The charms of Lahaina, Maui

Lahaina, Maui.

If you visited West Maui, you have definitely stopped at Lahaina. After all, it’s the most happening town in West Maui (though that’s not perhaps saying much). It has all the tourists descending on its oceanside Front Street in the evening. The endless passage of tourists, the restaurants, the shops, the scamming salesmen hawking free almost everything, the hustle and the bustle. This is the touristy place in Maui. If you want peace and quiet, you should rather be watching sunset from Piilani Highway.

Lahaina used to be a whaling town long ago, before petroleum became the fuel of choice over whale oil. The Whale Museum preserves some of that heritage. There is a old-world look about the Front Street area of Lahaina. The coral-walled fort (that is no longer there, save for a wall), the coral-walled prison (that is still there, with walls made using the coral bricks from the fort), the storefronts with balconies, all evoke memories of a time long past.

Downtown Lahaina

A wood carver by the road side

The center of Lahaina is perhaps the big Banyan tree near the old court house (now a whaling museum). Its a nice big tree with benches to sit on underneath. We were lucky to see an art exhibition being held under the tree. It was Christmas time, and the tree was lit up at night.

Big Banyan tree at Lahaina

R on the Banyan tree in Lahaina town square

Art exhibition at the Big Banyan tree

Big Banyan tree at night

Lahaina changes into a more romantic garb, come evening. The sunset casts an orange glow over the oceanfront. The tiki lamps start to glow at places. Lahaina does look good at day time, but perhaps looks better at night.

Sunset at Front Street

Lahaina Front Street at dusk

Lahaina Front Street after dark

A painter at work