Lahaina town, no doubt, is one of the major tourist attractions here on Maui. And why wouldn't it be? Of course it is the gateway to Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts, another tourists' favorites. But Lahaina itself has a lot to offer to its visitors.
From its gorgeous sunsets, little shops,galleries, famous restaurants, luaus and shows, Lahaina has a lovely atmosphere, even if overcrowded at times.Moreover, the Lahaina Harbor is always full of ships going on dinner cruises, cocktail cruises, whale watches,and snorkeling trips.One will not be bored.
Last week, we decided to take a stroll down Front Street, the weather was perfect; sunshine,blue sky,clear waters, and not many tourists. It felt very weird finding ample parking, deserted shops and empty tables at the restaurants. And although it was refreshing, it was a little sad and depressing, because I know with the bad economy, and slow tourism, places are closing and people are losing their jobs.
On our way home, we captured this photo of a beautiful sky at dusk.
Another great day in paradise!
Comments (13)
It really is a charming place. The sunset is soooo beautiful.
Posted by Annie | March 17, 2009 8:45 AM
Posted on March 17, 2009 08:45
You picked a gorgeous day to stroll around this nice and inviting town. Loved the sunset photo!
Posted by Maria I. | March 17, 2009 11:35 AM
Posted on March 17, 2009 11:35
One of my "youvenirs" from our last trip to Maui (now too many years ago) was a print of the Lahaina harbor from a shop that David snuck back to, bought and gave to me when we got home. It's on my bedroom wall
Posted by Marcia | March 17, 2009 12:35 PM
Posted on March 17, 2009 12:35
Are things that slow in Hawaii? Every time I've been to Lahina, it's been extremely hard to find a parking spot.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | March 17, 2009 12:46 PM
Posted on March 17, 2009 12:46
Annie and Maria, it is so beautiful, and it was a very nice day.
Marcia, this is cool, I also collect youvenires.
Cindy,we were here on Maui the same time last year, and we can tell the difference. Our friends in the tourist industry(restaurants, tours, etc) said it is better now than November and December, it was truly dead then. But even these days,it is slower than usual. And all activities are offering great Kamaina(for locals) discounts, to encourage them to do things as tourism is slower.
Posted by candi | March 17, 2009 2:20 PM
Posted on March 17, 2009 14:20
Hi Candi, your photos are gorgeous! I haven't been to Maui in many years but I loved Lahaina.
It's too bad that the economy like it is everywhere is hitting the islands hard. And I think it is even harder on small family owned businesses that depend so much on the tourism industry. I hope things improve.
Thanks for sharing another great day in paradise!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | March 17, 2009 7:29 PM
Posted on March 17, 2009 19:29
Great post! Beautiful photos!! I have only been to Lahaina once. I was thinking of hopping on the Superferry during my upcoming spring break...but that ain't gonna happen now.
I stopped at the mall near my school after work today to do a couple of errands and was amazed at how empty it was. You can really see the difference with the downturn in the economy. Even though it is nice that it is not packed and crowded, it is sad when you think of the consequences of what is happening. I overheard a woman in the body shop saying not one person entered the store yesterday afternoon/evening.
Posted by girasoli | March 18, 2009 1:10 AM
Posted on March 18, 2009 01:10
girasoli, these are my feelings exactly,nice to have less crowds, but sad for the economy.
I am really having hard time following with the superferry problems. I hope they get that resolved soon.
Posted by candi | March 18, 2009 1:33 AM
Posted on March 18, 2009 01:33
The harbour looks so beautiful, Candi -- all of your photos are great.
The global economic crisis is such an enormous concern, and it really hits home when you see the impact on local business and the local economy.
Posted by sandrac | March 18, 2009 1:55 PM
Posted on March 18, 2009 13:55
There is a long history with the Superferry and it gets pretty complicated. I am not surprised it is difficult to follow. On top of that, most people from what I have heard on Maui and Kauai don't want the ferry. There are also a lot of politics involved.
What amazes me the most is that people don't understand how important the Superferry could be with transporting food, building supplies, medical help, etc to the different islands if a big hurricane hit any of the islands. On 9/11 we were paralyzed when all airlines were grounded and that was only short term. The Superferry is one more way of connecting us.
Posted by girasoli | March 18, 2009 10:11 PM
Posted on March 18, 2009 22:11
girasoli, I agree. I think the ferry will be good for many things, I just don't get why people are against it.The Maui people,who are against it, seem to have two arguments, they don't want the traffic for one, and they are concerned about the whales. This is what I hear anyway.
But I do hope they get the problems with the ferry resolved.
Posted by candi | March 19, 2009 5:19 AM
Posted on March 19, 2009 05:19
Great pictures,Candi. They bring back fond memories of a trip to Maui many years ago.
Posted by sheri | March 19, 2009 8:12 PM
Posted on March 19, 2009 20:12
Oh how wonderful!! This was the first place I visited in Hawaii. I was 18 and it was my first big trip there. It was for a swim meet at the local pool..
And it was also opening Day of one of the restaurants...
Great photos!
Posted by expatraveler | July 3, 2009 10:15 PM
Posted on July 3, 2009 22:15