a man riding a bike down a street next to tall palm trees

Lahaina

Lahaina, on Maui's northwest coast, was a royal seat and a whaling port. Visitors come for snorkeling off Mala Wharf and whale-watching trips, and to see a town rebuilding after the 2023 wildfire.

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Lahaina lies on the northwest coast of Maui, in Maui County, Hawaii. The historic town sits near the Kāʻanapali and Kapalua resort areas. In the 1800s it was a royal seat and a stop where whaling ships restocked with fresh water, fruit and vegetables. Lahainaluna Seminary published the first Hawaiian-language newspaper here in 1834, and Kamehameha III signed the first Hawaiian constitution in Lahaina in 1840. The capital moved to Honolulu in 1845.

A wildfire in August 2023 destroyed about 80% of Lahaina and killed 102 people in the town. The historic district, where Front Street was the main visitor area, was among the places lost, so check current conditions for each area before you book. Maui County released rebuilding plans in 2024 for the commercial district, infrastructure and affordable housing, with a six-year completion estimate. The town is hot and semi-arid, with warm temperatures all year and drier summers. Kāʻanapali, to the north, gets about twice the town's annual rainfall and frequent breezes.

Lahaina in five

Visit Lahaina with respectMuch of the historic town was destroyed in August 2023 and reconstruction continues. Follow signs, stay out of fenced areas and private property, and check official county sources for current access.
Base in Kāʻanapali or KapaluaThe resort areas north of Lahaina are open and have hotels, beaches and restaurants. Most visitors stay there rather than in Lahaina itself.Maui
Book snorkel and sunset sails aheadBoat trips from the harbors sell out in busy months. In winter, humpback whale watching is the main draw, so book flexible dates.Tours and tickets
Rent a car for the islandKahului Airport is about an hour's drive from Lahaina. Highway traffic is slow at rush hours, so allow extra time when you fly out.Getting around the USA
Pair with Haleakalā and the Road to HanaWest Maui is far from the east side. Treat the crater and the Hana road as separate trips.Haleakalā National Park

Things to do in Lahaina

See all attractions in Lahaina

Church · LahainaHoly Innocents Episcopal ChurchGo on Sunday to see congregants in traditional Samoan and Tongan clothing.

Museum · LahainaHale Pa'iCheck ahead before visiting, as the museum may be closed at some times or during events.

Historic site · LahainaThe Brick Palace Of Kamehameha I

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to LahainaPut the places you like in Lahaina on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Kahului (OGG), about 1 hour by car; Kapalua (JHM) is small
Getting there: Fly into Kahului, then drive Honoapiʻilani Highway
Getting around: A rental car; shuttles and rideshare in Kāʻanapali
Best base: Kāʻanapali or Kapalua for hotels and beaches
Time needed: 3–5 days on West Maui

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best

JanuaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Whale season
FebruaryPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh23°Low22°Whale season
MarchPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Whale season
AprilPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Warm, dry
MayPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh25°Low23°Warm, dry
JunePartly cloudy3 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Warm, dry
JulyPartly cloudy4 rainy daysHigh26°Low24°Hot, busy
AugustClear4 rainy daysHigh26°Low25°Hot, busy
SeptemberClear4 rainy daysHigh26°Low25°Hot, calm
OctoberPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh26°Low25°Warm, calm
NovemberPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh25°Low24°Showers
DecemberPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh24°Low23°Showers, holidays

Average daily high and low in Lahaina, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Lahaina

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 24°
Humidity: 91%
Wind: 25 km/h
Chance of rain: 73%

Lahaina

10:36 AM

Monday, November 2

GMT-10

Today27°22°73%Monday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 73%.
Tue28°23°14%Tuesday: Clear. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 14%.
Wed28°23°31%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 31%.
Thu28°23°45%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 45%.
Fri28°23°35%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 35%.
Sat28°24°53%Saturday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 53%.
Sun27°23°31%Sunday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 31%.

Updated 07:38 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Kāʻanapali and Kapaluaabout 10–20 min by carBeaches, resorts and snorkel spots on the north side.
Haleakalā National Parkabout 2.5 hours by carCrater views. Check the NPS site for reservations and road status.Read the guide
Mauisee the island guidePlan the road to Hana and the south coast.Read the guide

Before you go to Lahaina

Snorkel and sunset sail toursCompare operators and timesCompare day trips

Hotels in Kāʻanapali and KapaluaBook holidays earlyCheck availability

eSIM for the USAData on landing, no SIM swapRead the guide

Travel insurance for the USAMedical cover for visitors to the USRead the guide

We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.

Rules for Lahaina, checked

Much of Lahaina was destroyed in the 2023 fires. Check current conditions and notices on the Maui County website before you go.Source
Travelers from visa waiver countries need an ESTA before flying to the US, including to Maui. Check the official ESTA site for current rules.Source
Hawaii restricts the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Pack reef-safe sunscreen before you reach Maui.
Hawaii law protects sand, rocks and coral on public beaches. Leave them where you find them.

Plan around Lahaina

All of the USA

Parks, cities and trip planning for visitors

Read the guide Maui

The whole island on one page

Read the guide Haleakalā National Park

Crater and sunrise, about 2.5 hours away

Read the guide Kauaʻi

Hawaii's greenest island

Read the guide Hawaii

Choosing between the islands

Read the guide ESTA explained

Who needs it, the fee and how to apply

Read the guide

Lahaina FAQ

Can you visit Lahaina now?

Yes, but much of the town is still rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfire. Check official county and tourism sources for what is open, follow signs and stay out of closed areas.

Where should you stay for Lahaina?

Most visitors stay in Kāʻanapali or Kapalua, which are open and have hotels and beaches. Lahaina itself has limited lodging.

Is Lahaina worth visiting?

As a gateway to West Maui, yes. As a historic walking town, it is changing, so check what has reopened and plan for a short visit.

When is the best time to visit Lahaina?

December to April for whale watching, and April to June or September to October for good weather and fewer crowds.

How far is Lahaina from the airport?

About 1 hour by car from Kahului Airport. Traffic on the highway can add time, so leave early for flights.