Hawaii Travel: Lahaina Accommodations
23. June 2008
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On the west side of Maui lies the charming seaside village of Lahaina. A perfect amalgam of historically restored monuments and modern buildings, Lahaina is the ideal place to spend a breezy day in Maui window shopping and people watching. Whether taking in a movie at the local theatre or sipping on a Chi-Chi at Kimos restaurant, Lahaina is the perfect waterfront island town.
Once a whaling metropolis in the mid 1900s, modern Lahaina is a charming (albeit small) commercial village nestled directly adjacent the sparkling Pacific Ocean. With numerous restaurants, shops, movie theatres, art galleries, and historical monuments grouped together in a unique cluster, Lahaina town is considered West Mauis most entertaining village.
Lahaina Accommodation Options
Interestingly and despite its massive popularity, Lahaina Town doesnt have much to offer as far as formal accommodations. Outside the occasional inn and motel, Lahaina is more of a destination than vacation spot. While nearly everyone who vacations on Mauis west side makes at least one trip to Lahaina, most choose to stay either at nearby Kaanapali or Kahana.
If you are thinking about traveling to Maui any time soon, you absolutely must set aside time to visit Lahaina. Stunning 360 days out of each year, Lahaina offers something for everyone. Whether you want to catch some rays while having lunch outside, or you want to cast your fishing line off shore, Lahaina is the ideal spot for casual fun in the sun.
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Hawaii Travel: Lahaina Condos
22. June 2008
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Modern Lahaina is a bustling commercial village featuring five-star restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more. With luxury condos and resorts only a stones throw away, Lahaina is centrally located and provides the perfect entertainment outlet for visitors in search of a brief beach respite. Whether its a trip to the areas historical monuments or a quick stop in Celebrity, Lahainas exquisite modern art gallery, any trip to Lahaina is a good one.
Lahaina History
Despite its modern commercial appeal, Lahaina was at one time nothing but a whalers village. With Japanese fishing ports closed to outside fisherman, Hawaii was a natural choice for whaling ships and professional anglers. Although Honolulu was at first the most popular island with sailors and fisherman (drinking was legal there), it wasnt long until Lahaina usurped the title.
Unlike Honolulus shores, the sea off the coast of Lahaina is almost always calm, thus sailors and whale-men were able to easily dock their boats and hop ashore into town. The tranquil waters that appealed to anglers in the 1850s are the same waters that lure modern-day visitors to Lahaina. With soft waves lapping ever-so-gently at pristine white shores, Lahaina guests can take a leisurely swim, then come ashore and enjoy a beachside meal at one of the areas many scrumptious restaurants.
In addition to its modern appeal, the city of Lahaina also features several historical monuments and buildings which have been restored to help educate others on the areas history. The Lahaina walking tour is very popular among visitors and includes stops in all of the areas historical landmarks including the Banyan Tree. A tree planted in 1873 to commemorate Lahainas first Christian mission, the Banyan Tree is 50 feet tall, stretches 200 feet wide, and is one of the areas most beautiful natural and historical treasures.
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Hawaii Travel: Lahaina Resorts
21. June 2008
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I am somewhat of a Hawaiian connoisseur. Having made dozens of trips to the magical islands since I was a child, I have seen nearly all that Hawaii has to offer. From the secluded beaches of Kauai to the luxurious resorts along the coast of Lanai, I have experienced Hawaii backwards and forwards. That being said, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss one of my favorite places in Hawaii: the city of Lahaina.
From an outside perspective, Lahaina might not seem all that special. Perhaps its the fact that I have been going there since I was a child. Maybe its the fantastic Halloween festival in which I have participated several years running. Or just maybe its the ocean breeze which seems to lift my spirits no matter how low they might be. I cant say. All I can tell you is that Lahaina is a magical place.
Unlike most of Hawaiis harbor-towns, the waters off the coast of Lahaina are almost always calm. So calm, in fact, that cruise ships are frequently anchored a few hundred yards off shore shuttling visitors to and from town. In addition to massive ships, mini sail-boats (manned by novice captains from Lahainas Yacht Club) also frequently decorate the citys placid coast. The tranquil waters provide the ideal conditions for sailing courses.
Despite its commercialization, Lahaina has managed to preserve a distinct Hawaiian flavor. From the historical buildings and monuments that dot its paths to the scrumptious restaurants serving Hawaiian-style fare, Lahaina provides the perfect balance of relaxed island style and mainland complexity. Perhaps its this combination which makes Lahaina the ideal Hawaiian village.
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Hawaii Travel: Lahaina Vacation Rentals
20. June 2008
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If you are looking for an exciting and unique locale in which to spend Halloween, look no further than the city of Lahaina. Located on the west side of the island of Maui, Lahaina is a small harbor town and is host to one of the biggest and most popular Halloween Festivals in the United States. Coined “The Pacific Coast Mardi Gras,” the Lahaina Halloween Festival is not to be missed!
Lahaina Halloween Festival
Too look at it, you wouldnt assume the city of Lahaina is capable of hosting a massive Halloween Festival. Despite its charming beach-side appeal, Lahainas Front Street (where the main events take place) is only a few miles in length after all. Regardless, the festival manages to accommodate thousands of people year after year. The carousing usually gets started around 5:00 in the evening (when the children have opportunities to participate in various contests and haunted houses) and continues late into the morning (usually around 3:00 A.M.).
If you are thinking about coming to Lahaina for the Halloween Festival, you would be wise to book your accommodations in advance. Lahaina vacation rentals and hotels are usually sold out months preceding the event. If you find that you cannot find a place to stay in Lahaina proper, there are many lodging options to consider in neighboring locales such as Kanaapali and Kahana (only about 15 minutes away).
When coming to Maui for the Halloween Festival, it is also recommended that you arrive a few days early. On a good day, the trip from Mauis airport to Lahaina takes about an hour. On Halloween, however, the trip can take three times that long. Do yourself a favor, book your accommodations early and arrive at least three days in advance. That way you can relax, work on your tan, and enjoy the island before the big event.
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Hawaii Travel: Maui Accommodations
19. June 2008
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Maui (a.k.a. The Valley Isle) is one of Hawaiis best kept secrets. An exquisite island created millions of years ago by two fiery volcanoes, Maui features over 100 miles of pristine beaches, dozens of fresh-water waterfalls, a dormant volcano, and a lush rainforest. From the festive atmosphere of Lahaina to the exciting twists and turns on the road to Hana, Maui has something for everyone.
As someone who has been taking trips to Hawaii for nearly two decades, I can say without hesitation that Maui is my favorite island. Despite the fact that its the second-largest Hawaiian land mass, Maui is largely uninhabited. While there are certainly plenty of five-star hotels, condos, and restaurants in which to stay and be entertained, Maui also offers acres and acres of lush natural backcountry in which to disappear and get lost for a while.
Maui: Hawaiis Best Kept Secret
One of the reasons that I believe Maui to be Hawaiis best kept secret is the fact that it is so often overlooked in favor of islands like Oahu or The Big Island. This works out great for individuals who want to experience the flavor of a true Hawaiian island without having to fight the crowds. Another reason that I like Maui is because it offers so much variety in terms of landscapes and climate. From the desert-like south shore to the lush inner rainforests (one of the wettest places on earth), the island of Maui is as diverse and unique as its inhabitants.
Accommodations on Maui vary in price, location, and character. From the five-star Ritz Carlton at Kapalua to moderately priced condos in Kihei, there are dozens of options to choose. The good thing about Maui is that there is no “bad” place to stay. Every village offers its own advantages. So long as you are comfortable (aesthetically and financially), you should have a wonderful time.
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