Wailuku serves as the current county seat of Maui, and has historical significance as the former home of both King Piilani and King Kahekili. Located at the foot of the West Maui Mountains, bordering the lush and scenic Iao Valley, its downtown houses government offices, mom-and-pop stores, antique shops, cafés, coffee shops, and Iao Theater (a Maui landmark since 1928, which still stages local productions). The community provides more affordable home choices than many other parts of Maui, despite also being close to Maui Memorial Medical Center, the University of Hawaii Maui College, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (home of the island’s major art exhibits, music and dance performances, and other cultural events), the airport, and all the big box stores in Kahului.