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!
Read more about Hawaii
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- How to plan a week vacation to Maui
- Top hotels in Hawaii's southern islands
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. The location is awesome and it's not as expensive as some of the bigger resorts.
Here's what we're covering:
Lahaina is steeped with history
Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina turned into a major whaling village 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. Also don't forget to visit the banyan tree that occupies an entire city block and is said to be at least 400 years old.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE
Find out how you can plan an amazing 5 days in Maui with this detailed itinerary.
Slice of traditional life
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.
During winter, Lahaina is the perfect place to catch a whale watching cruise from the 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.=
No shortage of food
Lahaina is most known for its food and has many options to choose from despite its size. 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.
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 were recommended by my optometrist. I've done a fair bit of research and it looks like in the industry, they carry the highest quality of sunglass lenses in the market. I've had them for many years now and I have been incredibly impressed. Best sunglasses I've owned by far and beats Oakleys and Ray-Ban out of the water. So if you're looking for a new pair of sunglasses for an upcoming trip, you know what to look up!
Sparkling Night Life
Once the sun goes down, the city comes to life with its many restaurants, bars and night clubs. For something familiar, the Kimo's Restaurant is right along Front Street and always packs a crowd. The Maui Brewing Company 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.
Snorkelling Molokini
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.
Where to stay in Lahaina
There are plenty of accommodations in Lahaina that will fit any budget.
SPLURGE
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.
LUXURY
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
GREAT FOR GROUPS
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.
BUDGET
Featuring an outdoor pool and a , you'll find unobstructed views of the o
Top Lahaina Airbnb rentals
If you prefer to stay in private room rentals, these are my picks for the top 10 Lahaina Airbnb properties that you can find on the market right now. All of the ones listed in the link above are under $200 USD.
Activities to Check Out in Lahaina
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting July 8, 2021, pre-travel testing and quarantine requirements will be eliminated for domestic travelers who havWhat are the current Maui COVID-19 restrictions?e been fully vaccinated in the United States (2 weeks beyond their final vaccine shot). At this point, restaurants will be able to get to 75% capacity although social distancing will remain and masks indoors required. When the state reaches 70% vaccination rate, all restrictions will be terminated. Travelers to Hawaii will need to upload your CDC issued vaccination record card to the state’s Safe Travels Program website and have that card with them upon arrival in Hawaii. For everyone else, there is a 10-day quarantine for in-bound visitors to all Hawaiian Islands unless you have proof of a negative COVID-19 test (state-approved trusted testing partner) taken 72 hours prior to departure to bypass this including travellers from Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and French Polynesia. For Canada, the lab used must be approved by Air Canada or WestJet. If you fail to do this, you'll have to do a 10-day quarantine. In addition, Maui has mandatory contact tracing through the AlohaSafe Alert app. The most up to date information can be found here.
What you should read next
Linda says
Any recommendations of where to stay in Kihei area. Just a 2 nite stay for 4 adults. Prefer 2 bedrooms. Just need a clean place with AC. Going in Feb.2020
Will Tang says
Hi Linda – for the Kihei area, it’ll be hard to find a hotel with 2 bedrooms as most will have the one bedroom plus a sofabed in a living room. If that works, here are two that could work: Holiday home near Kamaole 3 Beach and Aston at the Maui Banyan. Alternatively you could take a look at Airbnb – have you find any there that would work for your group?
Melanie Hill says
Looking for a nice Dinner place for 3 people we are renewing our wedding vows on the beach and 25th anniversary. What is the around not really wanting Hotel Restaurant Just by the water would be great.
Will Tang says
Hey Melanie, while this was a much larger group when I was there for a wedding, we had a pretty good experience at Lahaina Fish Company and up on the second floor if you’re able to get a table that has a view of the ocean, I’d highly recommend that.
Bonn says
I really want to try that pie, I also have searched that there’s this great place named Azeka Shopping Center, aside from various restaurants, they have a great variety of cuisines.
Will Tang says
Yes definitely hit up Leoda’s when you go. I don’t think I got a chance to visit Azeka when I went but if I go back, I will definitely check it out!
Agness says
Hi Will, just thinking of the pie that you best recommend. It sounds yummy!!!
Will Tang says
Thanks Agness! Great to hear from you – it’s been a long time. Yes that mac nut pie is the best on the island!!
Sadie says
Hi, which catamaran snorkeling trip do you recommend?
Will Tang says
Hey Sadie! The one we went on was this one which was really good value for the money and takes you to the main spots you want to go for snorkelling: https://goingawesomeplaces.com/maui-molokini-snorkeling