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Lahaina's famous banyan tree was imported from India and planted next to Lahaina Harbor in 1873, and now it's one of the largest banyans in the country — the size of an entire city block. Check out the art exhibits and other events beneath its shady branches. Lahaina is fairly compact and easy to explore on foot.
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Kaanapali Beach, just north of Lahaina, has been called America's best beach. It has three miles of crystal-clear water and perfect white sand, and its shallow waters are good for snorkeling. During winter, you often see humpback whales off the coast. If you want to explore beyond the town, your best bet is to rent a car.
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The 30,000 acres that make up Haleakala, or "House of the Sun," National Park have stunning landscapes, amazing hiking trails, and guided horseback rides. Experience another side of Maui here. You can see the 10,000-foot Haleakala Crater from almost every point on Maui.
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No matter your taste, you'll be satisfied in Lahaina. You can find everything from the finest Hawaiian Regional Cuisine to a local-style plate lunch with two scoops rice, mac salad and an entree such as teriyaki. During your Maui cruise, try a Hawaii-style shave ice dessert with tropical flavor syrups and azuki beans.
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Check out local arts, crafts and other Hawaii souvenirs such as t-shirts, Hawaiian music CDs and macadamia nuts along Front Street, Lahaina's main drag. For more commercial items, head to Old Lahaina Center, the Lahaina Cannery Mall and Lahaina Gateway.
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Most visitors arrive on Maui by plane via Kahului airport (OGG). The vast majority rents a car there and drives to various Maui destinations, including Lahaina. The Honoapiilani Highway (route 30) is a very picturesque drive along the shore which gets you directly to Lahaina. The drive from the airport is about 40 minutes, though the road may get congested sometimes.
Some people fly to West Maui airport, which is closer to Lahaina (about 15-20 minutes drive).
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Lahaina is very compact, and easily explored on foot. If driving, it is advisable to park one's car and walk. There are a couple of free parking locations, but most charge a nominal fee. In some places, stores can validate your parking ticket.
Front Street is the main thoroughfare of Lahaina, where most popular places are located.
* Maui Car Rental 866-344-7612 [url=http://www.mauicarrentaldiscount.com/|]Maui Car Rental[/url] Car rentals on Maui. Locations at Kahului Airport OGG, Kapalua Airport JHM and Kihei/Wailea.
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Lahaina is not known as a sightseeing destination, and instead is focused mainly on food, souvenirs, and night life. In the course of those activities, however, there are a couple of attractions worthy of attention:
* The Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the golf tournament every January.
*A major early-season men's college basketball tournament, hosted by Chaminade University of Honolulu (an NCAA Division II school) and regularly featuring many of the country's top Division I teams, is held every November at the Lahaina Civic Center.
* The longest offshore sailboat race on the West Coast which starts in Victoria, BC, Canada and ends in Lahaina.
* Considered the center of the city, this huge tree occupies an entire city block. There are a couple of historic places around as well. The tree is said to be over 400 years old.
* A replica of a whaling ship. Great to look at, especially at sunset. Kids will especially enjoy it.
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Widely respected as the best and most authentic Hawaiian luau in the Pacific, the Old Lahaina Luau is a feast for the eyes and stomach. Enjoy fire dancing, hula, tasty drinks and a large assortment of tropical dishes.
* Various boats can take you on dinner cruises, whale watching cruises, fishing rides, or to the island of Lanai. Look for good deals but beware of the "too good to be true" offers, they probably are. Note that during the whale season you'll see whales no matter where you go so getting a separate whale watching cruise may not be necessary. On the other hand, they are usually cheap.
* Officially known as Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad, this is the only train in the whole of Hawaii. It shuttles between Lahaina and Kaanapali. If you choose, you can take a dinner train.
* Take a stroll down the Front Street, along the shore. Watch people, enjoy the weather, simply relax.
* Halloween in Lahaina [http://www.lahainahalloween.com/]. Lahaina is home to one of the wildest Halloween parties on the islands. 25-35,000 costumed participants fill the streets each year to enjoy the jovial festivities. Some of the more elaborate costumes have taken over a year to make, which adds to the complexity of the colorful scene.
*One of several Museums run by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Don't miss the candlelit tour every Friday night starting at 6PM.
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Lahaina is a tourist town so you will find many stores selling souvenirs, cruises, activities, art, Hawaiian trinkets, etc.
* ABC Stores [http://www.abcstores.com/]. They are all over Hawaii, and you will find a couple of them in Lahaina.
* A fantastic book store chockablock with used books in stacks, shelves, counters, and aisles; a bookstore lover's dream. More than 25,000 quality used books are lovingly housed in this shop, where owner JoAnn (and sometimes Ann) treats books and customers well. Specialties include Hawaiiana, fiction, mystery, sci-fi, and military history, with substantial selections in cookbooks, children's books, and philosophy/religion. You could pay as little as $2 for a quality read, or a whole lot more for that rare first edition. Books on tape, videos, the classics, and old guitar magazines are among the treasures of this two-story emporium.
* On the northern side of town, this is a fully enclosed air-conditioned mall that can provide a nice respite from the sun. Other than that, your regular mall with some Hawaiian specific stores.
* If you're staying for a while, there is a supermarket in Lahaina, and Costco, Wal-Mart and other big stores in Kahului.
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There is no shortage of places to eat, despite the small size of the city. There are several restaurants that feature fish along front street that are also oceanside.
* Beach view from a tiki-torch laden deck and very reasonable (on the beach in Lahaina next to the Old Lahaina Luau behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall (apparently owned by and supplied by the same kitchen as the Old Lahaina Luau). Authentic unprententious Hawaiian Cuisine -- service and quality very good for the price (the Panko-Breaded Haupia Hawaiian dessert with passionfruit sauce is very good).
* A theme restaurant based upon its namesake, "Forrest Gump", this restaurant is fun for the whole family (especially if you like shrimp), and a lot cheaper than some other Lahaina restaurants. Right on the ocean in Lahaina.
* A burger joint that launched a chain traces is origins to Lahaina. The burgers are okay, but there is a great party atmosphere, live music, and it's the view that makes the restaurant. A very popular place with tourists so lines can be long.
* No view, and very expensive. a block from the ocean in Lahaina. But the food and service are outstanding.
* Less of a party atmosphere than Cheeseburger in Paradise, but the food is rated higher.
* The view from this restaurant sets it apart from other Hard Rock Cafes; ask to sit outside and you will be blessed with a view of the ocean as well as neighboring islands.
* Great beachfront views and wonderful innovative food, including unusual vegetarian presentations.
* A Lahaina classic for decades, Kimo's is on the ocean side of Front Street in the middle of town. Make reservations for dinner if you don't want a long wait.
* A couple blocks off of Front Street but worth searching out for reasonably priced delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, indoors or out.
* Sunset views are magnificent from this cozy restaurant; if a couple comes before sunset, they would even sit you next to one another so that you both can enjoy. the food is delicious too.
*Their shave ice is made old style with soft fluffy shaved ice saturated with a wide variety of flavors. They offer ice cream on the bottom, mochi, azuki beans and cream over the top all at no extra charge. They also sell Roselani ice cream and many other local favorites.
*serves house made noodles and Asian specialty plates. Low-mid range, great for family.
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Most of the aforementioned reastaurants have great bars. Places like Moose McGillycuddy's and Cheeseburger in Paradise become night clubs after hours. Hard Rock Cafe is on Front Street. Those are just a few choices.
*Great nightclub for the cheap prices.
*Happy hour with $3.00 cocktails and beer, available 7 days a week. Drink specials run every night of the week.
*Restaurant and brewpub with great handcrafted beers.
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As beaches in Lahaina are not that great, most people prefer to stay in other places on Maui, such as [wiki=7428ca33bc75bd0ad63678ae272f4db9]Kaanapali[/wiki] which is only 10-15 minutes away.
* Elegant Affordable Hawaiian Luxury Lahaina Bed & Breakfast Ocean View Rooms with Private Decks.
*Surrounded by 40 lush, beachfront acres with plenty to do. Frolic in the water playground, pamper yourself at the spa, play championship golf and tennis, scuba dive, or ride the waves.
* Maui's premier vacation condo rentals set on a secluded white sand beach and surrounded by a tropical garden setting.
*Rooms available to single adults on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. Fully furnished, including TV and WiFi. The house is located 2 blocks from the hwy, 5 blocks from Front St. It is close to stores, beaches, and the public bus system.
* The only hotel in Lahaina that is right on the beach (good for sunbathing, not so good for swimming because of all the corals), it's minutes away from the city center, right next to 505 Front Street shopping center. Offers condos with full kitchens.
*The oceanfront vacation rental property backyard, living room, kitchen and master bedrooms showcase sweeping ocean views while the front of the house gazes at the peaceful west Maui mountains. From sunrise to sunset,it can serve as a breathtaking backdrop for all vacations or special events. Your wedding party can stay togethor with the wedding couple at your private wedding location on Maui! Sleeps up to 16 in 5 Suites and Ohana, outdoor heart shaped pool, jacuzzi.
* Spacious villa accommodations.
*Newly remodeled, 44-unit Napili Bay beachfront lodging. Most rooms have a fully-equipped kitchen and are stylishly furnished. Rooms without kitchens have mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave oven. All have private lanai and Tempur-Pedic beds. Minutes from airport, Kaanapali and Lahaina.
*Laid-back romantics, this is the home for you. Short walk to the sandy beach and the Historic Lahaina Town!
* Newly remodeled condos in the heart of Lahaina. Enjoy the garden atmosphere in a residential community.
* This company manages numerous Maui vacation rentals. Homes and condos from the luxurious to the affordable are available.
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[[WikiPedia:Lāhainā, Hawai'i]]
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