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Lahaina Town is packed with more fascinating history than almost any other place in the Islands, so, naturally, this is the focus for any visit to Maui’s west side.
The neighboring resorts of Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua—with their world-class hotels, beautiful beaches and exotic shopping—were built just north of Lahaina to retain the town’s unique heritage as the whaling capital of the Pacific in the mid-1800s. Lahaina has restored its many historic sites, attracting some of the best restaurants and shops you’ll find anywhere. On most days of the week, there’s an endless parade of visitors (and some residents, too!) moving up and down Lahaina’s Front Street, enjoying the unique historical attractions, with side trips to explore the shops, followed by a seaside cocktail, sunset dinner and perhaps a quiet courtyard ice cream cone.
Save time to explore this beautiful coastline, from Maalaea to Honokahua, enjoying spots such as Fleming Beach Park and gorgeous Honolua Bay along the way. There are great views of Molokai and Lanai in the distance, and you may see a humpback whale or two frolicking in the clear blue ocean.
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POINTS OF INTEREST |
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Lahaina |
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Wahine Pe‘e Beach |
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Sugar Cane Train |
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Whalers Village Museum |
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Honolua Bay |
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click photos to enlarge
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Whalers Museum
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Wo Hing Temple
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West Maui snorkel cruise
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Kapalua Beach
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 At Kaanapali, pull over to the Whalers Village Whale Center to learn all about the whales you’ll see off Maui during their breeding season, from November through May. The center’s free museum—Whalers Village Museum—is informative and fun for all ages.
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“Catch a wave and you’re sittin’ on top of the world!” There’s no feeling in the world like catching a wave, and in Lahaina you can learn to surf safely with Hula Surf School. Quality instructors teach you to stand up and surf the friendly waves at 505 Beach in Lahaina and the surrounding gentle breaks. All equipment is provided.
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Looking for heirloom-quality wood products to take home? Martin & MacArthur’s Hawaiian Gift Collection has been a trusted name in fine wood products for decades throughout the Hawaiian Islands. More than 300 noted artisans create the diversity of treasures by hand. Located in Whalers Village and The Shops at Wailea.
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Yield to a tantalizing night on the town. Nightlife includes the spell-binding Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Show and the highly acclaimed musical extravaganza “Ulalena,” a $10 million production that has received standing ovations at every single performance in the new Maui Myth & Magic Theatre.
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Some of the best luaus anywhere are held in Lahaina and Kaanapali, so work up a big thirst, a hearty appetite and spend the better part of an afternoon and evening enjoying the lavish feast and entertainment. The Marriott Luau, Hyatt Luau and Royal Lahaina Luau are three great choices.
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If you are on this side of the island for several days, try to mix the endless array of beach and water activities, shopping, sightseeing and dining into each day’s itinerary. One day, for instance, get up early for a seaside breakfast, followed by a leisurely whale-watching boat cruise; shop and sightsee a bit, snacking along the way, followed by a seaside view of the setting sun and an elegant dinner. The next day could include a helicopter tour, nap by your pool or at the beach (Kaanapali and Kapalua are just two of the great beaches along this coastline), more shopping and an evening luau, which includes a lavish dinner and Polynesian entertainment.
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Golf aficionados will be happy to learn that they can vastly improve their game with lessons at the Kapalua Golf Academy. Hawaii’s only state-of-the-art learning center was designed in collaboration with legendary pro Hale Irwin, offering everything from digital video analysis to three-day classes.
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Kids will love a ride aboard the Lahaina-Kaanapali & Pacific Railroad, Maui’s famous “Sugar Cane” train. Call 661-0080 for details.
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Check out the gorgeous fabrics and clothing at Blue Ginger, eight unique retail shops found only in the Hawaiian Islands.
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DRIVE GUIDES are provided free of charge by every rental car company in Hawaii.
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