Quick-hit list of sites in Lahaina highlights how unique state developed
LAHAINA, Maui — This tropical town may be better known for its touristy souvenir shops and cafes, but a stroll along Lahaina’s waterfront yields a glimpse into Hawaii’s past, from its whaling days to King Kamehameha’s extracurricular activities.
Some walking-tour maps suggest that you include 28 historic stops on your stroll — and start early in the day, so you don’t swoon from the heat as you contemplate Herman Melville’s cousin’s grave and a tennis court that was once the site of a sacred pond. We may be die-hard history buffs, but 28 seems like a lot. Besides, there’s a beach waiting.
Some of the best of the field:
The Banyan Tree
This enormous tree is not just the centerpiece of Lahaina’s courthouse plaza. It’s a Hawaiian icon and one of the largest banyans in the U.S. The tree was just 8 feet tall when it was imported from India in 1873 and planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of American Protestant missionaries.
Grab a coffee or ice cream to enjoy in the shade as you contemplate the history of this island nation and what happened when Christian missionaries arrived. You’ll have no problem finding shade: The tree, which has 12 major trunks, is more than 60 feet tall. Its branches shade a ⅔ -acre expanse of the park.
Details: Open 24/7 at Lahaina Banyan Court Park, 671 Front St., Lahaina