Lāhainā was the cultural and historical heart of Maui — a former royal capital of Hawaii, a major 19th-century whaling port, and a compact waterfront town with one of the finest collections of historic buildings in the Pacific. In August 2023, a catastrophic wildfire destroyed most of the historic Front Street and killed over 100 people in the deadliest American disaster in over a century. Recovery is ongoing, and travellers should check the current situation before planning a visit.
Before the fire, Lāhainā's main attractions included the enormous Banyan Tree planted in 1873 (now surviving the fire), the Baldwin Home Museum, the Lahaina Heritage Museum, and the long harborfront promenade. The Banyan Court where the famous tree stands has largely survived; the heritage museums are rebuilding. The community is committed to restoring what was lost rather than allowing the site to be redeveloped.
Even in recovery, showing up in Lāhainā is an act of solidarity, and local businesses remaining open need the visitors. Check lahainastrong.com for current access information.