Overview
Lahaina is a town on the western end of the island of Maui, Hawaii that abounds with restaurants, night clubs, and souvenir shops. Because the western end of Maui is a popular vacation destination, tourism is important to Lahaina. Most tourists, however, eschew Lahaina during the day, choosing instead the beaches of Kaanapali; but life in Lahaina after sunset is quite active.
Much of the town was destroyed in deadly wildfire in August 2023. As of 2025, the town is being rebuilt, but tourism services may be limited.
6 sights · 11 things to do · 14 places to eat · 15 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lahaina
Maui Invitational
One of the most prominent early-season men's college basketball tournaments, held over the Thanksgiving weekend in late November.
PGA Tour's Mercedes-Benz Championship
The Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the golf tournament every January.
Vic-Maui Yacht Race
The longest offshore sailboat race on the West Coast which starts in Victoria, BC, Canada and ends in Lahaina.
Banyan Tree
Considered the center of the city, this huge tree occupies an entire city block. It's one of the largest Banyan trees in the world and was planted in 1873. The tree was seriously damaged in the 2023 wildfires, but is exp…
Carthaginian 2
A replica of a whaling ship. Great to look at, especially at sunset. Kids will especially enjoy it.
Pioneer Mill Co Smokestack and Locomotive Exhibit
Outdoor exhibit dedicated to the old sugar plantation company.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- JHM Kapalua Airport, Lahaina — 6 mi away. Directions
- OGG Kahului International Airport, Kahului — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
Most visitors arrive on Maui by plane via Kahului Airport (OGG). The vast majority of visitors rent cars there and drive 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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $40–$600 a night (typical $190), from 6 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$260, comfortable ~$770.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Maui Invitational, Banyan Tree, Whalewatching cruise
- Lunch Aloha Mixed Plate
- Afternoon Halloween in Lahaina, Maui Nui Lū‘au
- Dinner Bubba Gump
Day 2
- Morning Maui Kayaks, PGA Tour's Mercedes-Benz Championship, Carthaginian 2
- Lunch Cheeseburger in Paradise
- Afternoon Lahaina Historic Trail, Myths of Maui
- Dinner David Paul's
Day 3
- Morning Vic-Maui Yacht Race, Pioneer Mill Co Smokestack and Locomotive Exhibit, Front Street
- Lunch Cool Catz
- Afternoon Old Lahaina Luau, Drums of the Pacific
- Dinner Hard Rock Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Most visitors arrive on Maui by plane via Kahului Airport (OGG). The vast majority of visitors rent cars there and drive 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).
By boat
Cruise ships sometimes anchor near Lahaina and passengers get tendered to shore.
Get around
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.
See
Lahaina is not known as a sightseeing destination, and instead is focused mainly on food, souvenirs, and nightlife. In the course of those activities, however, there are a couple of attractions worthy of attention:
See PGA Tour's Mercedes-Benz Championship
The Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the golf tournament every January.
See Vic-Maui Yacht Race
The longest offshore sailboat race on the West Coast which starts in Victoria, BC, Canada and ends in Lahaina.
See Banyan Tree
Considered the center of the city, this huge tree occupies an entire city block. It's one of the largest Banyan trees in the world and was planted in 1873. The tree was seriously damaged in the 2023 wildfires, but is expected to survive, with extensive rehabilitation ongoing.
See Carthaginian 2
A replica of a whaling ship. Great to look at, especially at sunset. Kids will especially enjoy it.
Do
Do Whalewatching cruise
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.
- Maui Adventure Tours Kayak Co. offers guided kayaking, snorkeling, and seasonal whale-watching experiences along Maui's West Coast. Tours include opportunities to explore coastal waters, snorkel with Hawaiian marine life, and, during whale season, observe humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Do Front Street
Take a stroll down the Front Street, along the shore. Watch people, enjoy the weather, relax.
Do Halloween in Lahaina
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.
Luau
Buy
Lahaina is a tourist town so you will find many stores selling souvenirs, cruises, activities, art, Hawaiian trinkets, etc. If you're staying for a while, there is a supermarket in Lahaina, and Costco, Wal-Mart and other big stores in Kahului.
Scuba shops
- Banyan Tree Divers Maui, +1 808-446-6099.
- In2Scuba Diving Maui Dive Co., +1 808-264-8198.
- Lahaina Divers +1 808-667-7496.
- Extended Horizons +1 808-667-0611.
Eat
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.
Eat Aloha Mixed Plate
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).
Eat Bubba Gump
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.
Eat Cheeseburger in Paradise
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.
Eat David Paul's
No view, and very expensive. a block from the ocean in Lahaina. But the food and service are outstanding.
Eat Cool Catz
Less of a party atmosphere than Cheeseburger in Paradise, but the food is rated higher.
Eat Hard Rock Cafe
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.
Eat Io
Great beachfront views and wonderful innovative food, including unusual vegetarian presentations.
Eat Kimo's
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.
Eat Lahaina Coolers
A couple blocks off of Front Street but worth searching out for reasonably priced delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, indoors or out.
Eat Lahaina Fish Company
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.
Eat Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar
There are several restaurants with ocean views in Lahaina, but this restaurant on a rooftop is the only one that gives you a 360-degree view of both the ocean and the mountains. Food is good but service is slow. If the weather isn't indicating a rooftop experience, the downstairs dining area is covered, offers a great view, and has a slightly more casual menu with appropriately lower prices.
Eat Longhis
Consistently gets mixed reviews; some love it, others will never go back.
Eat Prison St Pizza
New Jersey-style pizza. They sell beer.
Eat Lahaina Grill
High class eating establishment in downtown Lahaina. Top rated food from steak to fish, great daily specials and options for kids.
Drink
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.
Sleep
As beaches in Lahaina are not that great, most people prefer to stay in other places on Maui, such as Kaanapali which is only 10-15 minutes away.
Stay Lahaina Shores Beach Resort
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.
Stay Maikai Hale Oceanfront Estate Vacation Rental Property (Lahaina Accommodations Oceanfront Rental Property in Lahaina)
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 together 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.
Go next
- Kaanapali, a small town located on Maui's Western shore that close to Lahaina.
Nearby
Kaanapali
City / town · 20 listings · 4 mi away
Napili
City / town · 3 listings · 8 mi away
Kapalua
City / town · 31 listings · 9 mi away
Waikapu
City / town · 3 listings · 11 mi away
Wailuku
City / town · 7 listings · 12 mi away
Ma'alaea
City / town · 5 listings · 13 mi away
Kahului
City / town · 22 listings · 14 mi away
Lanai
City / town · 25 listings · 16 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.