From foreign settlement and King Kamehameha uniting the archipelago to Hawaii’s admittance as the 50th state in America, Hawaii is full of unique history, and there are various towns that have held onto their history through the restoration of historic buildings and areas. For a Hawaiian history buff or anyone who loves adventure, a visit to this coastal town where Hawaii’s history has survived the test of time is an absolute must.
Nestled between the West Maui mountains and the shimmering Pacific on the northwestern shore of Maui, Lahaina is not only one of Hawaii’s most picturesque towns, but one of the most historic as well.
Warren Antiola/Flickr
Lahaina is not only one of Maui’s greatest seaside towns, but also the original seat of Hawaiian royalty. The town was often considered Kamehameha the Great’s historically famous “royalty playground,” and is now full of old world architecture from the town’s plantation era.
Abhinaba Basu/Flickr Every October, the town celebrates its vibrant history during “Lahaina Plantation Days.”
Lahaina also served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. Pictured is Hale Piula, the Old Lahaina Courthouse, once occupied by King Kamehameha III.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Notable historic landmarks include the remains of this old fort…
Jasperdo/Flickr
…the city’s downtown historic district, which is a National Historic Landmark…
Abhinaba Basu/Flickr
…the Whalers Village Museum…
Jasperdo/Flickr Whaling ships hunting sperm whales in the Pacific began arriving in Hawaii in 1819, and nowhere was this presence felt more than Lahaina. The whaling industry propped up the Hawaiian economy for years, and this town that is now home to 11,000 residents was full of life during this period of history.
…an old prison…
Lahaina Restoration Foundation This museum is part of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, and once operated as a prison in the 1850s.
…and the incredible Banyan Tree Court.
Rick Obst/Flickr Located in the heart of Lahaina is the largest banyan tree in Hawaii, and one of America’s largest as well, with its trunk and aerial root system covering 0.66 acres. The seedling was approximately eight feet tall when it was planted in 1873, and is the oldest banyan tree in the Hawaiian Islands.
Lahaina has been tamed since its crazy whaling days, and is now full of restaurants, surf shops, boutiques, and galleries lining the city’s Front Street. For a quintessential day in Lahaina, park on Front Street and explore the town’s shops, fishing charters, and boat tours – and don’t forget to stay to watch a magical Hawaiian sunset.
Hawaii Savvy/Flickr
Want to learn more about Hawaii’s most historic towns? Click here!
Warren Antiola/Flickr
Abhinaba Basu/Flickr
Every October, the town celebrates its vibrant history during “Lahaina Plantation Days.”
Jasperdo/Flickr
Whaling ships hunting sperm whales in the Pacific began arriving in Hawaii in 1819, and nowhere was this presence felt more than Lahaina. The whaling industry propped up the Hawaiian economy for years, and this town that is now home to 11,000 residents was full of life during this period of history.
Lahaina Restoration Foundation
This museum is part of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, and once operated as a prison in the 1850s.
Rick Obst/Flickr
Located in the heart of Lahaina is the largest banyan tree in Hawaii, and one of America’s largest as well, with its trunk and aerial root system covering 0.66 acres. The seedling was approximately eight feet tall when it was planted in 1873, and is the oldest banyan tree in the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Savvy/Flickr
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