Old School Cannabis : Maui Wowie

Lahaina, Maui by Stephanie Young Merzel, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Everyone loves a strain that will make you feel uplifted, happy and of course, super duper high! Aside from the buzz, Maui Wowie is known for its spectacular flavor and gorgeous buds. It's the kind of weed that gets everyone from Gen Z to Baby Boomers excited, because it has collected a famous legacy over generations! If you’re sharp, you might have caught the reference to it in Up in Smoke with Cheech and Chong. But why is this strain so good, and so popular? This is how the strain cemented its legendary status in cannabis culture.

Why is Maui Wowie So Popular?

  Maui Wowie was referenced by Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin in their 1978 movie Up in Smoke and many of their standup acts, making thousands of people familiar with the strain. If it was getting them high, then you definitely had to get your hands on some!

The strain was developed in Hawaii in the 1960s–70s.  Most resources tell us that it is a native Hawaiian grown strain crossed with another strain that is unknown. So unfortunately, we can’t exactly get to the bottom of what genetic makeup is. We can speculate, many believing it was crossbred with a Thai or Afghani strain for stability. Since cannabis itself isn't exactly a native Hawaiian plant, it's hard to even garner information on what the specific Hawaiian strain may be.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Hawaii was a very popular destination for hippies, surfers and other counterculture travelers. Visitors were enthralled by the light, fruity cannabis that was distinctly different from the Afghani and Colombian strains they were used to. It was rumored to pack a punch, and provide a social and chatty high that was perfect for productivity or chilling on the beach.

an 1899 map of Hawaii

Is Cannabis Native to Hawaii?

Cannabis is referred to by indigenous Hawaiians as “Pakololo” which translates to “numbing tobacco”  Although many Hawaiian strains are referred to as “landrace”, there hasn’t been evidence of cannabis in Hawaii before the 1800s. It was most likely brought over by sailors and traders during their travels. Even if the plant hasn’t been growing in Hawaii for thousands of years, the plants will still adapt to the environment and gain unique attributes. Since cannabis is sensitive to light, soil, and temperature, the weed growing in Hawaii definitely formed its own genetic expression. Strains like Maui Wowie might not technically be a landrace, but they are often colloquially referred to as such. Kush from Afghanistan has been growing in that environment for hundreds of years, whereas Maui Wowie has only been adapting for the past two hundred. 

We in no way mean to imply that Maui Wowie is some run of the mill, common strain.  Hawaii is a very unique landscape. Most of the soil is composed of volcanic material, a mix of basalt, lava rocks and ash. This rich soil is excellent for cannabis growth because it is full of minerals, nutrients, and provides ample drainage for healthy root systems. In the 1960s, growers on the island of Maui were using the mountainous landscape to grow their cannabis crops at high elevation. They selected the plants with the fruitest and juicest smells, and continued to breed based on those. With year round sunshine, tropical weather, and supreme soil, the result was a high potency, high quality strain. It was superior in flavor and effects to the brick weed that most were used to on the mainland, so it coined the name “Maui Wowie”. 

Cannabis also doesn’t have a distinct tie to native Hawaiian culture. Although many enjoy it, it doesn’t have the same holistic application as places like Thailand and India, where cannabis has been growing for thousands of years. Although they are often referred to as “landrace” a better term to describe Hawaiian strains like Maui Wowie and others are “legendary regional heirlooms”. That sounds even better than landrace! Regardless of semantics and technicalities, Maui Wowie has specific traits because of its region. Maybe we don’t know its ancestors, but we know that in the modern age, it's absolutely amazing. 

Maui Wowie is not the only phenomenal strain from the archipelago. Other classic Hawaiian strains include Kona Gold, Puna Buddaz, and Kauai Electric! 

What Is The Flavor And Aroma Of Maui Wowie?

Maui Wowie is famous for its tropical sweetness, and the moment you crack it open, you’ll know why. The nose hits with pineapple right up front, backed by zesty citrus and just enough earthy funk to keep it grounded. Grind it up and suddenly the whole room smells like a beachside smoke sesh. When you light it, all those bright flavors blend together with a smooth, hashy finish that lingers just right. People call it “island vibes in a puff” for a reason. It delivers juicy, fruity terps without ever overwhelming your palate. Pass this around, and you’ll notice everyone perk up as that classic Maui aroma takes over.  It's iconic, and it’s all its own.

Blue Collar Botany’s Maui Wowie at 7 weeks old. Isn’t she pretty?

What Are The Effects And Appearance Of Maui Wowie?

At Starbird, we’re proud to carry a superb cut of Maui Wowie grown by Blue Collar Botany. This talented team is also behind strains like Orange Tart, Grapefruit Magoo, Maui True Blood, and Maui Magoo. As you can see, they specialize in terpene-rich cultivars bursting with lush flavor. Their work proves that cannabis can be both potent and delicious.

The Maui Wowie they offer is especially intriguing: a cross between a Hawaiian landrace and an unknown variety. Very mysterious indeed. We aren’t detectives, but  what we do know is that it absolutely delivers.

In the grower’s own words, these buds show off a structure similar to Wedding Cake, blanketed in frost with subtle rainbow hues. Each nug has its own personality: fat, dynamic, and often so big you’ll find a whole eighth as one gorgeous bud. Blue Collar Botany pheno-hunted through 20 plants before selecting this winner, choosing for ideal bud structure and tropical terp expression. The result is Maui Wowie at its best: flavorful, vibrant, and undeniably impressive.

Maui Wowie is a classic Sativa. The effects are energizing, uplifting and creative. It's not too forceful and, in our staff’s experience, doesn’t provide feelings of anxiety. You are able to enjoy a lively high and remain tranquil. It is optimal for daytime use, productivity or aiding with a sour mood. This strain will definitely get you out of the dumps and make you feel like the rays of Hawaiian sun are shining on your face.  If you’re using it for a nighttime buzz, it would pair great with a well-written novel and quaint lighting to wind down from the day. When smoked with friends, you might find yourself chatting up a storm far past sunset.  

Holistically speaking, this strain can be optimal for reduced nausea and appetite stimulation. More cerebral than body relieving, this strain is definitely suited for those who’d prefer a boost rather than an anchor. This strain is ideal for wake and bakes or kickstarting your afternoon task list. Our top suggestion? Roll up some Maui Wowie and connect with nature. This strain has a beautiful way of highlighting visuals and making your heart feel open.

Why Are Old School Strains Still In Demand?

There’s thousands of strains on the market these days, you have the world of cannabis before you to choose from. Everything has been crossbred and strayed from its original lineages. You see Ice Cream Cake, Dosido, and Zkittles everywhere. But it seems every year, we see less of those strains that made us fall in love with cannabis. The growers who care about history, stoner culture and dedicated craft always deliver. It’s essential to preserve the legacy of cannabis, so we don’t dilute the original accolades of each strain. 

Maui Wowie has stayed on people’s minds and in their joints for over fifty years. It was the first strain to really achieve that unique, fruit filled palette that has changed the industry. Without it, we might never have valued the taste of cannabis like we do today. Maui Wowie trailblazed the standard of tropical, fruity Sativa strains. Before, everyone was content smoking the earthy, hashy imports from Central and South America and Afghanistan. It also was one of the first strains to actually carry a name, whereas most people simply smoked “weed” or “pot”. It’s a reminder that cannabis has drastically changed, but all the best things have remained the same. The Hawaiian breeders of the 1960s and 1970s weren’t only creating a great strain, they were selecting phenotypes based on terpene expression. Ultimately, they were pioneers of a strain that had a huge impact on how we smoke cannabis today. 

Many people think of Hawaii simply as another U.S. state, but in truth it’s a unique chain of islands with a living Polynesian culture and fragile ecosystems. Unfortunately, environmental pressures, mass tourism, and an influx of mainland transplants have put both the land and Native Hawaiian communities at risk. While tourism is a major economic driver, it comes at the cost of eroding cultural traditions and harming the islands’ natural beauty.

The great thing about Maui Wowie is that we can celebrate Hawaii’s cannabis legacy without contributing to that strain on the islands themselves. This classic cultivar carries the spirit of its origins. It’s tropical, uplifting, unforgettable,and for many, it’s deeply nostalgic. By keeping Maui Wowie alive and well in today’s market, we can honor its roots while ensuring this piece of cannabis history remains timeless.

If you want to experience this blissful, delicious weed, come grab a slice at our charming Salem dispensary! We currently have this strain from two growers, so feel free to compare and contrast them. If you’re more for convenience, we got you covered. Maui Wowie is one of the strains in our William and Robert 3.0 preroll pack! It is paired perfectly with Orange Tart, another strain with vibrant flavors and a sensory high. Its one of our most popular items, so many sure to swing by soon so you can try it!

At Starbird , we don’t just get high, we connect our guests to the lineage and history of cannabis. Weed comes from all over the world, that's why we have so many incredible options. Let’s make sure to keep the lineages of our favorite strains alive!

Fly high!