Lahaina, HI Road Trips

Lahaina is not known as a sightseeing destination, and instead is focused mainly on food, souvenirs, and nightlife. In the course of those activities, however, there are a couple of attractions worthy of attention: Maui Invitational, Lahaina Civic Center. One of the most prominent early-season men's college basketball tournaments, held over the Thanksgiving weekend in late November. (updated Sep 2025) PGA Tour's Mercedes-Benz Championship. The Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the golf tournament every January. Vic-Maui Yacht Race. The longest offshore sailboat race on the West Coast which starts in Victoria, BC, Canada and ends in Lahaina. Banyan Tree (in courthouse square). 24 hr. Considered the center of the city, this huge tree occupies an entire city block. It's one of the largest Banyan trees in the world and was planted in 1873. The tree was seriously damaged in the 2023 wildfires, but is expected to survive, with extensive rehabilitation ongoing. free. (updated Mar 2024) Carthaginian 2, Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, ☏ +1 808 661-3262. 10AM-4:15PM daily. A replica of a whaling ship. Great to look at, especially at sunset. Kids will especially enjoy it. Fee. Pioneer Mill Co Smokestack and Locomotive Exhibit, 275 Lahainaluna Rd. Outdoor exhibit dedicated to the old sugar plantation company. free. (updated Sep 2016)

Whalewatching cruise. Various boats can take you on dinner cruises, whale watching cruises, fishing rides, or to the island of Lanai. Look for good deals but beware of the "too good to be true" offers, they probably are. Note that during the whale season you'll see whales no matter where you go so getting a separate whale watching cruise may not be necessary. On the other hand, they are usually cheap. 1 Maui Kayaks, 505 Front St #140 Lahaina, ☏ +1 808 874-4000. Front Street. Take a stroll down the Front Street, along the shore. Watch people, enjoy the weather, relax. Halloween in Lahaina. Lahaina is home to one of the wildest Halloween parties on the islands. 25-35,000 costumed participants fill the streets each year to enjoy the jovial festivities. Some of the more elaborate costumes have taken over a year to make, which adds to the complexity of the colorful scene. Lahaina Historic Trail. 65 significant sites, museums and buildings that represent the history and culture of the town over a period of more than 500 years. free. (updated Sep 2016) Old Lahaina Luau, 1251 Front St, Lahaina. Widely respected as the best and most authentic Hawaiian luau in the Pacific, the Old Lahaina Luau is a feast for the eyes and stomach. Enjoy fire dancing, hula, tasty drinks and a large assortment of tropical dishes. Adult $182, child 2-12 $93. (updated Dec 2021) Maui Nui Lū‘au, 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina. Beachfront luau at the Sheraton featuring a traditional ceremony & all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet. Adult $180, child 6-12 $105, child 0-5 free.

There is no shortage of places to eat, despite the small size of the city. There are several restaurants that feature fish along front street that are also oceanside. Aloha Mixed Plate, 1285 Front St, ☏ +1 808 661-3322. Beach view from a tiki-torch laden deck and very reasonable (on the beach in Lahaina next to the Old Lahaina Luau behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall (apparently owned by and supplied by the same kitchen as the Old Lahaina Luau). Authentic unprententious Hawaiian Cuisine -- service and quality very good for the price (the Panko-Breaded Haupia Hawaiian dessert with passionfruit sauce is very good). Dinner $7-15. Bubba Gump, ☏ +1 808 661-3111. A theme restaurant based upon its namesake, "Forrest Gump", this restaurant is fun for the whole family (especially if you like shrimp), and a lot cheaper than some other Lahaina restaurants. Right on the ocean in Lahaina. Cheeseburger in Paradise, 811 Front St, ☏ +1 808 661-4855. A burger joint that launched a chain traces is origins to Lahaina. The burgers are okay, but there is a great party atmosphere, live music, and it's the view that makes the restaurant. A very popular place with tourists so lines can be long. David Paul's, ☏ +1 808 667-5117. No view, and very expensive. a block from the ocean in Lahaina. But the food and service are outstanding. Cool Catz. Less of a party atmosphere than Cheeseburger in Paradise, but the food is rated higher. Hard Rock Cafe.

Most of the aforementioned reastaurants have great bars. Places like Moose McGillycuddy's and Cheeseburger in Paradise become night clubs after hours. Hard Rock Cafe is on Front Street. Those are just a few choices.

As beaches in Lahaina are not that great, most people prefer to stay in other places on Maui, such as Kaanapali which is only 10-15 minutes away. Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast, 67 Kaniau Rd, toll-free: +1-800-661-8800. Ocean-view rooms with private decks. Hyatt Regency Maui, 200 Kohea Kai Dr, ☏ +1 808 661-1234. Surrounded by 40 beachfront acres with plenty to do. Enjoy the spa, championship golf and tennis, scuba dive, or ride the waves. Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, 2780 Kekaa Dr, ☏ +1 808 661-3611, toll-free: +1-833-539-5117. Dounles from $600. (updated Sep 2025) Kahana Sunset, 4909 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, toll-free: +1-800-669-1488. Condo rentals set on a secluded white sand beach and surrounded by a tropical garden setting. Lahaina Boarding House (Lahaina Hostel), 446 Hauola Pl (2 blks up from Hwy- 5 blks to ocean), ☏ +1 808 661-8285, [email protected]. Check-in: open, check-out: open. Rooms available to single adults on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. Fully furnished, including TV and WiFi. The house is located 2 blocks from the hwy, 5 blocks from Front St. It is close to stores, beaches, and the public bus system. $40, $240 per week, $600 per month. Lahaina Maui Vacation Rentals, 660 Wainee St, ☏ +1 206-949-5758, [email protected]. Three vacation rentals in the heart of Lahaina. Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, 180 Dickenson St, toll-free: +1-800-642-6284.

Most visitors arrive on Maui by plane via Kahului Airport (OGG). The vast majority of visitors rent cars there and drive to various Maui destinations, including Lahaina. The Honoapiilani Highway (route 30) is a very picturesque drive along the shore which gets you directly to Lahaina. The drive from the airport is about 40 minutes, though the road may get congested sometimes. Some people fly to West Maui Airport, which is closer to Lahaina (about 15-20 minutes drive). Cruise ships sometimes anchor near Lahaina and passengers get tendered to shore.

Lahaina is very compact, and easily explored on foot. If driving, it is advisable to park one's car and walk. There are a couple of free parking locations, but most charge a nominal fee. In some places, stores can validate your parking ticket. Front Street is the main thoroughfare of Lahaina, where most popular places are located.