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Lahaina, HI
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Lahaina is the largest town and census-designated place (CDP) in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States, and the gateway to the famous Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts north of town. As of the 2000 Census, the CDP had a resident population of 9,118. Lahaina encompasses the coast along Hawaii Route 30 from a tunnel at the south end, through Olawalu up the CDP of Napili-Honokowai is to the north. During the heavy tourist seasons, the population can swell to nearly 40,000 people. Before Hawaii's annexation by the United States, Lahaina was the "Royal Capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom" as city signs proclaim. The name means "merciless sun" in the Hawaiian language, describing the long hot days; Lahaina averages only of rain per year, much of which occurs from December through February. In the 1800s, Lahaina was the center of the global whaling industry with many sailing ships anchored in front of town; today a score of pleasure craft make their home there.
HistoryIn Lahaina, the focus of activity is along Front Street, which dates back to the 1820s. It is lined with stores and restaurants, and is often packed with tourists. Banyan Tree Square features an exceptionally large banyan tree planted in 1873 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the missionaries. It is also the site of the reconstructed ruins of Lahaina Fort, originally built in 1832.
Lahaina is the largest town and census-designated place (CDP) in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States, and the gateway to the famous Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts north of town. As of the 2000 Census, the CDP had a resident population of 9,118. Lahaina encompasses the coast along Hawaii Route 30 from a tunnel at the south end, through Olawalu up the CDP of Napili-Honokowai is to the north. During the heavy tourist seasons, the population can swell to nearly 40,000 people. Before Hawaii's annexation by the United States, Lahaina was the "Royal Capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom" as city signs proclaim. The name means "merciless sun" in the Hawaiian language, describing the long hot days; Lahaina averages only of rain per year, much of which occurs from December through February. In the 1800s, Lahaina was the center of the global whaling industry with many sailing ships anchored in front of town; today a score of pleasure craft make their home there.
HistoryIn Lahaina, the focus of activity is along Front Street, which dates back to the 1820s. It is lined with stores and restaurants, and is often packed with tourists. Banyan Tree Square features an exceptionally large banyan tree planted in 1873 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the missionaries. It is also the site of the reconstructed ruins of Lahaina Fort, originally built in 1832.
Prior to unification of the islands, in 1795, the town was sacked by Kamehameha the Great. Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. In 1824, at the request of the chiefs, Betsey Stockton started the first mission school open to the common people. It was once an important destination for the 19th century whaling fleet, whose presence at Lahaina frequently led to conflicts with the Christian missionaries living there. On more than one occasion the conflict was so severe that it led to the shelling of Lahaina by whaleboats.
GeographyLahaina is located at (20.886122, -156.674602).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.0 square miles (18.1 km²), of which, 5.8 square miles (14.9 km²) of it is land and 1.2 square miles (3.2 km²) of it is water. The total area is 17.50% water.
AttractionsThe banyan tree in Courthouse Square is noteworthy for its size. As a strangling fig, it has grown by dropping roots from its branches that then become additional trunks, allowing it to cover two-thirds of an acre.
In 1831 a fort was built for defense, and the remains of its walls and original cannons can still be seen. Also near by is the historical Pioneer Inn. The Baldwin House is also close by.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the PGA Tour's Mercedes-Benz Championship every January.
The many restaurants along Front Street, some of national renown like Bubba Gump, others local, offer a broad variety of food and entertainment, making the street the hub of West Maui's night life.
Halloween is a major celebration in Lahaina and has become a signature event in the past decades with crowds averaging between 20,000 to 30,000. The evening starts off closing Front Street to cars so the Keiki Parade of children in costumes can begin. Eventually adults in costumes join in and by dark, it's one big party. Coming to Maui for halloween has caught on, however, the celebration is well-attended by locals as well.
Every November, Lahaina hosts the Maui Invitational, one of the top early-season tournaments in college basketball. Many of the visitors to the Tournament and other events, including Halloween, use the occasion of their visit to Lahaina to stock up on items not available on the US Mainland or in other countries.
External links Old Lāhainā Luau Photo
Live webcams of several of Lahaina's beaches are available on the Maui Beach Guide
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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art, craft, market, shopping
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By Shanib2
4 days
This 4-Day trip to Lahaina, Hana & Kihei on the island of Maui, will have you immersed in water sports! Sail with Trilogy, learn to surf with Goofy Foot Surf School, Scuba dive with B & B Scuba Diving Services. Even body-surf at Makena State Park. An adventure vacation in the sun at one of the Top US Destinations!
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By Walker
5 days
This 5-Day trip will include the cities of Lahaina, Kihei, Hana, Paia and end up in Makena, where there are several excellent golf courses! Maui is a Top US Destination so this will be a most excellent vacation!
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1 person reviewed Lahaina
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Top
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at 8:00AM May 29, 2008
Feast of LeLe is a must see
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