From the thriving historic Lahaina town to pristine sands of Makena’s Big Beach.
Lahaina’s Front Street is the center of activity awash with shops and eateries as well as historical attractions from the missionary and whaling days. Lahaina was once a major whaling town and the harbor is now a major departure point for whale watching tours as well as trips to Lanai and Molokai and charter fishing trips. Lahaina and Makena provide classic Hawaii vacation day.
Boutiques and souvenir shops along Front Street include lots of local arts and crafts.
One of the town’s most historical structures overlooking the harbor is the Pioneer Inn built in 1901 by a Royal Canadian Mountie. Maui’s Sheriff planted a Banyan Tree in 1873 that is also now a focal point of the town and place where concerts and gatherings are held.
Other notable historical sites in Lahaina include the Lahaina Courthouse built in 1859 of coral, Wo Hing Temple now displaying sugarcane era artifacts, and the 1834 Baldwin House now re- stored as a missionary museum.
Stay nearby in one of our Lahaina vacation rentals
When you have finished enjoying the sights and attractions of Lahaina head over to Kihei and then south where pristine beaches and posh resorts await you.
The 700-acre Kealia Pond National Wildlife Reserve in Kihei is home to many native species. A boardwalk takes visitors over the ponds. South of the bustling town of Kihei is the resort area of Wailea and the district of Makena.
One immaculate beach with no homes or hotels along the shore and with beautiful white sand is Makena’s Big Beach, also called Oneloa. The beach is just south of Wailea and is 3,000 feet long with a “makena” (abundance) of sand.
Just past Makena Beach, after passing over some Haleakala volcano lava flows, you will see La Perouse Bay which is part of the AhihiKinau Marine Preserve. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular at the Reserve which includes many important cultural sites.
The 7-mile-long Hoapili Trail includes some strenuous climbs as it traverses the rugged landscape.The trailhead is located at the end of Makena Road.