West Maui Area

    Lahaina is a old whaling town that has survived to present day.  It has transformed itself into  a tourist town.  Many of the Deep Sea Fishing Boats leave from the Lahaina Harbor.  There is a small but very beautiful Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church as you come into town.  It is worth a quick look.    Front Street is lined with eating places.  One of the ones we liked best for a quick lunch was Kimos.

    Lahaina can be very crowded, and parking can be a problem.  Parking enforcement is active day and night and they collect a large amount of revenue from parking fines.  There is a large two-hour lot at the Lahaina Center.  It is free if you buy something from one of the merchants.  Hilo-Hattie's will validate your parking with any purchase. (Mine was for $2.) 

    We saw the theatre presentation of 'ulalena, and recommend it to anyone.  It is also known as "Maui Myth and Magic".  It is the biggest and most elaborate show ever to take place on Maui.  It is held in the 700 seat theatre in the Old Lahaina Center.  It is about the creation of Hawaii and life before and after western contact.  It is sung in Hawaiian but the narration is in English.

    The Old Lahaina Luau is arguably the most authentic luau in Hawaii.  It presents a luau as it might of occurred in previous times.  Because the luau holds true to Hawaiian ways, you will not see Fire dancers, poi ball dancers, or other things that were not native to Hawaii.  What you will see is a genuine Hawaiian luau.   Reservations are required.  When you make reservations be sure you specify rather you want to sit on a mat Hawaiian style or at a table.  The cost is $89 ea for an adult.

    The Ka'anapali Coast was Hawaii's first master planned destination resort.  It was opened in 1962.  Half a dozen fancy resorts line the beach.  There is a concrete pathway that runs along the beach behind all the resorts.  You can also park at the Whalers' Village Shopping Center.  Any shop will validate your parking with a $10 purchase.  You can stop for a few drinks at the Hula Girl Restaurant and they will validate your parking ticket.  While at the Shopping center you can also visit the free Whalers' Museum on the 3rd floor.

    The Kapalua Airport west of the Ka'anapali Coast serves that region.  It is serviced by Island Air and other regional carriers.  It is restricted to Part 121 and 135 FAR operations with prior permission.  They do not allow general aviation operations at this airport.

    The Ukumehame and Papalaua  Parks are located at the 11 - 13 mile marker of highway 30.  These parks are right along the roadside and next to the water.  Camping is allowed by permit.  Coral Gardens is located east of the park and can be reached by a long swim. (Be sure to have a flotation devise with you.