I figured there’s no better time than now to write a Lahaina travel guide since I’m stuck here for the time being. I mean there could be worse places right?!
Lahaina Travel Guide
Joe, the man behind the camera grew up in Lahaina. Can you believe it?! I’ve been lucky enough to call Lahaina my home for the past 8 years with a few “sabbaticals” here and there. Welcome to my slice of paradise.
A Travel Guide to Lahaina Maui
Location
Lahaina 🔵 is located on West Maui about 45 minutes away from the airport without traffic. I always encourage and recommend renting a car to explore the island. Top activities like driving the road to Hana and Haleakala Summit require your own wheels.
You will fly into Kahului OGG airport 🔴. The drive is as scenic as it gets. You’ll have coastal views most of the way. You’ll see several surf breaks and the people swimming at the beaches as you drive by.
History
Lahaina can be found on the Hawaiian Island of Maui on the western side. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early nineteenth century, Lahaina was also a historic whaling village in the mid 1800’s.
Walking around Lahaina town you can still spot remains of bricks that used to be an old fort, the historic courthouse and even the old Lahaina jail. Yes the ones where the walls are only about 10 feet high because no one could throw their “ball and chain” over it.
Today Lahaina is a hotspot on Maui and without a doubt my favorite Maui town. Lahaina’s main drag Front Street is packed with lively restaurants, bars, art galleries and boutique shops.
I don’t make enough money to rely solely off my blog just yet therefore I work in a restaurant to support my travels and to make a living. I happen to bartend at 2 of the hottest restaurants/bars in town, on the rooftop at Fleetwoods and Down the Hatch. If you are in the area please stop by and say HI! 👋. Of course only when we’re opened again.
Dining
Lahaina has a buzzing food scene and provides some of the best views for ocean side dining that Maui has to offer. There are restaurants for every type of budget and craving. Here are a few of my favorites.
Down the Hatch
- Budget friendly
- The BEST breakfast on Maui
- Fun atmosphere
- Live Music
- Chive TV playing all day
- Must try the Lobster and Crab Stuffed Grilled Cheese
- Takes care of the locals
Fleetwoods on Front Street
- The only rooftop in Lahaina
- Phenomenal views of Lana’i, the West Maui Mountains and the ocean
- Best craft cocktails, high end spirits, and wine selection on the island
- Is owned by the legendary rockstar Mick Fleetwood himself
- Hands down the best live music you can get. So much talent from every artist that plays here.
- Must try the Ultimate Surf and Turf
- Did I mention bad ass bartenders?!
Prison Street Pizza
- Budget friendly
- The perfect crust to cheese to sauce ratio
- Chill vibes
Tiki Tiki Thai
- Friendly staff, they always treat us like family
- I come here for the Avocado Green Curry!
Mala Ocean Tavern
- Dining right on the ocean, you’ll often see turtles
- Best place to brunch. Brunch 7 days a week from 9 am to 2 pm.
- Bloody Mary’s
- Must try the Ahi Bruschetta
Star Noodle
- Asian fusion, the noodle soup bowls are out of this world
- Budget friendly
- Fast, efficient and tasty
- Knowledgable staff
Well that’s just to name a few. For a bigger selection and more detailed guide of the best restaurants
Shopping
There are plenty of shops and art galleries in Lahaina that will keep you busy for an entire afternoon. Whatever it is your looking for, swim suits? Art? Souvenirs? You’ll be able to find it as you cruise up and down Front Street. Here are a few of my favorites.
Shops
- Manakai Swimwear
- Pakaloha Bikinis
- Going Left
- Volcom
- Honolua Cookie Company
Art Galleries
- Peter Lik
- Kush Fine Art
- Morrison Hotel Gallery
- Andrew Shoemaker
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay at resorts in Ka’anapali or Kapalua which is 10-20 minutes north of Lahaina. If you want to keep costs down and be able to walk to town there are a few places I’d recommend staying.
BUDGET
Best Western Pioneer Inn
Located in the heart of Lahaina. You can see the surf from your window if you have an oceanside room. Great breakfast.
MID RANGE
Old Lahaina House
Island style decor and great amenities including an outdoor pool, bbq facilities and a kitchen.
The Plantation Inn
Pool and hot tub. In the heart of Lahaina. Great breakfast included and the restaurant is worth dining at night. Lahanina travel guide.
Lahaina Shores Beach Resort
Situated directly on the beach. Beautiful pool and hot tub. Walking distance to anything you need. Close to bars and surf.
Aina Nalu Condos
Amazing pool tucked away a street behind Front Street. I am waiting til something opens up here and I’ll be your neighbor.
Sights
- The infamous banyan tree
- The cutest public library you’ll ever see
- Mala Pier
- Baby Beach
- The boardwalk
- The harbor
- Old Lahaina Jail
- 505 Beach
Activities
- Sunset ceremony at Fleetwoods
- Whale watch if its whale season (December 15-May 15)
- Sunset dinner cruise
- Deep sea fishing excursions
- Day trip to Lana’i
- Surfing
- Old Lahaina Luau
Check It Out ↓
Lahaina travel guide tips
- Lahaina in Hawaiian is called Lele which translates to ‘cruel merciless sun’. It is very, very hot with little cloud coverage most of the year especially in the summer months. Try to take shade under the banyan tree and in one of the many bars that litter Front Street.
- People walk to work so move over for those of us who aren’t shopping 🙂
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