A day in Lahaina
Lahaina is a former whaling village that is now a bustling tourist town with shops, restaurants and art galleries. It’s only 10 minutes south of Kaanapali, and a 45-minute drive from Wailea.
Many ocean adventures depart from the Lahaina harbor, so you’ll probably head to Lahaina at least once during your trip. Pack your camera, water and some good walking shoes to enjoy the day.
Bring your appetite, as there is lots of food, drinks and treats to try.
Lots of restaurant choices along Front Street in Lahaina. This is the creme brulee at Koa's Seaside Grill.
Here’s a suggested itinerary:
9 a.m. - Kaanapali Beach
Start the morning 10 minutes outside of Lahaina, at Black Rock on Ka’anapali Beach. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, taking a dip in the water, or heading out for a morning snorkel. Black Rock is located on the Sheraton resort property, a limited amount of public parking is available, and best accessed early during the day. Fortunately, early morning is also best in the mornings when the waters are calm and clear.
Start the morning 10 minutes outside of Lahaina, at Kaanapali Beach - voted one of the best beaches in America. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, or swim in the crystal blue calm waters. Grab a spot to soak up the sun anywhere along this three-mile-long beach.
Feeling more adventurous? Try a morning snorkel at Black Rock (the rock formation out front of the Sheraton Hotel). This is a great place for beginners and turtle sightings are guaranteed.
1130 a.m. – Eat and shop.
Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants on Front Street and then spend some time checking out all the local shops. Need a Hawaii T-shirt? ukulele? hat? You’ll find all your souvenirs here.
Check out Honolulu Cookie Company, which is famous for its pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies. Try some of the free samples, and buy some to take home. This is one of three locations Honolulu Cookie Company on Maui.
1:30 p.m. – Photo time.
Stop at the world famous Banyan Tree located in front of the Lahaina Harbor. The tree spans an entire city block and is more then 60 feet high. Right next to the Banyan tree park, you’ll find Banyan Treats – grab one of their famous ice creams sandwiches or any other ice cream treat (Their shortbread cookies are highly recommended with the ice cream)
2 p.m. - Whale watch
During the winter months (November-April) set out on one of the amazing whale watching tours.Tours are available through many different companies throughout the day. Check tour times, and buy tickets in advance to avoid sellouts. Bring your camera; although the tour boats are legally restricted from approaching too closely, the whales will sometimes approach your boat on their own.
4:30 p.m. - History walking tour
When leaving Lahaina Harbor, go across the street and check out the reconstructed part of the Fort of Lahaina. The real fort was demolished in 1854, but in 1964 part of it was reconstructed by the State Parks Department. This one of the many sites you can see as part of a 45 minute Lahaina historic walking tour, which goes into Lahaina’s long and sometimes sordid history as a port of call for rough and gruff whalers.
5: 30 p.m. – Cliff dive ceremony and sunset
The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa hosts a free cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock on Ka’anapali Beach each night. The ceremony begins as the sun sets behind Black Rock.
Watch from the beach, or from the Sheraton’s poolside bar.
In the winter months, you can expect the sun to go down from around 6pm to just after 7p.m in the summer.