Tag Archives: Lahaina

A trip to Lahaina Town

Posted on by Chris Murray
Lahaina ocean front walk

Lahaina ocean front walk

Driving from Maui Vista to Lahaina Town takes about 40 minutes in light traffic. The one time home of the Ali’i (Hawaiian royalty) and port of call for whaling ships, Lahaina is now the home of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and a port of call for cruise ships. Ticky tacky is next door to fine art; fine restaurants near national chains (think Bubba Gumps and Hard Rock Cafe). If you’re into nightlife, this is a good place to go. During the day there are people everywhere and free parking (almost) nowhere. Unless you’re lucky, you’ll pay for parking.

This single Banyan tree covers almost a whole city block

This single Banyan tree covers almost an entire city block

A not to miss sight in Lahaina is Banyan Tree Park on Front Street near the south end of “downtown.” Planted in 1873, the Banyan tree spreads by dropping new roots from ever spreading branches. Various historic sites are around the square and adjacent courthouse.

A fun place to visit with lots of choices for lunch, dinner, or a tempting gelato. Great people watching and one stop shopping for Maui souvenirs, postcards, or a big splurge.

Weatherwise Kihei No Ka ‘Oi

Posted on by Chris Murray

Whether you’re escaping the bitter cold of Canadian winters or the sometimes brutal heat of the American southwest, the climate of Hawaii is a welcome relief. But if you’re from the Pacific Northwest like we are, there is one meteorological phenomenon that you most want to avoid:  rain.

Every Hawaiian island has its microclimates and Maui is no exception. From the daily downpours in the West Maui Mountains (up to 400 inches per year!) and the lush jungles on the road to Hana to the parched cactus lands in the rain shadows of Mount Haleakala and the West Mauis, there is enormous variability. The dryest part of inhabited Maui is the southwest coast including Kihei, Wailea and Makena. The entire area is shielded from the rains that make Hana so green by the 10,000 foot Mount Haleakala.

In this dry corner of Maui, the dryest place is Kihei – which is why we say Kihei No Ka ‘Oi (Kihei is the best).

Everywhere on Maui the wettest months are December through March. The best months to avoid rain are May through September. But hey, this is Hawaii – even if it rains, as long as you’re not on the mountain top, the rain is warm.