A trip to Lahaina Town

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.

Grandma’s Coffee House in Kula

Located at 9232 Kula Highway, Grandma’s is one of those destinations reached more by curiosity than intent. It’s past the cut-offs to Haleakala National Park and the Lavender Farm but before you get to the Tedeschi Winery and long before you get to Hana by the back way.

From the outside Grandma’s looks like a hole in the wall; but behind that humble facade is some of the best coffee and desserts you’ll find on Maui. In fact, Grandma’s coffee may be one of the best coffees anywhere. (Note: this is from a guy born and raised in Seattle where coffee is either an obsession or an addiction. I can still remember the first time I sipped fresh-roasted Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee on a trip to the Carribean 30 years ago. Grandma’s coffee is in the same class.) Since 1918, four generations of the same family have been growing, hand-picking, and roasting organic coffee on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala. They even have a few coffee plants growing next to their outdoor seating.

Grandma’s also serves breakfast and lunch. Once, when we were there with friends, there was live music in the outside seating area – a guy with a good guitar and nice voice. Another claim to fame is that Oprah has a home nearby and occassionally drops by. At least that’s what we were told. If I were you I wouldn’t go there just for the chance of seeing Oprah. I’d go there for the tiramisu. Check out this beauty. And how about that cool table?

Want to learn more about Grandma’s? You can even have some of their great coffee shipped to you on the mainland by visiting their website at http://www.grandmascoffee.com/homepage.html.

Perhaps a pound of Grandma’s coffee is too expensive for your taste. Fly to Maui (and stay at our condo!) At Grandma’s a latte or other coffee drink is no more expensive than at your local Starbucks. And believe me, those young ladies working at Grandma’s know how to pull an espresso!

Navigating our blog

Check out our latest entries under RECENT POSTINGS or browse by subject matter using the drop down menu under BLOG CATEGORIES. Click on any picture to make it bigger. The general contents of each category are described below.

ACTIVITIES

Sun bathing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing, whale watching, golf, tennis, hiking, concerts, sightseeing:  there’s no end of things to do on Maui. Learn about beaches, our favorite snorkeling spots, cools hikes, and much more in this section of our blog.

RESTAURANTS

There must be 20 restaurants within walking distance of Maui Vista and lots more by car – including some worth a long (for Maui) trip. Check this section to learn about some of our favorites.

DESTINATIONS

Thinking of driving to Hana? Checking out Mount Haleakala? Cruising Up Country? Shopping in Lahaina? Sight seeing in Makena? Hiking in the West Maui Mountains? We’ve done all that and more. This section of the blog has barely been started, but check back from time to time as we add new material.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Maui is more than beaches and sunshine – there are lots of things to do and see when your sunburn starts to ache or when you want some other diversion. From movies to fine art and street musicians to concerts, Maui is home to many artists, muscians, other entertainers and entertainment. We keep adding to this section because there’s lots to enjoy.

CONDO EXTRAS THAT SAVE YOU MONEY

We provide a LOT of extras at Maui Vista 2418. You can save money (and room in your suitcase) by using the free toys and extras that we provide.

SHOP LIKE A LOCAL

Where are the best places to buy groceries, fresh produce, fish, meat, souvenirs? We’ve been there, done that. Check this section to read what we’ve learned.

MISCELLANEOUS

When it doesn’t fit elsewhere, we put it here.