Lahaina was the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. It also served as a fort in the 1830s and the heart of the whaling industry.
Today, Lahaina hosts over 2 million visitors every year. Its most interesting attractions celebrate its rich history and culture. It also offers plenty of beaches to relax on and unique experiences and tours that you’ll never forget.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more on how to make the most out of your trip to this special section of the islands. Watch our video to learn about the best things to do in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Kaanapali Beach
Going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Lahaina, and this is one of the best beaches in the area. Its white sand and blue water couldn’t be more pristine.
Kaanapali Beach used to be an exclusive escape reserved for Hawaii’s elite. It’s since become a popular tourist spot and has been named America’s Best Beach.
Kaanapali Beach is also one of the best places to enjoy watersports. Try windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, surfing, or whatever else floats your boat.
There are plenty of places to get a more luxurious experience here. Visit one or all of its 5 hotels and 6 condominium villages. You can also try its many spas, restaurants, and shops.
Don’t forget to visit Whaler’s Village before you go. It’s a shopping center full of stores and restaurants, free entertainment, and a whaling museum.
If you come at the right time, you may also get a chance to see a daily cliff diving ceremony off Black Rock This portion of the beach is worth visiting on its own. Ancient Hawaiians thought it was where spirits joined their ancestors in the afterlife, but it’s now a perfect area to snorkel or dive.
If you’re up for it, you can arrange for a zipline with Kaanapali Skyline Eco-Adventures. You can even golf on one of 2 championship courses; the Royal Kaanapali and the Kaanapali Kai.
Napili Beach
This equally beautiful beach sits in a crescent-shaped cove. It’s home to plenty of reef fish and sea turtles, which makes it an unmissable snorkeling destination. It also has calm waves for new surfers and young swimmers.
Banyan Tree State Park
Sheriff William Owen Smith brought a Bayan tree seed from India to Hawaii. He planted it to honor the 50th anniversary of the Protestant mission in Lahaina on April 24, 1873.
That original tree is now 60 feet high. Its 12 major trunks make it appear to be several trees even though it’s only one. It covers over 200 feet and provides ⅔ of an acre of shade.
The tree is maintained by Maui Country Arborists and serves as the centerpiece of Banyan Tree State Park. Sit under one of the many benches around it to enjoy its shade. You can also come on weekends to buy from local vendors, see arts and crafts demonstrations, and more.
Baldwin Home Museum
Reverend Empharim Spaulding built this home from 1834-1835, and it’s still the oldest home in Lahaina. The first floor had only 4 rooms, but the family needed to expand by 1836.
2 of their children children died before their 3rd birthday, but they eventually had 8 surviving children. They built 2 more floors, including a medical study, which were completed in 1849.
This historic home is open every day with candlelit tours every Friday. Admission is only $7 for adults and includes entrance to the nearby Wo Hing Museum.
Front Street
This area was named one of the Top Ten Greatest Streets by the American Planning Association. It offers a range of shops with local goods, art galleries, and more.
Hiking Trails
The 3 ½-mile, one-way Kapalua Coastal Trail goes from Kapalua Beach to Fleming Beach. You can start at either end. There’s no end to the beautiful, unique sights you’ll see on your way, including black lava rock, tropical plants, white sand beaches, and a jagged rock formation known as Dragon’s Teeth. Most of the hike is easy, but watch out for a bit of rough, rocky terrain.
The Acid War Zone Trail is 1.3 miles long. It has mild difficulty but houses plenty of wildlife. It’s also a perfect spot for birdwatching, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
Lahaina Pali Trail is one of the most challenging trails in Lahaina. It’s a manmade, 5-mile stretch created by humans in the 1880s. It goes from Maalea to Ukumehame. You’ll enjoy gorgeous views on the way, but make sure you’re up for the hike. Come during whale season for a chance to see them swimming by.
Myths of Maui Luau
Find this unique show at the Royal Lahaina Resort. It shows off the culture of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa.
You can also stay for educational lessons to learn about many of the most important practices of these cultures. Take classes in hula, lei making, temporary tribal tattoos, and more.
Book tickets to the show as soon as possible. If you miss your chance, try a similar experience at other resorts such as the Grand Wailea and the Andaz.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more ways to get the most out of yoru visit to the Hawaiian islands. Keep watching to learn about more of the best things to do in Lahaina, including tours, underwater excursions, and unique eateries and farms.
Atlantis Submarine
This is the place to go if you want to see underwater but aren’t ready to try scuba diving. The submarine dives more than 100 feet down. It carries up to 48 passengers at a time. You’ll see a natural reef, a sunken boat that’s become an artificial reef, and plenty of marine life.
Surf Break Wall
This is one of the best things to do in Lahaina if you came for a challenging and unique surfing experience. The wall keeps boats and yachts safe from large swells but also creates waves that almost beg for you to ride them.
Paddle out from the beach or walk along the rocks. Only get close to the rocks if you’re an experienced surfer. If you need a bit of a refresher, go to one of the many nearby surf schools.
Mala Grill
This oceanside restaurant combines Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. Expect everything from burgers and pasta to oysters and plenty of other seafood.
Heighten the experience by eating on the oceanfront deck. You may need to get a reservation during the height of the season but can expect a quick seat during the off-season.
Moana Glass
Lahaina is a haven for all forms of art, but one of the most unique is glass blowing. Take a group or solo class at Moana Glass to learn how to do it yourself. It’s the only surviving furnace glassblowing workshop on the island.
You can even take your creation home to enjoy as a souvenir you’ll never forget. If you don’t want to make one yourself, view the art gallery and purchase a piece instead.
Iao Valley State Park and Botanical Gardens
This is one of the best things to do in Lahaina even though it sits a short distance outside of it. Tour the gardens, check out the ethnic villages, and take an easy hike throughout the natural wonders on display. The best part is that you can do it all for free.
Lahaina Cannery Mall
This location teaches you everything you could ever want to learn about Hawaiian culture. Come for free hula lessons on Thursdays at 5 pm. Watch free hula shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm. Try a ukulele class on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm.
Maui Fridays
This is one of the best things to do in Lahaina because it’s never quite the same. You’ll have a different experience each time depending on what’s on offer the Friday you arrive. It could be anything from food trucks to arts and crafts to live entertainment.
Old Lahaina Luau
Watching a luau is one of the best things to do in Hawaii, and this one is one of the best things to do in Lahaina.
You’ll receive a free orchid lei when you enter. Next, you’ll be led to your private table or traditional floor mat. After that, you’ll be able to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian buffet while you watch the show.
Makai Adventures
This tour agency is one of the best in Lahaina. Its experiences are educational and scenic. There are plenty to choose from, including snorkeling, dolphin, and whale watching adventures.
Whale Center of the Pacific
This is another top-rated tour organization, but it’s been a non-profit since its founding in 1980. It has something for everyone, including sunset dinners, snorkel trips, and a Stargazing Excursion.
Each tour has a minimal impact on the ecosystem. This makes them one of the most responsible and best things to do in Lahaina for couples.
Lahaina Jodo Mission
This temple and complex were founded in 1912 by Reverend Gendo Saito. It was built with the help of Japanese immigrants who worked on local sugar and pineapple plantations. After being destroyed by a fire a few years later, it was converted into a Japanese-style Buddhist temple.
The Mission features a 12-foot tall statue of Amida Buddha in the courtyard. It’s an impressive sight and a celebration of Japanese history in Lahaina.
Wahikuli Wayside Park
This is one of the best things to do in Lahaina for fans of sea turtles. It may be a small patch of sand, but it’s full of turtles swimming all around. It also has grills and picnic tables to eat at, and it’s a relaxing place to visit because it’s rarely full of tourists.
Launiupokoo State Park
Known as Launiupook state Wayside Park, this park has been a popular tourist spot for years. It has green grass, picnic tables, and barbeque stations.
The beach is perfect for surfing and there are plenty of surfing schools to improve your skills. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views, especially if you come at sunset.
Maui Dragon Fruit Farm
This 27-acre farm grows the rare dragon fruit. It offers tasting tours and is a common event space for weddings. It also offers a range of unique experiences. Try rolling around in an Aquaball or ziplining over the farm.
Punakha Palms
This is another unique family farm to visit in Lahaina. It’s been in operation since 2005 with the goal of cultivating and promoting the natural farming of tropical fruits.
You’ll find bananas, pineapples, sugar cane, and more in the vast fields. You can also enjoy tours and activities to keep your visit exciting.
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