About Lahaina
Derived from the Hawaiian word Lele, meaning "restless sun," Lahaina occupies a sunny strip of Maui's western coast that receives as little as 13 inches of rain annually and boasts average temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Its year-round warm, dry weather conditions make it ideal for days spent in the sun, exploring shops and surfing gentle blue waves. Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty and the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the area is a hub of activity, overflowing with personality and culture.
Situated in the heart of Lahaina, Front Street is a walkable strip of lively storefronts, restaurants, art galleries, and public parks that hug the ocean. These unique and colorful waterfront stores range from inexpensive souvenir shops to high-end art galleries. Dining options range from Italian, Mexican, and Thai food to Hawaii Regional Cuisine featuring fresh seafood and locally-grown produce. Enjoy stunning ocean views while you dine at restaurants like Fleetwoods on Front Street, Mala Ocean Tavern, and Star Noodle. From casual dining and family restaurants to artful meals prepared by master chefs, there is something for everyone in Lahaina.
Considered one of the best luaus on Maui, Old Lahaina Luau sits a few minutes north of Front street, delivering everything you could hope for in a luau: authentic food, traditional music and dance, and an incredible location just off the ocean. Situated beachside, the luau prides itself in offering a truly authentic Hawaiian Luau experience, with everything from its food to its dance being strictly local.
Occupying an entire city block on the southernmost end of Front Street, Lahaina Banyan Tree is the oldest Banyan tree in the Hawaiian Islands and an iconic part of Maui history that visitors won't want to miss. People visiting from around the world linger beneath the tree, posing for photos and reading about its history. You are most likely to find an open bench beneath it in the early morning when the area is cooler and less crowded. In December, the tree is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, making for an incredible and festive sight. The tree sits next to the old courthouse that is now home to the Maui Arts Society, featuring talented local artists.
Front Street is also home to the primary harbor in West Maui, where a thriving whaling and fishing industry once took off under the rule of King Kamehameha’s son. Lahaina became a sailor's oasis with as many as 400 ships docked at the harbor at some points. Today it is where most of the fishing, snorkeling, and whale watching tours depart as well as ferries to Maui’s Neighboring islands Lanai and Molokai.
Sandy swimmable beaches are a bit limited in Lahaina because of its rugged rocky coastline, but several world-class beaches are just minutes to the north or south. Baby Beach is an exception, however, with its small sandy stretch of beach offering mellow waves, perfect for small children. Whikulu Wayside Park and Laninpoko State Wayside Park also offer beautiful green grassy picnic areas with barbecues and walking paths. What the area lacks in beaches, it makes up for with great surfing spots. The most popular surf break in Lahaina is “Breakwall,” located just south of the Lahaina Harbor, where you will find many of Lahaina's surf schools hanging out in shallow areas. while experienced surfers occupy a spot further out.
Just five minutes north, Kaanapali Beach was once named the #1 Beach in America and is still arguably the most popular beach on Maui today. Fronted by five hotels, six condo rental villages, and a large outdoor shopping mall, the beach is bustling with activity. At its north end, a historic lava rock formation called Black Rock is a popular snorkeling and cliff-jumping destination among visitors. It is likely most famous for the nightly torch lighting and cliff-jumping ceremony that happens every evening along the cliffs. A palm-covered walking path lines the entire three miles of beach, conveniently connecting each resort to the next and making it easy to access the many activities this area offers. The white sands and warm turquoise-hued waters of this beach make it the perfect location for sunbathing, swimming, and whale watching in the winter months.
Situated in the heart of Kaanapali Beach, Whaler's Village is an outdoor beachfront shopping center featuring over 90 high-end dining and shopping options, from one-of-a-kind Hawaii-owned retailers to some of the most famous brand names in fashion. Grab dinner at one of the oceanfront restaurants like Hula Grill or Leilani's on the Beach to experience authentic Hawaiian cuisine and a stunning sunset overlooking the ocean. Your group can also join in on several complimentary activities and events offered by the mall each week, including ukulele lessons, hula shows, and traditional Hawaiian lei-making.
Ten minutes south of Lahaina, Olowalu Beach boasts clear shallow waters and 450 acres of coral to explore. Not only is it one of the best snorkeling spots in Maui, but it is also the only major snorkel reef on the island protected from the trade winds, making it a great spot to be on a windy afternoon. Located just off the main highway in West Maui, the nearly half a mile of shoreline is shaded by large trees and offers plenty of easy parking, steps from the water.
A host of other activities are also available in Lahaina and nearby, from ziplining to hiking and visits to historic sites. Even better, guests who book with Maui Resort Rentals can use our complimentary shuttle service to reach many of West Maui's most popular attractions. Although our Lahaina accommodations offer everything you will need for a terrific Hawaiian vacation, many of the incredible shops, restaurants, beaches, and activities are within a short drive. Should you choose to venture to other parts of the island, like Haleakala National Park, or want to travel the road to Hana, we recommend booking a rental vehicle or tour to reach these areas.
Browse our full selection of Lahaina vacation rental listings below to find out which destination is best for your travel needs, and please do not hesitate to contact one of our Reservation Liaisons with any questions you may have.
Lahaina Highlights
- A scenic 35-minute drive from Kahului Airport.
- Year-round warm sunny weather and an average of 13 inches of rain annually.
- Home to Front Street, a walkable strip of lively storefronts, restaurants, art galleries, and public parks that hug the ocean.
- Home to the Lahaina Banyan Tree, the oldest Banyan tree in the Hawaiian Islands and an iconic part of Maui’s history.
- Home to Old Lahaina Luau, considered to be one of the best luaus on Maui.
- Ten minutes south of Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock, and Whalers Village.
