photo by inversed

Like a bull’s-eye, Lahaina, with a population of 10,100, is the dead center of West Maui’s coastline.

King Kamehameha I made this his residence, and later, in 1790, after he conquered most of the islands, he made it his capital. During the nineteenth century, Lahaina was a whaling port. Missionaries came to try and tame the debauchery and general chaos. Whaling declined, and was replaced with sugar production. In 1845, the location of the state capital was transferred to Honolulu.

The recent well-planned development of resorts at Kaanapali has re-invigorated Lahaina with the tourist dollar. The city has a thriving arts community, and each Friday night galleries open to the public and offer complimentary pupus (appetizers).

To get to Lahaina, fly into Kahului International Airport, then drive either around the north shore and then down, or cut across toward Maalaea Bay and drive up the coast.

Attractions in Lahaina include the famous Banyan Tree, whose trunks support a vast canopy shading almost 1 acre. Behind the tree is the 1850s courthouse, and in the pleasant boat harbor, one finds the Old Fort as well as the square-rigged Carthaginian II, a floating museum dedicated to whales.

Across the road is the Pioneer Inn, the island’s first hotel. Also nearby is one of the oldest buildings in the town, the Baldwin Home (circa 1850), now a museum, as well as an old prison, and numerous attractive parks and beaches.

Lahaina’s restaurants are above average in quality, and there are plenty of lodging choices.