Lahaina, named for the relentless sun, was once the thriving Whaling Capital of the Pacific. Now it is seen as a National Historic Landmark. With it's picturesque timber-frame buildings, and spectacular views across to the islands of Lanai and Molokai, the waterfront is irresistible.
Lahaina is now the center of the Pacific Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary. Lahaina is also full of art galleries. Some say that Maui sells more art than anyplace else except New York.
The largest living thing on Maui is Lahaina's Banyan Tree. Thousands of mynah birds engulf the tree as it comes alive with their evening songs. The tree actually looks more like a park full of trees from a distance, but it is all one REALLY BIG TREE. It was brought here from India as an 8 foot tree in 1873. Now it is over 60 feet tall, and covers 2/3rds of an acre with 12 major trunks. On Saturdays local artists show their work under the tree. This amazing tree makes for great shade in the heat of the day.
Lahaina Town used to be the whaling capital of the central pacific. This historical town was once frequented by Royalty. For hundreds of years the best and the worst of seamen and pirates have called this port home in a storm. The King had to make a jail just for drunken sailors.
Lahaina began to decline about 1843 when Hawaii's whaling business diminished and the islands' capital was moved to Honolulu. Tourism, sugar, and pineapple are now Maui's main industries.
If you take an early morning voyage out of Lahaina you might be lucky enough to find your boat surrounded by a pod of dolphins.
Other Related Travel Articles:
Other Lahaina Sites Worth Visiting: