After zip line rides, whale watching excursions, sunset dinner cruises, surfing lessons, helicopter tours, et cetera, et cetera, you may be ready for a low budget, relaxing day on Maui. There is no better place than Lahaina, the old capital and favorite home site of the Hawaiian kings. Time for a low cost exploration of Front Street, Lahaina’s main street which runs along the coast.
A good place to start is the banyan tree. Not a banyan tree, but THE banyan tree in the park between Front Street and Lahaina’s marina. The banyan tree, planted in 1873 when it was only eight feet tall, now covers two thirds of an acre with a diameter of 200 feet. There are many benches available so we will use one of these to sit and plan our trip. There is usually plenty of room except on some weekends when it is the site of an arts and crafts exhibition/marketplace.
Adjacent to the banyan tree is the Old Lahaina Court House which is now a free public museum and bookstore. It is a great place to learn about the history of Maui with emphasis on the early missionaries and the whaling industry. If you are getting hungry, there is a Burger King on the other side of Front Street.
In front of the Court House is the Lahaina Harbor and Marina. It doesn’t cost anything to walk along the docks and check out the whale watching and sport fishing boats. Take your time and you might be offered a bargain trip for later.
Next to the park is the local school. Walk past it staying on the ocean side of Front Street and you will come to Kamehameha Iki Park.
This is the finish line for a race held every January which features a marathon, half marathon, 15k and 5k. They all finish at the same place which makes for some challenging logistics. Walk out and sit on the beach or under one of the shade trees. There will usually be a surfing class a hundred yards out.
Retrace your steps on Front Street and check out the Pioneer Inn, built in 1904 and lovingly restored. Stop in for a drink at happy hour and listen to the music. We especially enjoyed Tuesday nights with Ah Tim, a big Hawaiian with a voice to match his size.
Pick up a brochure for the Lahaina Historical Trail. There are over 25 sites within this small area of Lahaina.
Next to the Pioneer Inn is a small park, the site of the Hauola Royal Birthing Stone, where royalty came to birth their children. There is also a brick outline at the site of one of the Hawaiian king’s summer home. This is the perfect place to sit on the sea wall and watch the sun set over the island of Lanai across the channel.
If you are ready for a mile hike and some more good food head up Front Street to Aloha Mixed Plate. Try the loco moco for breakfast or the combination plate for lunch or dinner. This is the best bargain on Maui. Great view of the water with all the tables shaded by huge trees and umbrellas.
Enjoy your almost free day. There is enough to see and do in Lahaina that it may take you several days, a week, or a lifetime.
