With its bustling harbor, narrow streets, and weathered storefronts, plus some chattering mynahs, the most historic town in Hawaii looks like a port-of-call. Is this an 1850s or the 21st century whaling village? In truth, it offers visitors a mix of both. And some friends of mine that own Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy couldn’t say enough good things about their time in Lahaina so I decided to do some research of my own. Here are the top attractions in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Old Lahaina Courthouse
Tucked in the iconic banyan tree’s shadows, Lahaina’s courthouse is a repository if art and history. It is no coincidence this place is located beside the harbor: smuggling was very common during the whaling era that authorities deemed this the perfect spot for customs operations, the jail and the courthouse – all wrapped into one building neatly. The annexation of Hawaii by the US was formally concluded here on August 12, 1898.
Banyan Tree Park
A leafy landmark (Hawaii’s largest tree) stands just at the center of Lahaina. Strikingly, it sprawls over the entire square. On April 24, 1873, it was planted as a seedling in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Lahaina missionaries. The tree has now become a virtual forest with scores of horizontal branches and 16 major trunks. Recently, the square was given a major lift, which fixed the teak benches and paving tiles.
Baldwin House
Built between 1834 and 1835, the Baldwin House is Lahaina’s oldest surviving Western-style building. It served as the first medical clinic of the community and the home of a missionary doctor, Reverend Dwight Baldwin. The rock-and-coral walls are about 24 inches thick, which helps keep the house cool throughout the year. Dr Baldwin’s representative period furniture and passport are on display.
Hale Pa’I Printing Museum
This white cottage on the Lahainaluna High School grounds housed the first printing press in Hawaii. Although its main goal was making available the Bible to Hawaiians, this press also produced the first newspaper in 1834. Visiting hours can vary as this museum is staffed by volunteers, so call in advance.
Mokuhinia Pond Site & Moku’ula Island
Until the twentieth century, one of Hawaii’s most sacred sites was located on what is now a grassy field. Much of this area was wetlands, which included the Mokuhinia Pond. The Moku’ula Island is in the middle of the ocean. Since the sixteenth century, this site was the sacred chiefs’ home and where the Kamehameha royalty residence was in the nineteenth century. Efforts are now being made to restore this ancient treasure.
Wo Hing Museum
Built in the 18th century as a meeting hall in honor of the Chee Kung Tong society, this 3-story temple gave Chinese immigrants a spot to socialize, celebrate festivities, and preserve their cultural identity. After World War II, the ethnic Chinese population of Lahaina spread wide and far. Now renovated and transformed into a cultural museum, it is home to an intricately carved screen from the 1850s, early 1900s artifacts, and jade Fu dog statues.