Hipmunk City Love: Living the life of luxury in Lahaina, Hawaii

Lahaina, the former capital of Hawaii, is a beautiful tourist destination in America’s famous 50th state. It serves as the gateway to the amazing beaches of Kaanapali and Kapalua which attract many thousands of tourists each year. In fact, even though Lahaina’s population is only a little over 10,000 people,  during the height of tourist season the population of this wonderful little town can grow to four times its normal size.

As you might expect from a town located in the tropical state of Hawaii, Lahaina enjoys a balmy climate throughout the year, providing a perfect holiday destination for those needing to top up their vitamin D levels. There are also a number of great attractions in and near to Lahaina. Attractions include the famous Front Street which the American Planning Association ranked as one of the top ten great streets. No wonder the house prices here can be so high, attracting price tags in the millions of dollars. Fans of wildlife will also be in for a treat as Lahaina is a perfect base from which to undertake some whale-watching. If you are lucky, you might even get to see a mighty humpback whale leaping into the air and then crashing back into the sea, a precious and humbling sight which would stay with you forever.

Photo by Alison Juestel via Trover

For many, or perhaps most, visitors to Lahaina, though, the main attraction will probably be the world-class beaches. The resorts of Kaanapali and Kapalua are two of the best, with activities available including surfing–for those with a good sense of balance–and horse-riding, for the more romantic type. Failing that, there is no law against just lying on the beach, topping up your tan (safely), and enjoying a cocktail or two. (Although not before surfing please, or even horse-riding for that matter!)

Other activities, many of which are family friendly, include a visit to the Lahaina animal park, where you can get up close and personal with a deer, a donkey, or (if you dare) a giant goose, visit the Banyan tree park, or perhaps take in a theatre performance to include a little culture in your trip. Other options for things to do during your trip include trail walks along the breath-taking coastline, a visit to the Reflections Fine Art Gallery, or numerous other water-sport options including wind-surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Or for those who prefer a more serene and relaxing experience, a number of boat tours are available where you can sit back and enjoy the stunning beauty that Hawaii has to offer.

Oh, and of course once you’ve finished a busy day enjoying all that Lahaina has to offer, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are a number of great local restaurants with cuisines ranging from Italian, to Japanese and, of course, local seafood.

So with a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and a number of great hotels in Lahaina the only question is – why haven’t you booked your flights yet!?

Disclaimer: I am a freelancer for Hipmunk and I am currently working on their #hipmunkcitylove project.