A Bahay Kubo is an icon of Philippine culture. It represents the Filipino value of “Bayanihan.” This term refers to a spirit of communal unity with an effort to achieve a particular objective.
It is hard to believe, but I wrote about our Maui Bahay Kubo in 2016, ten years ago! We have a lot to catch up on.
The Maui Bahay Kubo Foundation has continued with meetings, fundraising and diligent hard work by our board members and volunteers every year.
Ten years ago, I wrote about the spiritual valley of Kapaniwai on Maui with the towering pali and the rushing waters. In the valley, the river still flows, and the vista is pristine. The picnic tables where local families come every week to enjoy the soft breezes remain.
When you turn into the park, you can see to your immediate right the renovated and refurbished Bahay Kubo.
With dedication and a commitment to our community, our Maui Bahay Kubo has weathered many storms.
Recently, we experienced the heaviest rain and storms on record in a hundred years. The wind and rain displaced the river and some pathways. The Maui Parks just reopened the park for us this July. So we again regroup and begin anew.
The traditional Bahay Kubo is raised up on hardwood (Narra) stilts, which serve as the main posts of the house. Manong Leo Agcolicol planted the first Narra tree, which is the national tree of the Philippines and is in the gardens.
The original Narra tree in Maui was hand-carried and carefully planted in the valley as a two-foot sapling; you can see it now as a full-grown post that supports our structure. Additional Narra wood was imported from the Philippines and used for the structure’s base and foundation.
Narra wood is one of the hardest woods in the world and will literally “bend nails.” Once sanded, this wood yields a golden color. For the flooring, solid Philippine mahogany was imported. In 2026, this will have a good sanding and polishing for the ongoing renovation. The Sampagita that was planted and ti leaves are taller and still thriving around the perimeter.
In 1966, Nipa woven leaves were used to create the roofing to complete the authenticity. Now, the renewal is in full force.
Over 1,000 Nipa leaves will arrive from Batangas, already woven and plaited, ready to install. They will arrive in Maui this month to complete the slated roofing. Over this will be aluminum roofing for added protection from the elements.
Within the interior, as you look to the ceiling, you will see these nipa leaves and appreciate the authentic quality they provide to the ambiance.
Life is all about time and condition, and now is the time to act. Here in Maui’s Bahay Kubo, it is July of 2026 and a bright Saturday. The sounds of a hammer pounding and a leaf blower interrupt the serene setting.
Men and women in Maui’s Filipino community are working diligently, planting and sweeping, to complete the task of ongoing restoration.
Their spirits are high, and the fun they are having is contagious, a true reflection of the Maui Filipino community. The goal is to pass the banner through the arts and education to our youth. This area can be a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Here is what’s new! As you enter the Bahay Kubo, look up to see twelve murals placed in the eaves of the thatched roofing. The roofing was installed recently and is of a thatched design, close to the authentic in the Philippines.
Our murals were installed so that visitors and locals alike can appreciate the treasures of Filipino life. From picking rice to caring for a carabao, the murals represent our lifestyle.
As you enter via a path that is along a running stream, a golden bust of Jose Rizal greets all visitors. This tribute to Rizal is refreshed and hand-painted every year in golden bronze. Permits have been obtained through tedious attention to detail.
There are strict rules in our Maui parks to ensure our safety. Higher guard rails and a new cement path were poured. The pond has been cleaned and refreshed as well.
Two exceptional volunteers are the “oil and gas” that power our team. Tante Urban rallies us and keeps us on track. Tata Bart Santiago was another volunteer who had a smile that warmed every room he entered. Sadly, he passed this past month.
He was an exceptional asset to our team. He was at our Bahay Kubo every week, working in some capacity: clearing rubbish, cleaning the pond and sharing with visitors his love of his homeland.
He always wanted to add another mural that showed a map so he could point out his province, Alaminos, Pangasinan, with the Hundred Islands. “Heaven on earth,” he would tell me. This mural in his honor will be installed this year.
Zalde and Nita Ugalino, Paulo Sabado, Elmer Tolintio, Adrian Pasqual, the Sabados, Benny Feig, Jonathon Taroma and Jorge Tirona round out our team.
On your next visit to Maui, please ride up from the airport to ʻĪao Valley. It is about ten minutes past old Wailuku Town.
Kapaniwai Park is on your left as you turn in; you cannot miss our Bahay Kubo. It sits high on the rise as you enter.
Please enjoy the fruits of our community’s labor. We are spreading our culture daily with each visitor! Salamat po!
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