, and experience the visual arts and Maui history.