Lahaina is a town on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It's located on its Western part, which is the most popular tourist area. Lahaina is full of nice restaurants, night clubs, and life after sunset is quite active. During the day most tourists choose beaches of Kaanapali or other Maui activities, stopping in Lahaina mainly for food.
Get in
Most visitors arrive on Maui by plane via
Kahului airport (OGG). The vast majority rents a car there and drives to various Maui destinations, including Lahaina. The
Honoapiilani Highway (route 30) is a very picturesque drive along the shore which gets you directly to Lahaina. The drive from the airport is about 40 minutes, though the road may get congested sometimes.
Some people fly to
West Maui airport, which is closer to Lahaina (about 15-20 minutes drive).
By boatCruise ships sometimes moor near Lahaina and passengers get tendered to shore.
Get around
Lahaina is very compact, and easily explored on foot. If you drive here, park your car and walk. There are a couple of free parking locations, but most charge a nominal fee. In some places, stores can validate your parking ticket.
Front Street is the main thoroughfare of Lahaina, where most popular places are located.
See
Lahaina is not big on sighseeing (mainly food, souvenirs, and night life), but as you busy yourselves with the aforementioned things, there are a couple of places to check out.
What's considered to be the center of the city, the huge tree occupies the whole square. There are a couple of historic places around as well.A replica of a whaling ship. Great to look at, especially at sunset. Kids will like to get on it.Do
Take a cruise. Various boats can take you on dinner cruises, whale watching cruises, fishing rides, or to the island of Lanai. Look for good deals but beware of the "too good to be true" offers, they probably are. Note that during the whale season you'll see whales no matter where you go so getting a separate whale whatching cruise may not be necessary. On the other hand, they are usually cheap.Officially known as Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad, this is the only train in the whole of Hawaii. It shuttles between Lahaina and Kaanapali. If you choose, you can take a dinner train.Take a stroll down the Front Street, along the shore. Watch people, enjoy the weather, simply relax.Buy
Lahaina is a tourist town so you will find yourself surrounded by a miriad of stores selling souvenirs, cruises, activities, art, Hawaiian trinkets, etc.
ABC Stores. They are all over Hawaii, and you will find a couple of them in Lahaina.On the northern side of town, this is a fully enclosed air-conditioned mall that can provide a nice respite from the sun. Other than that, your regular mall with some Hawaiian specific storesIf you're staying for a while, there is a supermarket in Lahaina, and Costco, Wal-Mart and other big stores in Kahului.Eat
You will have no shortage of places to eat, despite the small size of the city. The main problem will be the choice. Here are just some options:
Don't let the long name scare you. It's a great place for family eating as well as for after hours fun. Early bird breakfast can be had for $1.99, but generally prices for HUGE dinner servings are between $10 and $20. Get seating by the open balcony that overlooks Front Street.Sunset views are magnificient from this cozy restaurant; if a couple comes before sunset, they would even sit you next to one another so that you both can enjoy. the food is delicious too.Another great place on the water.A very popular place with tourists. Lines can be long. Food is average, but a great party atmosphere, and live music.Fish and Chips made from your choice of local fish such as ono (wahoo), mahi-mahi, or ahi (tuna). A bit outside the main tourist area but within walking distance. One block east of Front Street in the Lahaina Square Shopping Center.Any many more !
Drink
Most of the aforementioned reastaurants have great bars. Places like
Moose McGillycuddy's and
Cheeseburger in Paradise become night clubs after hours.
Hard Rock Cafe is on the Front Street. Those are just a few choices.
Sleep
As beaches in Lahaina are not that great, most people prefer to stay in other places on Maui, such as Kaanapali which is only 10-15 minutes away.
The only hotel in Lahaina that is right on the beach (good for sunbathing, not so good for swimming because of all the corals), it's minutes away from the city center, right next to 505 Front Street shopping center. Offers condos with full kitchens.
