Lahaina travel guide
Lahaina Tourism | Lahaina Guide
You're Going to Love Lahaina
Imagine a place where tropical sunshine mixes with gourmet food, where artists gather in a bohemian community, and surfers chase the perfect wave. There's a good chance you'll come up with somewhere like Lahaina, Maui's historic tourist gem.
Lahaina grew up as a fishing port, and many attractions still revolve around the sea. You can head out whale watching, climb into a wetsuit and grab a board, go diving at Molokini Crater, or just perfect your tan on the beach.
But there's more than just seaside attractions. Lahaina is jam-packed with great restaurants like Kimo's, the Lahaina Grill, or Fleetwood's (owned by rock star Mick Fleetwood). It's also an artistic community, with dozens of galleries selling works by locals.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lahaina
1. Ocean Activities, from Diving to Surfing
More than anything else, the ocean takes center stage in Lahaina. You can rent charter fishing boats from the harbor, join diving trips to spectacular locations like the Molokini Crater, or use a rental car to head to nearby beaches like Kaanapali or Kapalua, where you can surf, swim, water ski, parasail, and more.
2. A Great Chance to Enjoy Natural Attractions
The waters around Lahaina are regularly visited by humpback whales, and whale-watching tours depart during the season. Back on dry land you can join Jungle Tours Maui to see the fabulous birds and waterfalls of the island, or just chart your own hiking route along the coast.
3. Wonderful Food and Nightlife
Lahaina has become a genuine entertainment center in recent years, with great food and nightlife on offer. There are gourmet restaurants in town like the Lahaina Grill and Gerard's, great bars like the Sly Mongoose, and live music most nights of the week at Front Street venues like Kimo's.
4. Historical and Artistic Attractions
In the 19th century, Lahaina was one of the largest whaling towns in the Pacific and you can get a good sense of what life was like back then at the Baldwin Home Museum. Before that, it was also a center for Hawaiian royalty, and there are fascinating sites like the ruined Brick Palace from the late 18th century.
5. The Wonderful Hawaiian Climate
Lahaina has an ideal climate for enjoying everything that it has to offer. For most of the year, temperatures are perfect for ocean-based activities and it hardly ever rains.
What to do in Lahaina
1. Lahaina Banyan Court Park: The Heart of Lahaina
Since it was planted in 1873, the banyan tree at the center of this courtyard has grown to become the largest in all of Hawaii. A sight to behold in itself, this tree is also at the heart of Lahaina's greatest attractions. The Ruins of the Old Fort stand just a stone's throw away, a relic from the days of whaling in the Pacific. Just beyond, Front Street - the quaint thoroughfare of the town - extends, lined with good eats, shopping and views of the harbor.
2. Kaanapali Beach: A Perfect Paradise
Once named America's best beach, this stretch of sand, just to the north of Lahaina, is the top choice for locals and tourists alike. Centuries ago Maui royalty retreated to these crystal blue waters for a break, and today it continues to feel fit for kings and queens. Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddle boarding - you name it, this beach has it all. The Ka'anapali Whaler's Village shopping complex and the two nearby golf courses offer even more opportunities for enjoyment.
3. Maui Theater: History takes the Stage
Hawaiians take particular pride in their indigenous history, from which the most unique art forms have sprung. Lahaina's Maui Theater is the best place to immerse yourself in local art performances, whether it be a traditional historical performance or a more contemporary twist on age-old styles. One thing is for sure - you will be entertained the whole way through.
4. Baldwin Home Museum: Small Town Life
This delightfully small house-museum is one of the oldest buildings in Lahaina, and full of history. The 19th-century home was built as a missionary compound, and today it is used to educate visitors about non-indigenous life in Hawaii before the islands became a state. Not only chronicling the life of the Baldwin family and their contributions to Maui, the house also provides an intimate snapshot of what it meant to be a missionary in the 1850s.
5. Haleakala National Park: House of the Sun
The otherworldly terrain, unique hiking opportunities and the famously abundant nature of this national park, draw visitors from all over the island of Maui. The now dormant Haleakalā volcano formed the rugged mountain terrain around its crater, which stands in stark contrast to the lush sub-tropical forest below. Hike or drive to the peak to catch sunrise or sunset lights, and keep your eyes peeled for endangered species unique to this very park.
6. Waiʻanapanapa State Park: The Road to Hana
The volcanic coastline of Maui is at its best in this glorious and remote state park. It is a highlight of the scenic Hana Highway, beloved for its mind-blowing hiking trails, panoramic views, and the unique black sand beach. Discover ocean caves, inlets, blowholes and the otherworldly beauty of Hawaiian landscape with a walk through Waianapanapa park. The name translates to "glistening water," and there is surely no shortage of it to be found here.
7. Iao Valley State Park: Peaks and Valleys
This flourishing valley at the heart of Maui boasts a great diversity of local flora and fauna, gorgeous hiking trails, and unique geological formations that will make your jaw drop. The incredible Kukaemoku, "Iao Needle," shoots over 1,000 feet skyward from the valley floor, a seemingly miraculous peak covered in luscious vegetation. Don't miss the chance of a hike through this unforgettable landscape.
1. Lahaina Banyan Court Park: The Heart of Lahaina
Since it was planted in 1873, the banyan tree at the center of this courtyard has grown to become the largest in all of Hawaii. A sight to behold in itself, this tree is also at the heart of Lahaina's greatest attractions. The Ruins of the Old Fort stand just a stone's throw away, a relic from the days of whaling in the Pacific. Just beyond, Front Street - the quaint thoroughfare of the town - extends, lined with good eats, shopping and views of the harbor.
2. Kaanapali Beach: A Perfect Paradise
Once named America's best beach, this stretch of sand, just to the north of Lahaina, is the top choice for locals and tourists alike. Centuries ago Maui royalty retreated to these crystal blue waters for a break, and today it continues to feel fit for kings and queens. Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddle boarding - you name it, this beach has it all. The Ka'anapali Whaler's Village shopping complex and the two nearby golf courses offer even more opportunities for enjoyment.
3. Maui Theater: History takes the Stage
Hawaiians take particular pride in their indigenous history, from which the most unique art forms have sprung. Lahaina's Maui Theater is the best place to immerse yourself in local art performances, whether it be a traditional historical performance or a more contemporary twist on age-old styles. One thing is for sure - you will be entertained the whole way through.
4. Baldwin Home Museum: Small Town Life
This delightfully small house-museum is one of the oldest buildings in Lahaina, and full of history. The 19th-century home was built as a missionary compound, and today it is used to educate visitors about non-indigenous life in Hawaii before the islands became a state. Not only chronicling the life of the Baldwin family and their contributions to Maui, the house also provides an intimate snapshot of what it meant to be a missionary in the 1850s.
5. Haleakala National Park: House of the Sun
The otherworldly terrain, unique hiking opportunities and the famously abundant nature of this national park, draw visitors from all over the island of Maui. The now dormant Haleakalā volcano formed the rugged mountain terrain around its crater, which stands in stark contrast to the lush sub-tropical forest below. Hike or drive to the peak to catch sunrise or sunset lights, and keep your eyes peeled for endangered species unique to this very park.
6. Waiʻanapanapa State Park: The Road to Hana
The volcanic coastline of Maui is at its best in this glorious and remote state park. It is a highlight of the scenic Hana Highway, beloved for its mind-blowing hiking trails, panoramic views, and the unique black sand beach. Discover ocean caves, inlets, blowholes and the otherworldly beauty of Hawaiian landscape with a walk through Waianapanapa park. The name translates to "glistening water," and there is surely no shortage of it to be found here.
7. Iao Valley State Park: Peaks and Valleys
This flourishing valley at the heart of Maui boasts a great diversity of local flora and fauna, gorgeous hiking trails, and unique geological formations that will make your jaw drop. The incredible Kukaemoku, "Iao Needle," shoots over 1,000 feet skyward from the valley floor, a seemingly miraculous peak covered in luscious vegetation. Don't miss the chance of a hike through this unforgettable landscape.
1. Lahaina Banyan Court Park: The Heart of Lahaina
Since it was planted in 1873, the banyan tree at the center of this courtyard has grown to become the largest in all of Hawaii. A sight to behold in itself, this tree is also at the heart of Lahaina's greatest attractions. The Ruins of the Old Fort stand just a stone's throw away, a relic from the days of whaling in the Pacific. Just beyond, Front Street - the quaint thoroughfare of the town - extends, lined with good eats, shopping and views of the harbor.
Where to Eat in Lahaina
Lahaina is one of Hawaii's gourmet capitals, and foodies will always have new options to explore. There's traditional open-air dining at Aloha Mixed Plate, cocktails and great sandwiches at Cheeseburger in Paradise, top-quality seafood at the Lahaina Fish Company, and exceptional meat dishes at the Lahaina Grill. After that, make time for a drink or two at Moose McGillicuddy's, Lahaina's premier evening hangout. Expect dining out to cost around $15-25 per head, or a little more at the finest places in town.
When to visit Lahaina
The best times to visit Maui are probably the shoulder seasons - April through May and September to November. You'll encounter fine weather without the high season crowds, and may well find accommodation bargains too. However, surfers might want to try January or February, when the waves are at their best.
How to Get to Lahaina
Plane
Kahului Airport (OGG) is where most tourists touch down, and it has connections to plenty of mainland cities, including Seattle, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. From there, the best transport option is to take a hotel shuttle. However, you can also take Bus number 20 (the "Lahaina Islander") to the resort from central Kahului, which costs just $2 and comes with some beautiful views.
Car
Car rental outlets at Kahului Airport include Avis, Dollar, and Hertz, and the cross-country drive is a pleasant one, so many people choose to drive into Lahaina. If you do so, take Route 380 southwards, bypassing Kahului town, and hook up with Route 30 into Lahaina.
Bus
Buses to Lahaina run from Kahului (route 20) between 5:30 am and 7:30 pm, so they could also be a convenient way to reach the resort. The bus stop in Lahaina is located at the junction of Front Street and Papalaua Street, right at the heart of town.
Airlines serving Lahaina
Where to stay in Lahaina
Downtown Lahaina - centered on Front Street (and the harbor itself), downtown Lahaina is an elegant historical neighborhood that is full of restaurants. It's also home to most of the area's historical attractions, including the Baldwin Home and the Wo Hing Temple, as well as cultural hotspots like the Maui Theatre.
Popular Neighborhoods in Lahaina
Southern Lahaina - tucked away from the nightlife down the Honoapiilani Highway, the southern part of Lahaina still has much to offer. It's where you'll find the closest beaches to the city center, has historic sites like Old Lahaina Prison, and family-friendly attractions like Maui Animal Farm, where kids can pet giant tortoises, goats, and even miniature pigs.
Kaanapali - a classic beach resort, Kaanapali is a couple of miles north of Lahaina. It's the kind of place that suits surfers, scuba divers, cyclists, golfers, and even shoppers, thanks to Whaler's Village shopping mall, and it also has plenty of superb hotels to choose from.
Where to stay in popular areas of Lahaina
Most booked hotels in Lahaina
How to Get Around Lahaina
Public Transportation
Local buses are a handy way to get up and down the coast (and to the airport if you want to save money). They are provided by Maui Bus and a single fare costs $2. The Maui Villager route is particularly useful, weaving in and out of the town's neighborhoods.
Taxi
Taxis aren't a cheap way to get around Maui, but they can sometimes be essential. If you are stuck in Kaanapali and need to get home late at night, be prepared to pay a meter drop of $3.50, then $3 for every additional mile.
Car
You don't need a car in Lahaina itself, which is best seen on foot. However, if you want to explore the beaches of northwest Maui, having your own vehicle is vital. Rental outlets in town include Hertz and Enterprise, and rates start at around $26 per day.
The Cost of Living in Lahaina
Shopping Streets
If you are looking for Hawaiian souvenirs or high-quality local art, Lahaina is the place to go. Souvenir hunters will love Whaler's Village in Kaanapali or Lahaina Cannery Mall, while Sargent's Fine Art, Vladimir Kush, and Peter Lik are good places to pick up artworks (all are on Front Street). In fact, Front Street is the place to head if you love window shopping, with souvenir stores like Village Gift, jewelry vendors like Golden Beach, and plenty more to discover.
Groceries and Other
There aren't that many supermarkets in Lahaina, but Foodland on Front Street has an excellent selection of products, and the Island Grocery Depot on Kupuohi St is a good place to stock up on fruit and vegetables. Groceries aren't cheap, though, at around $6 for a gallon of milk and $4 for 12 eggs.