Just off Front Street – and easily walkable from downtown vacation rentals – lies the historic Lahaina Fort, a testament to Lahaina's colourful past as a major whaling town. In the late 1810s, whaling ships from New England anchored at Lahaina to resupply, and sailors would make the most of their shore leave at the town's bars. When Maui's governor prohibited alcohol sales and prostitution on the island, the sailors rioted against Christian missionaries, and the fort was built for everyone's protection. The fort is also home to the largest banyan tree in Hawaii, planted there in 1873.
Are you searching for attractions to visit while you're in town? Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and experience everything that makes Lahaina a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. Here are some of the top attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
Travelers speak highly of Lahaina for its snorkeling. If you're hoping to enjoy some warm-weather activities on your vacation, August, September, October and July are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 88°F.
Lahaina is famous for its beautiful ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to appreciate the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Lahaina. These are some of the area's most eye-catching sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
The nearest airport is in Kapalua, HI (JHM-West Maui), located 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Kahului, HI (OGG), which is 15.7 mi (25.2 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Lahaina Sugar Cane Train Station or Lahaina Sugar Cane Train Kaanapali Landing Station and explore the city from there.
The Maui Bus service runs a Lahaina Villager route that you can use to get from one place to another. The bus runs on an hourly schedule, but if you'd rather not wait, you can always rent a car or a bike. If you're driving in downtown Lahaina, remember that parking is at a premium and many streets are on the narrow side. If you want to explore downtown, just park your wheels somewhere cheap, put on your comfy shoes and hat, slather on sunscreen, and walk.
Lahaina is foodie central – it's where you'll find many of the island's best restaurants, serving up a wide variety of cuisines. Many Maui visitors drive up to Lahaina for their chow, so restaurants there can be crowded at mealtimes. To beat the crowd, you can reserve your table in advance, or show up early to ensure you snag a seat. You can also head to the supermarket – many boast seafood counters offering ready-made ahi poke. Be sure to enjoy with a generous helping of rice.
With a land area of 20.2 square kilometres, Lahaina is small but packed city on the western side of Maui. Lahaina's population totals nearly 12,000 inhabitants, with roughly 1,300 people per square kilometre. Lahaina's people are English speakers, and the currency used here is the US dollar. If you're dining out or taking cabs during yout stay, remember that it's customary to drivers and servers between 15 and 20% of the bill. If you want to take a crack at pronouncing local terms and place names, give it a shot – locals usually give "malihinis" the benefit of the doubt.