Located on Maui’s northwest coast, Lahaina is one of Hawaii’s most historic towns, home to golden beaches and bright blue waters, but also a lively main street and a thriving art scene. The Lahaina Historic District encompasses most of the town, and you’ll observe plenty of well-preserved buildings and a traditional seaport designated as a National Historic Landmark. Lahaina’s centerpiece is Front Street, a vibrant thoroughfare that takes you past fruit stands, seafood restaurants with outdoor dining, and souvenir shops selling handcrafted goods. You’ll also find the amazing banyan tree here — an 150-year-old tree that sprawls the equivalent of a city block. But to really plug into Lahaina’s vibe, you need to explore its art scene. There are more than 40 fine art galleries clustered together in the small town, and you can experience most of them on Friday Night is Art Night on Fridays.

Lahaina is sometimes called Lela, which means “endless sun,” and needless to say there are many beaches nearby for soaking up the sunshine, whether it’s snorkeling the coral at Ka'anapali Beach, relaxing in the soft sand of Napili Bay, or swimming the shallow waters at Baby Beach.

Lahaina is serviced by the Kahului Airport (OGG), around 40 minutes away; taxis and private shuttles are available from the airport, as well as a direct bus service that will get you into Lahaina in around one hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle at the airport, which will allow you to explore Maui at your own leisure. Once you arrive in Lahaina, you can comfortably navigate the town as many shops, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance. If you plan to visit towns and beaches nearby, renting a car may be your best option.

Lahaina is a great year-round destination with many vacation rentals available for your stay, including houses and condos. The warmest months are July through September when you can expect hot and humid temperatures. In September, a blues and jazz festival takes place in nearby Wailea, showcasing local musicians in a week of concerts around the town.

If you’d prefer to visit when things are a little quieter, March to June and October to February see a drop in visitors. The weather will be cooler, and you may get some rain, but you can still expect mostly pleasant temperatures for enjoying the beach.

In October, Lahaina plays host to one of the most beloved Halloween celebrations in Hawaii. Front Street comes alive with music, food, and Halloween-themed activities. Be aware that the hurricane season in Hawaii is from June to November.

Ka'anapali Beach

Just 10 minutes from town is one of Maui’s most picturesque beaches, Ka’anapali Beach. This three-mile stretch of golden soft sand and calm waters is ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling, with an abundance of coral and tropical fish to explore. Come at nighttime to watch a traditional Hawaiian cliff-diving ceremony. This beach is also a great place to catch a legendary Hawaiian sunset.

The Lahaina Historic Trail

Lahaina was the first capital of Hawaii, and along this self-guided historical walking tour, you can visit 62 sites that have been designated National Historical Landmarks. You’ll pass by the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Wo Hing Temple, and the Lahaina Jodo Mission, which highlight Chinese and Japanese influence on Maui. Look out for bronze plaques along the trail, which offer interesting stories about the landmarks. You can pick up a walking guide at the Lahaina Visitor Center in the Old Lahaina Courthouse.

Lahaina Banyan Tree

The 60-foot-tall Banyan Tree sprawling along Front Street is the biggest tree of its kind in the United States. Imported from India and planted in front of the Courthouse in 1873, it is now a landmark and a staging place for local events like Art in the Park, where you can browse paintings, prints, and crafts every second and fourth weekend of the month.