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A Guide To Lahaina, Maui

Last Updated March 2, 2023 William Tang

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You may not have heard of Lahaina but you've definitely heard of Maui. Sitting on the west end of the island, Lahaina is one of the four major towns that's a great backdrop for activities, entertainment, food and as a place to call it a night. While it may not have the beaches of Kaanapali, there's no reason to skip Lahaina as there's something for everyone.

Keep on reading if you're thinking about planning a trip to Maui and looking for a travel guide to Lahaina, Maui!

Read more about Hawaii

  • Best snorkeling on Kauai
  • A 2 day Honolulu itinerary
  • Top 10 things to do in Kauai
  • How to plan a week in Maui
  • The best waterfalls on Big Island

Where do I recommend you stay in Lahaina?

  • If you want to be based in Lahaina, I really loved our stay at Aina Nalu Lahaina which we've reviewed.  The location is awesome and it's not as expensive as some of the bigger resorts.

Here's what we're covering:

  • Lahaina, Maui Guide
    • Lahaina is steeped with history
    • Slice of traditional life
    • Whale watching wonder
    • Surf paradise for beginners
    • Culinary highlights abound
    • Shop till you drop
    • Sparkling night life
    • Snorkelling Molokini
  • Where to Stay in Lahaina
    • SPLURGE
    • LUXURY
    • GREAT FOR GROUPS
    • BUDGET
  • Activities to Check Out in Lahaina
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Lahaina, Maui Guide

Planning a trip to Maui and having reviewed the best areas to stay in Maui and have decided on Lahaina? You're undoubtedly looking into all the fun things you can do from here.

Lahaina is a hot spot in Maui for a reason. Once called Lele, it's a town that has a bit of everything. It was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom so it has the historic importance, you'll find excellent restaurants here, Front Street is lively and fun the stroll, humpback whales come by in the winter, and that oceanfront backdrop is just stunning.

In terms of location, Lahaina is in West Maui and in the southern part of a stretch of coastline that includes other popular areas such as Kaanapali and Kapalua.

Below are a breakdown of must-visit attractions and activities that you should definitely consider adding to your itinerary.

Lahaina is steeped with history

lahaina maui guide sunset at kimo's restaurant balcony with fire

Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina turned into a major whaling village for sailors and fishermen in the mid-1800's. Even novelist Herman Melville, made famous by his writing of Moby Dick could be found here during that time. Today, it's on the National Registry of Historic Places and serves as great town to get to know those days gone past.

The old Lahaina vibe still lives in the town as you stroll through the historic trail that includes stops at the U.S. Seamen's Hospital, Pioneer Inn, Lahaina Prison, and Carthaginian 2, a replica of a whaling ship.

TIP #1: The Lahaina Visitor Center located in the Old Lahaina Courthouse offers a walking guide which you can pick up.

TIP #2: You can get a free historic guide and walking map of Lahaina at the Baldwin Home Museum.

From a natural history perspective, don't forget to visit the famous Banyan Tree Park where you'll find the largest banyan tree in not only Hawaii but all of the United States. The Lahaina banyan tree has mammoth roots that spread throughout the town. When you're here, you'll really feel its presence as the heartbeat of Lahaina.

You can try to map out all of the historic locations in Lahaina or you can purchase a self-guided audio tour that can help you navigate all of the obvious and not-so-obvious sites. There's also a front street segway tour that comes highly recommended.

For those that are looking for something a bit spookier, there's a ghostly private walking tour that takes you to spots that have haunting stories to tell.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

Find out how you can plan an amazing 5 days in Maui with this detailed itinerary.

5 day Maui itinerary

Slice of traditional life

Old Lahaina luau
Image via Flickr bcampbell65

Perhaps the most popular thing to do in town is the Old Lahaina Luau. Widely regarded as the best and most authentic Hawaiian luau in the entire Pacific, feast your eyes on the rhythms of hula dancing and fire breathing heroics while trying a delicious collection of tropical dishes and drinks.

An alternative is the Myths of Maui Luau which is located at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Your entry ticket gets you an all-inclusive Island-style buffet, complimentary cocktails, and the show itself.

Whale watching wonder

maui whale watching from lahaina excursion

During winter, Lahaina is the perfect place to catch a whale watching cruise from the Lahaina harbor. The channel off the coast is one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales so you're almost guaranteed to see one on one of these excursions.

Since these are popular activities, your best bet is to reserve your spot ahead of time to make sure you're not disappointed when you arrive.

Surf paradise for beginners

launiupoko beach park for surfing in lahaina maui
Image via Flickr by Kirt Edblom

Many say that Lahaina is one of the best spots for beginner surfers. The reason is that the waves are small and easy to access from the beach.

The most popular beaches for surfing in Lahaina is Launiupoko (depicted above). This park isn't right in Lahaina Town but it's a short drive, making it easy to access.

NOTE: Paumana Beach Park is permanently closed because of shoreline erosion and discovery of bones.

TIP: While the beaches have soft and fine sand, make sure to be careful in the shallow reef while surfing.

Note that both are quite popular beaches and so their parking lots will fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

If you're looking for surfing lessons, there are group classes being offered that will give you the basic skills needed in safe and fun environment. This particular class occurs at the Breakwall in Lahaina which is located on the south side of Lahaina Harbor's boating channel.

Culinary highlights abound

Evening at Aloha Mixed Plate
Image via Flickr cliff

Lahaina is most known for its food and has many options to choose from despite its size. Lahaina's Front Street being the main thoroughfare for the town, you can take your pick of cuisine and budget that will surely delight your tastebuds.

Aloha Mixed Plate is a local favorite, serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine in an unpretentious setting from a tiki-torch laden deck with sunset views. Lahaina Fish Company is another place to try fresh seafood prepared with an island influence. And lastly, whether you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or cool down, Local Boys West has the best fluffy shaved ice in town.

leoda's chocolate mac nut pie in lahaina

Another spot I recommend just outside of town is Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop which has seriously the best pies in Hawaii.  I recommend getting their key lime pie and famous chocolate mac nut pie.

Speaking of Mixed Plate, my current pair of sunglasses are by a brand called Maui Jim which has a model called exactly that.  When you're looking for the best lenses in the industry, opticians will tell you it's Maui Jim. I've been so impressed with my pair that this is a reminder for you to visit the official store that's located in Lahaina (721 Wainee St. Lahaina, HI 96761)!

Shop till you drop

lahaina shopping with stores and boutiques near front street
Image via Flickr by Susan Sharpless Smith

If you're into shopping, the retail storefronts and boutiques are open later than you think. Spend the evening browsing around, picking up new beach clothing, buying beautiful pieces in art galleries, or snagging a few souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

For more shops, Whalers Village is an outdoor shopping mall that includes big brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, crocs, Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, and also some local brands like ABC, Hilo Hattie, and Honolua Surf Co.

Seeking a good deal? Outlets of Maui is also located in Lahaina for some serious retail therapy.

Sparkling night life

Cheeseburger In Paradise
Image via Flickr mojo2u

Once the sun goes down, the city comes to life with its many restaurants, bars and night clubs on Lahaina town's Front Street.

One of the surprising things as we mentioned earlier is that the shops and boutiques are open rather late. This means that even after the sun goes down, you'll be able to browse the storefronts.

In terms of evening fun, Kimo's Restaurant is right along Front Street and always packs a crowd. The Maui Brewing Company also doubles as a restaurant and brewpub which makes it a great place to hang out.

If you're looking to do a little partying, Cheeseburger in Paradise turns into a night club after hours.

For something even more unique, don't forget that there are sunset cruises available that serve dinner. This experience includes a 3-course Hawaiian meal, 2 alcoholic drinks, and soda as you're taken care of by the superb crew. The cruise also departs from Pier One in Lahaina Harbor so you can even walk here if you're staying in town.

Read more on Maui

The top things you have to do when you visit Maui.

How To Spend A Week in Maui

Snorkelling Molokini

sea turtle sighting in maui
Snorkelling with sea turtles

While not necessarily in Lahaina directly, Boss Frog's has a store in town and they run amazing catamaran snorkelling tour to Molokini (crescent moon island) and Turtle Town.  It's a half day excursion and you'll have a blast snorkelling there as there's a ton to see and it's a nice balance of being able to explore on your own but is also guided at the same time.

This is the Molokini snorkelling and catamaran tour that I recommend.

Read next: We've also dissected and broken down the best snorkeling in Maui. Guess what, Turtle Town is on the list!

Where to Stay in Lahaina

Marriott Lahaina
Image via Flickr tscinto

There are plenty of accommodations in Lahaina that will fit any budget.

SPLURGE

marriott maui ocean club exterior

MARRIOTT'S MAUI OCEAN CLUB

Located 2 minutes walk from Ka'anapali Beach, this resort features a 3.5 acre pool, full-service spa, and each suite has private balconies or lanais.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

LUXURY

hyatt regency maui resort exterior at sunset

HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT & SPA

This is a beautiful property that's perfect for families.  Each suite has its own balcony with a view.  On the grounds you'll find a spa, multiple restaurants, outdoor water park, beach access, and is near the Kaanapali Golf Course Resort

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

GREAT FOR GROUPS

aina nalu by outrigger pool

AINA NALU LAHAINA

An Outrigger property that I review in this video and is a fantastic option for those travelling in large groups since these are apartment-style suites.  Conveniently located, suites are clean, and has a pool as well.  Read the full review of Aina Nalu.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

BUDGET

lahaina shores resort in maui aerial

LAHAINA SHORES MAUI

Featuring an outdoor pool and a hot tub, you'll find unobstructed views of the ocean from here.  Each room has air condition and select studios have free wifi.  It is also 5 minutes walking distance from the historic Banyan Tree.  

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

Activities to Check Out in Lahaina

The below are some of the top activities that you can find in Lahaina from our trusted booking platform, GetYourGuide.

Get Your Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go to Lahaina, Maui?

Lahaina and all of West Maui is great all year round. That said, if you're coming for whale watching, January to April are a great time of year to come to take advantage of whale watching cruises.

Is Lahaina better than Kaanapali or Kapalua?

This is mostly personal preference if you've decided to stay in West Maui. Regulars that visit Maui love Lahaina because it has a less pretentious and charming atmosphere over Kaanapali and Kapalua that has a much more resort-feel to them.

Is there free parking in Lahaina?

The largest free parking in Lahaina can be found at the corner of Prison Street and Front Street. This lot has a 3-hour limit and is often full. Another option is to park at Whalers Village where you can easily get validation at the ABC Store. Lahaina Center and Wharf Cinema Center also offer similar free parking with validation.

What you should read next

  • Maui Itinerary – 5 Days Of Epic Sunrises, Drives, Hikes and Turtles
  • Best Snorkeling in Maui – Self-Guided and Boat Tours
  • Best Things To Do In Maui
  • Review of the Aina Nalu Lahaina by Outrigger Resorts in Maui
  • The Best Snorkeling on Oahu for Beginners
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About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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