Whether you are looking for the old culture of Maui or the new modern trends that can be seen throughout the island, you will find both and more in the little area of Lahaina. From the mountain summits to the ocean reefs, to the rainforests, the magical village of Lahaina offers you a blend of both old and new.
Once known as the whaling capital of world, this old whaling village still has much of the charm of yesteryear, dotted with modern landscaping of today. Although the whaling industry came to an end and the local economy became dependant on agriculture, you can still see much of the old history here in this beautiful city.
Nowadays, mixed in with the historical architecture you will find eateries, boutiques, and local pubs where you can shop, eat, and just enjoy a casual day in the village. While you are there you can also see some of the historical landmarks such as The Old Courthouse which was built in 1859. If it is art you are looking for you can view some of the exhibits from top artists in Maui at the Lahaina Art Society. While there, you may notice the prison bars which still encase the windows of the lower level of the galleries from the days when it held Maui prisoners.
Walking down the sidewalk, you can travel to The Courthouse Square which encompasses one of the most viewed spots in Maui ? The Banyan Tree. Planted in 1873 this magnificent tree has roots that have allowed it to grow into twelve very large tree trunks. It may look like a bunch of trees scattered throughout, but in fact, it is just one large tree that provides nearly an acre of shade where people come to relax, read, and take in the beautiful sunny days. While you are there, you can tour the restored ruins of the old waterfront fort which was built in the 1830′s.
The streets of Lahaina are alive with little shops, restaurants, and plenty of tourists looking to pick up their share of the Maui souvenirs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up some culture along the way. Many waterfront restaurants also dot these streets which allow for some nightlife culture including live music, traditional jewelry, and many old reminders of what Lahaina was all about in the prime of its day.
Lahaina is really a must see day trip for anyone looking to have a little fun and learn about what life used to be like. Although very touristy and often a little crowded, you can certainly come to relax and enjoy yourself with a mix of locals and tourists. From the harbor day and evening cruises to the submarine rides, it is an excellent place to enjoy the underwater adventures as well. It really is a mix of old and new culture that you can’t miss out on.
