Click map for a larger view
The Lahaina Destination is located in the North Pacific Ocean and makes up four of the Hawaiian islands: Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Maui. Lahaina, the namesake of the destination, is a city located on the island of Maui. The ideal time to visit this area is said to be late May to late September.[1] Hawaii is known for its various activities that attract a relatively large number of tourists each year. Specific locations in Lahaina include Front Street, Bailey, Museum, and the Lahaina Courthouse.[2] Other draws to the area include exploring dormant volcanoes, driving the Hana Road, visiting the Pools of ‘Ohe’s, and the beaches such as Kaanapali Beach and Maui Beach. The longest undeveloped beach on the island of Maui is Makena Beach, also known as "Big Beach." Surfing is a popular activity to do in the destination; some say the activity is "nearly synonymous with Hawaii."[3] Snorkeling and diving are common along the coast of the islands; during these activities, one may have the opportunity to see turtles, sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, and Hawaiian Monk seals.[5] The climate of the destination is described as warm and muggy, with the average temperatures ranging between 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees.[4] Currently, the tropical island of Maui is the third most populous island in the state of Hawaii, with a population of 144,444 people.[6]
The Lahaina Destination is located in the Hawaiin islands and consists of four islands: Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Maui. Lahaina is a city located on the island of Maui and is the “largest census-designated place in West Maui.” Lahaina’s name means “cruel sun,” according to the Hawaiin language. This city has a population of 12,702 people as of the 2020 census. However, due to the high tourism rate in the area, the population often spikes to nearly 40,000 people during peak tourist season. The town became more populated in 1795 due to the unification of all the Hawaiian islands, also becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii between the years 1802 to 1845. In current times, the tropical town has various attractions that draw in a relatively large number of tourists each year. Such attractions located in Lahaina consist of Front Street, Bailey Museum, Lahaina Courthouse, and the historic district of Lahaina.[2]
Maui is generally known for its “beautiful beaches, surfing, dramatic scenery, and wonderful climate.” On the island, there is the Haleakala National Park featuring a 10,023-foot inactive volcano. This attraction has various activities capable within its limits, such as watching the sunrise by reservation, exploring the dormant volcano, and visiting the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, created by freshwater waterfalls in the valley. Driving or riding the 40-mile Hana Road is a popular activity among tourists since it is a remote village in the entire state of Hawaii, which has allowed the area to be relatively untouched by the effects of tourism. Beaches are respectively one of the biggest draws to Hawaii in general; popular beaches in Maui include Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach, the latter beach being considered “Maui’s finest beach.”[3]
Molokai, one of the other islands in the Lahaina Destination, is the fifth most populated island in the state of Hawaii. The name of this island has had various meanings, such as “land of abundance,” “powerful prayer,” and “of the goddess of Hina.” Molokai, unlike other Hawaiin islands, has “resisted private develops’ attempts to increase tourism because of the irreparable changes to community and culture that are associated with a tourism industry.”[7] Things to do on this island include Halawa Valley Cultural Hike, visiting Papohaku Beach Park, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, and visiting the Kamakou Preserve.[8]
Another common draw to the destination is the Hawaiin culture located on the four islands in the region. Lahaina offers visitors the opportunity to “immerse yourself in Maui and the Hawaiin culture by learning about the ancient mode of seafaring by canoe, take a hiking tour with local guides at Hike Maui.” In the area, there is also a Buddhist temple called Jodo Mission that was built in 1931. This area is often said to look more like Japan than the island of Maui.[9] It’s recommended that visitors come to the Lahaina Destination between the months of late May to late September due to the relatively hotter weather that is said to be desirable when doing the various activities in the region.[1] However, the winter months of Hawaii have been found to be an ideal time to go whale watching. The namesake of the destination has a channel “off the coast of Lahaina [which] is one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales.”[9]
Four islands in Hawaii make up the Lahaina Destination, specifically the Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Maui islands. All four islands are located next to the Island of Hawaii. Maui is the largest island in the region, with Kaho’olawe being the smallest. The islands belong to the state of Hawaii, located in the North Pacific Ocean. Maui is home to the namesake of the destination, Lahaina, which is a city located on the western coast of the island.
Maui is comprised of 729 square miles of land, making it the second largest island in Hawaii. The island itself was formed by two volcanos- Puu Kukui and Haleakala. These volcanos also created a “7-mile wide valley-like isthmus that has earned Maui the nickname of the ‘valley isle.’”[10] This island is also known as a “lush green tropical paradise filled with jungles, deserts, tropical beaches, cloud forests, [and] giant volcanoes.” The tropical islands of Hawaii have a considerable amount of flora. Specifically, Maui features plants such as the plumeria, hibiscus, bird of paradise (flower), and bamboo, to name a few. Due to the destination being comprised of isolated islands, there are relatively sparse types of fauna. Life found on the islands includes various kinds of bugs such as spiders, ants, and cockroaches. Land mammals that live on the four different islands in the destination include mongoose, axis deer, Ferrel pigs, and hoary bats. There is a considerable amount more life in the ocean surrounding the four islands in the region. It’s said that the “abundant coral reefs and rocky shores host a huge variety and abundance of life.” Due to this, snorkeling and diving are popular activities in the area. Sea creatures that are commonly sighted in the destination include sea turtles, sharks, humpback whales, Hawaiian Monk seals, and dolphins.[5]
Lahaina has a climate often referred to as warm and muggy. This city is specifically recommended to be visited between May to early October. However, the weather throughout the year sees little to no variation, “Lahaina varies so little throughout the year that it is not entirely meaningful to discuss hot and cold seasons.” Overall, the weather in this area ranges from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees.[4]
Maui, the island that is home to the namesake of the destination, Lahaina, was originally inhabited by Polynesians from Tahiti. The Polynesian people first introduced the kapu system to the island, which is said to become “the core of Hawai’ian culture.” In 1790, the king of Hawaii, King Kamehameha 1, invaded Maui island but didn’t conquer the island until a few years later. The first Europeans to come to land arrived two years prior to the invasion. More Europeans followed, such as traders, whalers, loggers, and missionaries. During this time, Lahaina was designated as the Hawaiian capital.[2]
The county of Maui, consisting of the four islands in the Lahaina Destination, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai, is said to have previously formed one land mass known as Maui Nui, meaning “Great Maui.” In current times each island has seen growth in population and in the economy. Tourism is the largest contributor to the destination’s economy.[10] Other contributors include retail, health care, business services, and government. It’s said that Maui “has a significant presence in agriculture and information technology.” Agriculture on the island of Maui includes farming corn, fruits, cattle, and vegetables. Specifically papaya, pineapple, and macadamia nuts.[2]
Maui currently has a current population of 144,444 people, making it the third most populous island in Hawaii.[2] The people living on this island are said to be “warm and friendly, with a strong sense of kinship and cooperation.” Caucasians are the biggest ethnic group on this island, followed by Filipinos, Japanese, and Hawaiians. “Maui is a melting pot of more than 50 diverse ethnic groups,” which is said to have brought in a variety of religions. Notable sects found on the island include Christianity, Hinduism, traditional Hawaiian religion, and Buddhism.[11]
What a Wonderful World Bed and Breakfast is situated on Maui near the beach. In the small town of Kihei, the property sits on one acre and has a 5000 square foot home. There are 4 suites, each with a unique name and style of a beachside Hawaiian home. Each suite has a private bath and a queen or king-sized bed. Guests are provided a breakfast basket with various pastries, fruit, drinks, and entrees. The owners of the property strive to create an atmosphere where guests can relax and hope that they can enjoy themselves on the island. Many of the business's guests are couples, however, the bed and breakfast is family-friendly. The establishment is often busiest during the summer and fall months but often gets many guests during the winter as well. What a Wonderful World was established in 1995 and was a goal for the owners for several years.
...Read MoreMaui Guest House
The Maui Guest House is located between Lahaina and Kaanapali on the Hawaiian island of Maui. There are a total of four rooms that guests can stay in, with each room having a private bathroom, split-system air conditioning, and a TV and DVD player, among other amenities. Outside of the rooms, those staying at the house can also gather in the living room, family room, or the decks outside. The upper deck, in particular, offers a view of the ocean. Other amenities that guests have 24-hour access to include the saltwater pool and hot tub. There are also laundry facilities where the detergent is provided. Breakfast is not served on the property; however, guests are free to make their own meals in the relatively fully stocked kitchen. Tanna, the owner of the house, says, “my home is your home,” hoping that guests will feel like they are staying at a close friend or family member’s house.
...Read MoreOld Lahaina House is a bed and breakfast located in Lahaina, Hawaii, on the western side of Maui. The business offers four units: Poolside Suite, Malcolm Room, Pineapple Room, and Riviera Room. Each room has its own theme and unique decorations, though they all come with similar amenities. The swimming pool in the backyard is open all day and night, though patrons must keep the noise to a minimum during quiet hours. The establishment is unable to make accommodations for pets. Old Lahaina House is within walking distance of Lahaina Beach and Front Street. Lahaina Beach offers opportunities for visitors to participate in water recreation activities, and Front Street has a variety of shops and restaurants. According to the inn's manager, it is the first bed and breakfast to open on Maui, having opened in the 1990s.
...Read MoreMaui Home Lahaina
Maui Home Lahaina is located in Lahaina, Hawaii. The house can be reserved in two ways: either guests can rent the bottom floor as a one-bedroom, one-bath, which gives them access to all amenities on that floor and outside of the home, or they can reserve it as a two-bedroom, two-bath, with the same access in addition to the top floor. Two bedrooms are available at Maui Home Lahaina, one on the top floor and one on the bottom floor. A saltwater pool and a hot tub are open to patrons in the backyard, and a patio and outdoor shower are also available. The property is located near Baby Beach, which, according to the manager of the business, is one of the main draws to the area. The town of Lahaina is also something that brings visitors to the home because of its proximity to the town.
...Read More
Find on Google Maps