Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and it attracts 2.2 million tourists each year to enjoy the year-round tropical temperatures. It is known as ‘Valley Island’ as it has a fertile isthmus between its two volcanoes, which is used for pineapple growing and agriculture.

Lahaina is one of the most popular resorts in western Maui, and is one of Hawaii’s oldest and most historic cities. Nestled at the foot of the West Maui Mountains, it was a huge whaling center back in the 19th century but visitors now come to see the humpback whales nursing their young in the warm Pacific waters between December and April.

The town is a charming and fun-loving place to visit with historic buildings, the biggest Buddha in Asia and an even larger banyan tree. It was the capital city of Hawaii in the early 19th century until the honor was transferred to Honolulu in 1840. At its peak, around 400 whaling ships would be berthed in the harbor and battles between the rowdy whalers and the puritanical missionaries who arrived from New England were legendary. The missionaries left their mark on the area, having introduced Hawaii’s first printing press. As whaling declined, Lahaina turned to agriculture and the sugar and pineapple plantations flourished. Immigrants from China, Japan and the Philippines arrived to work the plantations and their cultural influence can also be seen here. All this history is reflected in the town’s national historic landmarks which can be found around Lahaina’s 55 acre historic district.

Best Time to Visit

December to April. Then again from June till August.

Estimated Price

Pricing is based on a 7 day, 7 night trip to the destination, departing from Portland, Oregon (my home town), choosing the cheapest room and airfare options. It is possible that you can find a cheaper price, or that you may need to choose different options that may increase the price. This also does not include car rentals, food costs, activity costs or any other charges you may incur while on the trip. This is meant to be an average, so you can get some sort of an idea what a trip like this costs.

Lodging for 7 days during “best time to visit”: $95 a night x 7 = $665

Round trip airfare from Portland, Oregon, USA = $673 per person x 2 = $1,346

Total: $2,011

Essential Experiences

Helicopter Tours

This is the only way to see the more isolated and mountainous regions of Maui, and the nearby islands. See spectacular valleys, impressive waterfalls and the rainforest from above. Remote sites such as Maui’s little-known Wall of Tears near the summit of Puu Kukui; canyons etched with 1,000-foot waterfalls and lush rainforest covering the 10,000-foot high peaks are a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

Pineapple Plantation Tours

The pineapple plantations at nearby Kapalua supply one third of the world’s pineapples. Tour a plantation and see how pineapples grow; ride a cart to the plantation fields and pick your own pineapple, or enjoy a pineapple cutting demonstration. The informative guides are long-time plantation workers who give a colorful commentary of life on the plantation.

Beachside Luau

For a real insight into the Hawaiian culture, enjoy an evening of local dancing and singing with drummers and traditional fire knife dancers at the Old Lahaina Luau. You will be greeted with a local welcome – a tropical flower lei and a delicious Mia Tai cocktail. Enjoy a feast of Kalua pig baked in an underground oven, called an imu, and enjoy the hula dancers and the magnificent sunset.

Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park is one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii and is a popular location for weddings. The deep valley features the Iao needle, a rock pinnacle standing high above the Iao stream, surrounded by the walls of the Pu’u Kukui Crater.  This 2,250-foot stone pillar was once used as a natural altar. Now covered in greenery, this basalt stone was formed by eons of swirling water.

Kula Botanical Gardens

To see the tropical Hawaiian flora at its very best, take a self-guided stroll in the shady 5-acre gardens to see the 700 native exotic plants including orchids, proteas and bromeliads.

Photo Gallery

Places to Stay

Napili Surf Beach Resort

Perfectly located for beach lovers, the ocean view units have private balconies and great views. Popular with older guests, there is no late night entertainment.

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel

Although only rated a three-star resort, this ocean-front hotel has consistently good reviews. Good service, fine restaurant and hula shows nightly.

Aston Mahana at Ka’anapali

Well located luxury condo accommodation with an unrivalled beachfront location. Perfect honeymoon destination in this quiet complex.

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club

Modern friendly resort with luxurious accommodation. Large rooms and several swimming pools as well as incredible snorkeling on the hotel’s beach.

Honua Kai Resort and Spa

Considered Lahaina’s top resort, it is linked by a long boardwalk to South Ka’anapali. Top-notch accommodation with granite kitchens and private lanais.

Travel Information

Currency

US Dollar

Time Zone

Hawaii Standard Time

Language

The official language is English

Airports

Maui has three airports, but only one, Kahului Airport (OGG), has facilities to accommodate direct flights from the U.S. mainland..