Old Lahaina Town

Located on Maui's west shore, Lahaina was the capitol of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845, during the reigns of Kamehameha II and III. The name means cruel sun and is believed to come from frequent droughts in the area. It is one of the hottest and driest spots in the islands! 

Lahaina was a popular stop for whalers and merchants from New England and was the place where the first missionaries landed, also coming from New England. 

Approximately 55 acres of the town have been set aside as historic districts containing several sites designated as National Historic Landmarks.  

There are 31 official sites in Lahaina Town that comprise the historic tour created by The Lahaina Restoration Foundation and County of Maui Historic Commission. Free pamphlets describing the tour are available at many shops in Lahaina. The brochure includes a map and estimated time to visit the sites on a short and long walking tour.

This colorful historic harbor town, retains much of it's old charm, while bursting with shopping centers, restaurants and retail stores.

Launiupoko Wayside Park - Located about three miles south of Lahaina Town, off Honoapiilani Highway, you'll find Launiupoko Wayside Park. A nice grassy lawn with picnic facilities, and restrooms. Swimming is best when the tide is high, there is a breakwall that provides a safe swimming spot for younger children. Always swim with caution and at your own risk since there are no lifeguards on duty at most of Maui's beaches.

Hanaka'o'o Beach Park - Located between Wahikuli State Wayside Park and the Hyatt Regency Maui. The Beach fronting the park is the beginning of the long stretch of sand that runs for a mile to Pu'u Keka'a or Black Rock in the center of Ka'anapali. Facilities in the park include picnic pavillions, restrooms, showers,paved parking, and canoe storage shed's for the Outrigger Canoe Clubs who use the park as a practice site. Visit the park every saturday starting in May when the Regatta season begins thru October when it ends.

Puamana State Wayside Park - Just 2 miles south of Lahaina lies this small quaint beachside park. Puamana State Wayside Park offers awesome views, shade, and nice surfing during the summer months. Good for picnics, snorkeling, and just plain relaxing.

Baby Beach - Providing nice views of Kaho'olawe, Lanai, Molokai, and the West Maui Mountains, Baby Beach is a fine spot to spend a few hours. It's white sands gently caress the delicate blue of the warm Pacific Ocean making for great swimming and snorkeling. To find this treasure, follow Front Street north roughly a half mile from Lahaina. On Puunoa Place turn left, and continue down to the beach.

Wahikuli Wayside Park - This narrow area of sandy shoreline sits between Lahaina and Kaanapali. Though often crowded, it is beautiful. Tune out the crowds and focus on Lanai & Molokai's distant coastlines reflected in the crystal clear waters, and you'll understand why you came! Swimming is excellent, snorkeling is adequate at best. Located off Honoapiilani Hwy. between Lahaina and Kaanapali.