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.