Best things to do in Lahaina

Located in a popular beachfront resort, Ka'anapali Beach attracts visitors with its warm sands and shallow waters close to shore. You can board a tour boat right from the beach, or drop by one of many kiosks along the sands to rent snorkeling gear or purchase sunscreen. The beach also features several booths where you can sign up for sailing and surfing lessons, or find out about upcoming luaus and kayaking excursions. Several major hotels and shops surround the beach, along with a shopping complex and a renowned whaling museum. For an ultimate Hawaiian vacation within walking distance of this beach, book a stay at the nearby condominium village.

One of the area's most famous highways, Hana Highway - Road to Hana is about the journey rather than the destination. Your 84 km (52 mi) trip between Kahului and Hana will guide you to some of the island's most beautiful sites, many of which are significant in local mythology. You can drive the road yourself or take a tour. The latter is a better option for nervous drivers because the winding road is very narrow. Along the way, you'll see towering waterfalls, miles of coastline, and gardens, and will have several opportunities for hiking or swimming. Food vendors are dotted along the highway, but it's a good idea to bring water and snacks with you. Stop at Halfway to Hana to sample some of its famous banana bread.

A guided snorkeling or scuba diving trip from Lahaina allows you to take a break from the bustling streets and beaches of this popular getaway and explore the island's turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life. With a vast variety of guided tours--by luxury sailing boat, speedboat, or kayak--you'll easily choose one that suits your budget and schedule. Whether you prefer to break a sweat and paddle or lay back and relax on a comfy boat deck, you'll visit some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the area, including Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, and Turtle Town. Most tours include complimentary breakfast or lunch (if not both) regardless of their duration (2 to 6 hours).

Occupying the site of an old fort, spans just under 1 hectare (2 acres) and contains several heritage sites on the  self-guided trail through the town's historical district. The star attraction of the park is a banyan tree, planted here in 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first American Protestant mission in Lahaina. Now the largest banyan tree in all of Hawaii, the giant trunk and its aerial root system cover nearly 2,700 sq m (29,000 sq ft) of the park. Native to India, this banyan is one of 60 types of fig trees currently found on the islands of Hawaii. 

Get a close-up view of Hawaii’s diverse marine life at Maui Ocean Center. This aquarium has recreated Hawaii’s ocean ecosystem and hosts only animals that naturally occur in the region. Gain a deeper understanding of the islands’ rich underwater world from more than 60 exhibits and information displays. Explore the Open Ocean exhibit, which features a 240-degree-view acrylic tunnel through a 2.8 million l (750,000 gal) tank. You’ll feel like you’re walking the ocean floor as y+F16ou watch sharks, stingrays, and thousands of tropical reef fish. Certified divers can even swim in the massive tank.

Known primarily for its dramatic sunrises and sunsets, Haleakala Crater is the world's largest dormant volcano, forming more than 75 percent of the island of Maui. Over a million years old, the volcano is locally known as the "House of the Sun," its tallest peak rising up to 3,055 m (10,023 ft) above sea level. You can reach the summit, gaze into the crater, or walk across its floor by hiking up a series of rugged trails. Though there's little chance of an eruption, you must be extremely careful on the steep and often treacherous paths. Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately for cold temperatures at the summit.

Known as the "hidden gem" of Maui, Napili Beach offers swimming, snorkeling, and a possibility of encountering sea turtles. It is a rare beach on the island where there are no sharp coral reefs on the shoreline. The ocean bottom is soft and sandy, and rather steep, which makes it suitable for surfing, given that the weather permits. Showers and toilets are available, and there is a general store several minutes away. You will find food places in the area too. Shade is not common, so bring a sun umbrella.

In a tropical valley with its own tropical microclimate, Iao Valley attracts visitors with its spire-shaped Needle. Take a walk through the botanical garden to overlook the Needle, a 370 m (1200 ft) tall lava remnant. The valley itself was once a burial ground for rulers, and the monument was used as a sacrificial altar. One of the bloodiest battles of Hawaii also occurred at this spot. For these reasons, hiking through the area is not permitted. Instead, follow the paved paths and read the info boards.

Wailea Beach offers silky smooth sand, warm water, and turtles swimming through the waves. With shallow water for non-swimmers, and no rocks to hurt your feet, it’s easy to see why this beach is considered one of the most beautiful on Maui. Bathroom and shower facilities are available, and you can rent an umbrella. To see moee of the the coral and fish, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board.

The main street of town, Lahaina Front Street offers unparalleled views of the city's coastline, a sense of its whaling history, and a look at a tree that takes up a whole city block. The wooden buildings that once lined the street have been replaced by restaurants, shops, and art galleries. But follow the Lahaina Historic Trail for a tour of 62 significant sites in the city--including more than a dozen dotted along this street. One of these is a Banyan tree imported from India in 1873. This impressive tree stands 18 m (60 ft) tall and spans an entire block. Restaurants ranging from Bubba Gump's Seafood to the Hard Rock Cafe to the more upscale Longhi's Restaurant. Many bars and late-night places extend the fun well into the evening.

Glide above the exotic tropical scenery of Maui on a guided zipline tour from Ka'anapali. This type of activity is ideal for those looking for an adrenaline kick in a safe but exciting, controlled environment. Trained guides will ensure you get a safety briefing and don your gear correctly, so that you can concentrate on zipping over the island's scenic landscape. A zipline tour could last from 2 to 8 hours, with varying difficulty levels at adventure courses--keep in mind that some have age and weight restrictions.