Attractions in and Around Lahaina

Natural Attractions

Volcanoes: Volcanoes are one of the many spectacles of nature available in Hawaii and travelers should not miss out on a tour. As a follow up to watching magma make its steamy entry into the sea, a rainforest tour of Hawaii offers a glimpse into this rare ecosystem that few other places in the United States can offer. Lahaina is known for its diverse floral range, and visiting the numerous gardens can be a full day's activity in and of itself. Photographers worldwide know that Lahaina offers opportunities to capture birding images in a truly unique setting. Also, be sure to catch the music of the Hawaiian people that is celebrated all over the world for its rich tonal qualities and classic presentation. Thank you for your visit, and have a fantastic holiday in Hawaii!

Parks: You can enjoy the excellent fauna of Lahaina in Launiu Poko State Park (3.6 mi.), Iao Valley State Park (8.7 mi.), Ukumehame Beach State Park (9.0 mi.), Molokai Forest Reserve Palaau State Park (28.8 mi.), Palaau State Park (28.8 mi.), Puaakaa State Park (36.1 mi.), Hawaiian Waterworks (Ewa Beach, HI (91.3 mi.)).

Museums

Baldwin Home Museum: On Hahaina's main square, this coral, stone and timber building is the oldest in town. It is named for the Reverend Dwight Baldwin, a Harvard-trained doctor and missionary, who moved his family into the house in 1838. The house itself was built in 1832. Over the next 30 years he played a prominent role not only as a community and social leader, but also in saving the population of several islands during the 1853 smallpox epidemic. The museum displays original furniture, photographs, and other artifacts. One interesting artifact is the mosquito netting over the beds. While the island was originally free of mosquitoes, a whaling ship introduced malaria when it dumped its fresh water including mosquito larva before filling up with new water in Lahaina.

Wo Hing Temple Museum: The Chinese were one of the early nationalities brought to Hawaii as workers. Those living in Lahaina formed a Tong for mutual support, worship and community life and in the 1912 built this building plus a cookhouse to prepare community meals. One of the notable members of this Tong was Sun Yat Sen who later went on to lead the first Chinese revolution. The Lahaina tong supported the revolution financially. The Lahaina Foundation has restored the building and added a number of fine examples of Chinese art and furniture. Downstairs is a public area while a shrine which used to be for men only is on the second floor. The cookhouse remains in its rustic state and contains many of the original utensils which were found in attic.

Other attractions in Lahaina include:

Banyan Tree: This Banyan tree, which originates from India, measured only 8ft in height when planted in 1873 by Maui's then sheriff to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the building of the island's first mission house. Since then, the majestic tree has grown into Maui's biggest banyan tree - it now has a dozen trunks, is 60ft high, spans more than 200ft and throws shadows over a third of Court Square, in which it stands.
Brick Palace: Brick Palace is the ruins of Hawaii's first stone-built house, which Kamehameha had built in 1802 to receive the captains of ships sailing into the port. The house would have covered an area of 39ft by 191ft with two rooms on each floor. It stood for 70 years and was used later as a warehouse.
Brig Carthaginian II: This two-masted museum ship, Brig Carthaginian II, graces the main waterfront park of Lahaina and hints at the atmosphere at the end of the 19th Century, when whaling ships docked here to provide rest for crews during the winter.
Hale Pa'i Printing Press House at Lahainaluna School Hale Pa'i (the house of printing) is located on the Lahainaluna Campus in West Maui. A Ramage Press was shipped to this location in 1834, the first school west of the Rocky Mountains. The school was founded in 1831 and still remains part of Lahaina's public high school. The building has been restored and houses a replica of the printing press. The whereabouts of the original press is unkown.
Mauola Rock: Rocks play an important part in Hawaiian mythology. The Hauola Rock, which resembles a chair, had the power to heal persons who sat on it and allowed the sea to wash over their body. As well as holy rocks the kahunas (priests) used herbs, diets and massage to restore health to their patients. The Hauola Rock was also used as a birthing chair with the umbilical cords of new-born babies being buried beneath it.

Attractions and Activities in and around Lahaina

Lahaina is known for sun and sand, but has much more to offer. The activities available to Lahaina visitors are plentiful and varied.
Water Activities: For one thing, divers will find the clear, warm water to be a near ideal setting. The numerous shallow reefs also provide excellent views for those wishing to snorkel. A glass bottomed kayak is also a popular option to take in the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and is commonly available.

Parasailing and Paragliding: If you're looking to get your adrenaline flowing, parasailing from the back of a speedboat sounds scary, but is actually a very pleasant way to enjoy a panoramic view of Lahaina. For a similar view but with an even larger taste of adventure, paragliding lessons are available in Hawaii.

Shopping: To stock up on bulk supplies or food, you might want to check out Kahului and Wailuku. You can get little items without the trip to the windward side in Lahaina. Lahaina is your place to find local artwork and various crafts, and needless to say, shopping can be a big part of the day. There are lots of amazing shops to visit, so when the sun's high, stay off the beach and browse the nooks and crannies around town.

Golfing: You can enjoy playing golf in the golf courses: Waiehu Golf Course (Maui, HI (11.6 mi.)), Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course (Kahului, HI (13.4 mi.)), Elleair Golf Club (Maui, HI (28.6 mi.)), Pukalani Golf Club (Maui, HI (28.6 mi.)), Sandalwood Golf Course (Maui, HI (28.6 mi.).

Festivals and Events in and around Lahaina

Maui's Favorite Culinary Festival (09/18/2009 - 09/19/2009): Mauis favorite culinary festival returns to Lahaina. Restaurants will feature tastes of their signature dishes for sale; island musicians will perform and kids can play in the fun zone. Proceeds benefit Maui youth, school and cultural groups.

Keiki Hula Festival All Weekend At Lahaina Cannery Mall: Maui's own tiny dancers will take the stage this weekend at the 11th-annual Keiki Hula Festival hosted by Lahaina Cannery. The free, two-day event will feature more than eight halau from across the island presenting richly choreographed kahiko and auana hula that express the traditional values of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The weekend celebration also features Hawaiian artisans and crafters demonstrating lei making, wood carving and other traditional skills.

Some of the other festivals and events held in Lahaina are:

Halau Manutea (July 26)
Halau Hula O Keola Aliiokekai
Na Kamalii Nani O Lahaina
Na Wahine Nani O Lahaina
Lahaina Hongwanji Mission Obon Festival