**We are devastated to share that in August 2023 wildfires ripped through Lahaina Town and caused devastating damage. It is advised that visitors stay away from this area at this time. If you want to help in recovery efforts, you can learn more about places to give here.
About two million visitors descend on Lahaina, Maui each year–and for good reason! Lahaina Town has something for everyone, from amazing food to breathtaking beaches, art galleries, boutique shops, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find art festivals and Friday night block parties, boasting a huge array of food trucks and local vendors. Lahaina Town is best experienced on foot, ideally with plenty of time to see where your feet take you.
Lahaina is located on Maui’s west coast. With a population of just over 12,000 residents, it’s not a huge city–and visitors can easily walk from one end to the other in an afternoon of wandering. One of the older towns in Hawai’i, Lahaina’s history reaches deep. Originally a native Hawaiian settlement, Lahaina became a bustling whaling town in the 1800s. The town is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you’ll feel a touch of that history as you walk the streets of old-town Lahaina.
Wondering what to do while you’re in town? Here are some of our favorite stops!
1. Enjoy Dinner and a Show at the Old Lahaina Luau
This oceanside spot offers a beachy casual atmosphere and delicious local fare–along with the traditional luau show offerings like hula dancing and fire throwing amongst the tiki torches. Enjoy a beautifully-curated menu of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, like haupia pudding, imu-roasted pork, poke, and local fruits and veggies. Or choose from more familiar American-style menu options–like grilled chicken, garden salads, or grilled steak. The Old Lahaina Luau is family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, and offers seating either at traditional tables and chairs or on cushions at traditional low tables for a true old-Hawaii experience.
2. Stop by the Lahaina Banyan Court
Want to relax for a bit? This park area offers a great place to relax and enjoy an iced coffee or shave ice under the shade of a sprawling banyan tree. Home to many events throughout the year, the Banyan Court is an eye-catching place to stop even if there’s nothing on the calendar during your visit. Banyan trees drop their roots to the ground from branches high up in the tree’s canopy, creating a tree that expands widthwise, creating nooks, crannies, and hiding spots that feel more than a little magical.
3. Stroll Through Whaler’s Village
Whaler’s Village is a shopping mall with uniquely Hawaiian flair. Take a tour of the old-school whaling museum, sign up for a class on lei-making, hula dancing, or ukulele, or stock up on souvenirs from the many local shops. You’ll find a huge range of dining and shopping options at Whaler’s Village, from high-end boutique stores to the ever-favorite ABC Store for general merchandise and low-cost souvenirs. Don’t miss the Hawai’i Wildlife Discovery Center to learn about the world of life beneath the surface of those blue Pacific waves!
4. Feel the Sand Between Your Toes at Baby Beach
Known as a Keiki (kid)-friendly beach among locals, Baby Beach offers fine, soft sand, beautifully clear water, and–perhaps best of all–a relatively calm atmosphere without large crowds. This is a great place to stop and kick your shoes off for a quick swim or to stretch out on a towel and soak up a few rays. Baby Beach is located in Old Lahaina Town right behind Puunoa Beach Estates, and you can park on the streets nearby as long as you’re not blocking anyone’s driveway or mailbox.
5. Enjoy Dinner with a View at Kimo’s Maui
Kimo’s is popular among locals and tourists for good reason: their outdoor eating area overlooks the ocean, they offer excellent food, and their service is incomparable. Kimo’s isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it for a date night out; don’t miss the prime rib and hula pie for dessert! Reservations are recommended, but not required.
6. Take in a Sunset at Lahaina Beach
The perfect sunset photo op, Lahaina Beach offers stunning sunset views with waves, lava rocks dotting the coastline and easy access to Old Town Lahaina. This kid-friendly beach is a little rocky but a lovely place to stop to enjoy the sand, sun, and views. It’s also one of the smaller, less-busy beaches in Lahaina, a bit off the main tourist drag–so you can expect to find plenty of space to relax away from Lahaina’s busy streets for a bit.
7. Embrace Your Inner Chocolatier at the Maui Ku’ia Estate Cacao Farm
See cacao trees in person and learn about the tree-to-chocolate process at the Maui Ku’ia Estate Cacao Farm. A bit off the main Lahaina Town main road, this hidden jewel has something for every chocolate lover, adult and kids alike. Take a guided tour to learn about the growing and harvesting process, sample the different chocolates available, and get a taste of Lahaina’s agricultural roots as you walk among the cacao trees.
Of course, these are just a few of the many restaurants, shopping opportunities, and sights Lahaina has to offer. We suggest jotting down a few of your top ideas, prioritizing the options that require reservations, and allowing plenty of extra time to simply wander. Whether you’re a shopper, a foodie, a beachgoer, or just trying to get the full Maui experience with children in tow, you’ll find plenty of options here.
