HOTELS IN LAHAINA, MAUI ISLAND - HAWAII TRAVEL & LODGING GUIDE

Let Lahaina Take You Away   by Caitlin Moore

In a spare, daydreamy moment, you decide to take a look at a map of the world. Since you have vacationing on your mind, your eyes fall upon an inviting string of islands in the South Pacific, and you lean in to take a closer look. The distinct land masses of Hawaii all look stunning, but for some reason one in particular has you hooked: Maui. Focus in a little further to discover a destination that will truly satisfy your cravings for a carefree getaway. Lahaina is a historic and lovely town that presides over one of Hawaii's highlight isles, and will provide the perfect setting for the realization of your fantasy.

Lahaina is located on the western edge of Maui, an island with about 30 miles of beaches. The place is easily navigable by car and visitors usually end up exploring the hills, valleys and shoreline throughout their stay, but it's nice to have a home base for your wanderings that will provide plenty of stimulation without having to fill up the gas tank and check out a map. Lahaina is perfect for giving your Hawaii vacation a more intimate feel, and you surely won't regret making it the spotlight of your holiday.

Mauna Kahalawai (a mountain range) majestically oversees this region of the island and quietly explains why the Polynesians found this to be a worthy spot to settle in. The Lahaina Heritage Museum makes a good first visit (alright, after quick walk on the beach) and will acquaint you with the influences of the region's colorful and industrious residents from yesterday and today. Take a look at a narrative that includes farming, whaling, and impressive ocean traveling in this historic building in the heart of Lahaina.
 

After you've nourished your brain and become familiar with the area, it'll be time to have some fun. Hit the beach for a snorkeling session, hop on a surfboard, swim with the dolphins, or take in the landscape from above via parasail. All the typical Hawaii adventures will be at your doorstep, so check out the offerings and make a list of your favorites. Few people are lucky enough to spend enough time here to do it all, so if you're only here for a week or so you'll have to prioritize. One activity that should definitely make the list is an event unique to Lahaina. It has been written up in a number of publications and exists as a famous tourist attraction that tends to please everyone. The Old Lahaina Luau consists of traditional cuisine, dancing, music and crafts, and offers the most authentic experience on the island. For a couple of hours, relish the fact that you've stumbled upon another world that resembles nothing you've ever seen before, one that will affect your world view from here on out.

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Front Street is another site that can't be missed. This bustling thoroughfare is the place to find shops, restaurants and tourists galore, and despite its frequent crowds it still feels pretty laid-back. Get your souvenir shopping done or enjoy a mai-tai as your fellow tourists flow by, and prepare yourself for the next enthralling activity of the day.

Between sampling the fresh seafood and standing in awe of the humongous banyan trees that line the streets downtown, not to mention all the time you'll spend soaking in the fun and sun of the beach, your Lahaina trip will surely exceed the expectations you have as you sit there staring at the one-dimensional map on the wall.

To bring it to life even further, picture yourself nestled into a vacation rental. Hotels are plentiful here, but private beach houses will make the holiday a little more special by giving you and your companions the space and amenities you need to truly live it up. Why come all the way to this island in the sea only to settle for less than stellar accommodations. Go online to peruse the Lahaina Vacation Rentals and pick one that excites you. Nothing is better than making your daydreams become realities, so get started as soon as you can.

FEATURED HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII