Maui, Hawaii’s second largest island, has a whaling town, several master-planned communities, resort towns, urban spots, and undeveloped areas. From the east, south and west coasts to the interior of Maui, each Maui town offers a different Hawaiian experience, but you shouldn’t leave the island without experiencing the top Maui towns below.
lahaina
Lahaina, located on Highway 30 in West Maui, is a small town steeped in history. In the early 19th century, Lahaina served as a whaling port and R&R facility. The rebellious behavior of the sailors brought them into conflict with the missionaries in Lahaina. The conflict eventually culminated in the arrest of a sea captain by a governor. The sailor reported firing cannonballs at the missionaries’ house. Today, a 60-foot-tall banyan tree stands at Fort Lahaina as a tribute to the missionaries. More than 20 other interesting historical sites to see in Lahaina include the old prison, the Rev. Baldwin Mission House, the old courthouse and the Carthaginian Floating Museum. In November of each year, a crowd of 20 to 30 thousand joins Lahaina’s Halloween celebration. Lahaina’s main drag is Front Street, which is lined with shops and restaurants. The only thing you won’t like when you’re in Lahaina is how hard it is to park there; you may even have to pay a parking fee.
hana In East Maui, at the end of the winding road to Hana, is “Heavenly Hana.” This quaint and quiet city allows visitors to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hana is a tropical paradise surrounded by rainforests, bamboo forests, waterfalls, ocean-fed pools, and beautiful beaches. The 95-foot Wailua Falls and Oheo Gulch or Seven Sacred Falls can be seen along the road to Hana. Hana’s coastline is lined with white, red, and black sand beaches. The city’s Hamoa Beach was once described by author James Michener as the most perfect beach in the South Pacific. Hana is best seen from the Fagan Memorial Cross. The 30-foot cross was erected in honor of Paul Fagan, who helped revive the town’s economy when the sugar industry failed in the 1940s.
Kapalua
On the western side of Maui is the resort town of Kapalua. This master-planned community offers the best beaches on the island. Kapalua also has the most important historical site on the island, the Honokahua Preservation Site, which has more than 900 ancient burial sites dating from around 610 and 1800. Another interesting site to see is Dragon’s Teeth, a formation of Jagged, bleached lava rock at Makalua-puna Point, Kapalúa. Situated in the middle of a pineapple plantation, Kapalua offers luxurious accommodations, including the Ritz-Carlton hotel, three 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis complexes, shops, boutiques and art galleries.
