Lahaina is a historic town on the island of Maui, which was once the first capital of Hawaii. It’s known for its rich history, but many visitors don’t realize that there are many things to do in Lahaina.
From beautiful beaches to exciting nightlife, here are some activities you should try while visiting this special place:
The best things to do in Lahaina. Here’s your guide to 15 of them.
1) Old Lahaina Courthouse
The Old Lahaina Courthouse is one of the most beautiful buildings in the state and a National Historic Landmark.
The courthouse was built in 1859 and served as a place to close business deals, hear cases, hold elections, and other government functions until 1961.
Today, it’s a museum showcasing artifacts from early Hawaiian life alongside information on what happened during that time.
The museum contains an impressive collection of paintings, including traditional Hawaiian and American painting styles.
2) Banyan Tree Park
Banyan Tree Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.
The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground with slides and swings. It also houses the giant banyan tree in Hawaii, so if you’re interested in learning more about these incredible trees, it’s worth checking out.
The park is located on Front Street near Lahaina Harbor.
3) South Maui Wednesday Market
The South Maui Wednesday Market is a weekly event that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday in the open-air parking lot of the Wharf Cinema Center in downtown Lahaina.
It’s a fantastic place to get fresh produce, sample local foods, and buy locally-made souvenirs. The market runs from 9 am until 5:30 pm, and vendors generally set up around 8:30 am, so you should arrive before you want to check out all the stalls before they sell out!
The food vendors at this market are some of my favorites. You can also find things like homemade jams, jellies, and salsas; fresh flowers; plants; jewelry; clothing items; sunglasses…the list goes on!
This is one of our favorite stops when we visit Hawaii because there’s always something sweet waiting for us at this charming little event!
4) Baldwin Home Museum
Baldwin Home Museum is a historic house museum in Lahaina, Hawaii. Built-in 1834 by Reverend Ephraim Spaulding, the museum features the original furnishings and artifacts from the 1800s.
Tours are available Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967.
The museum is located in the center of Lahaina. It is housed in a two-story wooden building built in 1834 by Reverend Ephraim Spaulding, who arrived in Hawaii from Massachusetts at the age of twenty-two.
The mission house served as his home and chapel until it was sold to Thomas Baldwin in 1845. The Baldwins lived there for 37 years and then rented out rooms.
5) Hale Paahao (Old Prison)
Take a look inside the Old Prison to learn about its history. Built-in 1852, it was the first prison in Hawaii and housed more than 3,000 prisoners over its 150 years of operation. It now serves as both museum and cultural center, where you can tour the cells, hear the stories of those incarcerated here, or watch films about the former inmates.
The prison is one of the few remaining buildings from the era when Hawaii was a U.S. territory, and it offers an exciting look back at how the islanders lived during that time. It also has several exhibits and galleries focusing on native culture and Hawaiian history.
6) Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, a non-profit arts venue in Lahaina, is a great place to learn about art and culture.
Hui No’eau offers classes for adults, youth, and children. It also hosts many family-friendly events like festivals, concerts, and plays.
Hui Noʻeau features five galleries, each exhibiting artwork from Hawaiian artists and other artists from around the world.
The gardens on the property are beautiful and filled with native plants that you can see while strolling past them or sitting in one of their outdoor seating areas.
The center is also home to the Noʻeau Visual Arts Library, which includes artwork from local and national artists. You can purchase prints, books, and other merchandise from the gift shop on-site.
7) Wo Hing Temple
You can visit the temple and museum for $7 per person at the gate. The museum is open to the public but closed on Saturdays.
The Wo Hing Temple & Cookhouse Museum, located in front of the temple itself, contains displays about the history of Chinese immigrants to Hawaii and their daily lives in Lahaina.
You’ll see artifacts like clothing, furniture, papers, and photos from around 1800 through World War II (the last time immigration from China was allowed).
The cookhouse is located behind the temple and is open only to visitors who make reservations in advance.
Visitors can enjoy a meal made with traditional Chinese recipes while sitting at tables outfitted with red paper lanterns and white linen tablecloths.
8) Pu’u Keka’a & Chief Kahekili
This natural stone formation has been a part of Hawaiian history since the 16th century. The area is a sacred site for the Hawaiian people, who believe it’s where the island of Maui was formed. It’s also a great place to watch whales in season.
Chief Kahekili is one of Hawaii’s most potent ali’i (chief) and warrior kings.
According to legend, a temple once stood atop the mountain. Today it is considered sacred and known as “ka leina a ka ‘uhane” – where souls leap into eternity.
9) Baby Beach in Launiupoko Park
This is a great place to swim, snorkel and relax. Located in Launiupoko Beach Park, it’s a sandy beach with calm waters.
No lifeguards are on duty, so you must know how to swim and be comfortable in the ocean before heading out.
The beach is known for its soft sand and gentle waves, which makes it ideal for families with small children.
If you’re looking for some action, this isn’t the place to go, as there aren’t any waves here, but if you’re looking for something more laid back, this might be just what you need!
There are plenty of facilities at the beach, including toilets and showers. There are also picnic tables available, so if you want to stay for a while, this is where you can do it!
10) Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm & Garden Tour
The Alii Kula Lavender Farm & Garden Tour is an easy drive from Lahaina and makes for a great day trip.
The farm is on the slopes of Haleakala, which you can combine with other sightseeing activities like hiking or visiting some waterfalls.
The tour includes a walk through the lavender fields to see how lavender plants are grown, harvested, and processed.
You’ll learn about aromatherapy and culinary uses for lavender in dishes like salt caramel macaroons and lavender lemonade sorbet.
The farm also sells its own products, including soaps, lotions, oils, and teas, so if you enjoy fragrances or want to try some new recipes at home, this would be an ideal place to pick up something special (and maybe even get inspired).
The tour takes about two hours and costs $3 per person.
11) Drums of the Pacific Luau at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
For a taste of the true spirit of Hawaii, this luau is a perfect choice. The location, inside the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, provides an upscale atmosphere that you’ll find nowhere else on the island.
The food is delicious and plentiful and includes traditional Hawaiian favorites like Kalua Pig, Poke Salad, and Hamachi Sashimi with Ginger Soy Sauce, to name a few.
You’ll also enjoy all-you-can-eat buffet-style dinners with hula dancing performances by local dancers in beautiful grass skirts, along with Polynesian music played by live musicians throughout your meal.
The event begins with an open cocktail reception where you can enjoy drinks and appetizers while mingling with other guests. You’ll then be escorted to your seats at the outdoor luau show, where a traditional Hawaiian feast will be served.
12) Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau is a must-do activity while in Maui. It is one of the most authentic luaus on the island and features traditional Hawaiian music, dance performances, and delicious food.
You can buy tickets for $99-$199, depending on when you purchase them (it’s cheaper if you buy them earlier). This is great for families because it has a kids’ buffet area where they can run around or play games while you enjoy your meal!
13) Lahaina Jodo Mission
The Lahaina Jodo Mission is a Buddhist temple run by the Honpa Hongwanji branch. It’s open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, but you’ll want to arrive early if you want a spot at one of their guided meditation sessions.
The temple is an attractive and peaceful place, with statues and sculptures in many of its corners.
The grounds allow worshippers to think quietly about their lives as they walk among the monuments erected by earlier generations. The temple also has a gift shop to buy books and other items.
14) Lahaina Henna – Braids & Temporary Tattoos
If you’re looking for something more traditional than a tattoo, Lahaina Henna is the place. They’ve been doing henna for over 20 years and serve clients on Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.
They do temporary tattoos for kids, teens, and adults, as well as for weddings and other special occasions. Their natural ingredients include:
- Cocoa butter
- Aloe vera gel
- Grape seed oil
- Non-GMO sugar
They also use herbs like clove oil, cinnamon leaf extract, and flower pollen to give the paste its distinct smell!
All of their products are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. They use only organic ingredients that the USDA approves.
15) Maria Lanakila Catholic Church
This church is a beautiful example of Hawaiian architecture, with its wooden facade and interior. It’s also one of the oldest churches in Hawaii, dating back to 1846.
It’s located on Wainee Street. The church’s stained glass windows are beautiful and they have an impressive pipe organ that plays throughout the day! This is one to consider if you’re looking for a place to go on Sunday morning.
Conclusion
There are so many things to do in Lahaina! From exploring the rich history of Hawaii’s first capital to enjoying the beautiful beaches and parks, there’s something for everyone on this island.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Maui or want to explore some more before heading back home after a week in paradise, be sure not to miss out on these awesome activities while visiting Lahaina!
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