Lahaina, once a small historic whaling town, is now a national historic landmark. This small, harbor village whose name means “merciless sun” was home to both Hawaiian royalty and seamen serving on the whaling boats in the Hawaiian waters. Lahaina has a mix of a historic harbor village with more modern shops, bars and restaurants. Lahaina has a unique personality that will captivate visitors and keeping them coming back for more of its native, Hawaiian charm.

When you visit Lahaina, you might want to start with the Lahaina Visitor Center located in the old Lahaina Courthouse located at 648 Wharf Street. Here you can learn about the historic features of this Maui city as well as find out about local activities such as harbor cruises, snorkeling, and even dolphin or whale watching cruises leaving from Lahaina harbor. Lahaina has a wonderful array of shops, fine dining and colorful restaurants to entice visitors to return again and again.

Be sure to stop by Hale Pa’ahao, a historic stone jail located at the corner of Waine’e and Prison Street. Built in 1852, this jail housed drunken sailors who happened to get a bit rowdy while on leave from their whaling vessels.  Another historic building is the Waine’e Church located on Shaw Street. Built from 1828 to 1832, it was the first stone church in the islands. The church was destroyed by fire in 1894, rebuilt and burned again in 1947. It was again rebuilt but damaged by high winds in 1951. The church was again rebuilt in 1953 and named Wailoa or “The ware of life” where it still stands today.

Another place not to be missed in Lahaina is Banyon Tree Park. In this park, one of the largest Banyan Trees in the United States stands. Planted in 1873, the tree stands 60 feet tall and has a top spread of over 200 feet. Twelve major trunks rise up from the base of the tree stretching a huge canopy across the area. On holidays, the tree is lit with holiday lights. On weekends, Hawaiian artists and craftsmen are often found displaying their goods beneath its mighty branches. Musicians often serenade visitors with their music in the park as well.