Lahaina might be my fave small city in the world.
It’s a delightful, tropical town perched on the dry side of the West Maui mountains, with a colourful history and a fun, engaging charm.
This was the center of the Pacific whaling industry for some time, and you’ll find remnants of old jails that housed rowdy sailors. The town center also features one of the world’s largest banyan trees, which has dozens of trunks and spreads over an entire city block. It’s a great place for kids to explore and dream about being a member of the Swiss Family Robinson party. It’s also where you’ll find regular arts and crafts displays.
The town of Lahaina offers great shopping and waterfront restaurants.
Hawai’i has a strong history of welcoming people from around the world. Smack dab on the main drag, Front Street, is the Wo Hing Chinese temple, with interesting displays about Chinese life on Maui. Out back is a small building that shows old black and white films made by none other than Thomas Edison. Also check out the Baldwin Home Museum, a charming old home that housed one of the first missionary families to come here from New England and has been restored to a mid 1800’s style.
Lahaina is a great place to catch a whale-watching cruise (thankfully the only hunting of whales in Hawai’i these days is for Instagram shots) or a snorkelling trip to check out reefs teeming with multi-coloured fish. It’s also fine for shopping, with dozens of boutiques offering local art, jewelry, surf gear and t-shirts.
Cheeseburger in Paradise is a fun spot for a burger that’s right on the water. Also on the water, and fabulous for west Maui sunsets, is Kimo’s. Star Noodle has been dishing out great Asian food for years, while Lahaina Grill consistently wins awards for its fine dining. Just outside of town, check out Leoda’s Kitchen Pies for great meat pies and other treats.
There are a couple of small beaches in town, and the reef just south of the marina is a pretty good spot for surfing lessons.
My fave spot to stay is the Plantation Inn, a mere half-block from Front Street. There’s a small pool, and the location can’t be beat. Guests at the Plantation Inn have access to the facilities at the nearby Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, which has been voted the most Hawaiian hotel in the state and fronts a fantastic beach. Other options include the Pioneer Inn down by the banyan tree and the marina, and the new Hotel Lahaina, a boutique property above Lahaina Grill.
