LAHAINA.com

Travel Blog

Planning & Inspiration

In-depth guides, local tips, and seasonal updates — continuously updated to give you the freshest travel advice for West Maui.

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The Perfect Week in Lahaina: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
ItinerariesFeatured

The Perfect Week in Lahaina: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Seven days of carefully curated experiences, from sunrise snorkeling to sunset luaus, covering the best of West Maui.

5 min readFebruary 12, 2026
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Best Snorkeling Spots in West Maui (2026 Updated Guide)
Activities4 min read

Best Snorkeling Spots in West Maui (2026 Updated Guide)

From Honolua Bay's marine preserve to Olowalu's turtle reef, here are the top snorkeling spots with local tips for each.

4 min readFeb 8
Where to Eat: A Local's Guide to West Maui
Food & Drink4 min read

Where to Eat: A Local's Guide to West Maui

Skip the tourist traps. These 12 restaurants are where Maui locals actually go — from dawn coffee to sunset fine dining.

4 min readFeb 5
Traveling with Kids: Family Guide to West Maui
Family4 min read

Traveling with Kids: Family Guide to West Maui

Everything families need to know about visiting Lahaina with kids — the safest beaches, best activities, and insider tips.

4 min readFeb 3
5 Unforgettable Sunset Experiences in West Maui
Activities4 min read

5 Unforgettable Sunset Experiences in West Maui

From catamaran sails to rooftop cocktails — the most magical ways to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

4 min readJan 30
How to Visit Maui on a Budget
Travel Planning4 min read

How to Visit Maui on a Budget

Affordable accommodations, free beaches, happy hour deals, and budget activities that don't sacrifice the experience.

4 min readJan 27
Whale Watching Season: Everything You Need to Know
Wildlife4 min read

Whale Watching Season: Everything You Need to Know

When to go, where to watch from shore for free, and which boat tours are actually worth it. Season runs December through April.

4 min readJan 24
When Is the Best Time to Visit West Maui?
Travel Planning3 min read

When Is the Best Time to Visit West Maui?

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights to help you pick the perfect travel dates.

3 min readJan 20
Secret Beaches Most Tourists Miss
Beaches4 min read

Secret Beaches Most Tourists Miss

Quiet coves, locals-only spots, and lesser-known stretches of sand that offer peace and privacy.

4 min readJan 17
Your First Day in West Maui: The Arrival Checklist
First Timer4 min read

Your First Day in West Maui: The Arrival Checklist

Just landed at OGG? Here's exactly what to do — from the airport drive to your first sunset — so you hit the ground running.

4 min readFeb 14
Where to Stock Up: Grocery & Essentials for Your First Day
First Timer3 min read

Where to Stock Up: Grocery & Essentials for Your First Day

Costco vs. Times vs. Foodland — where savvy visitors shop on arrival day and what to grab before heading to your hotel.

3 min readFeb 14
Beating the Time Change: How to Adjust to Maui Time
First Timer4 min read

Beating the Time Change: How to Adjust to Maui Time

Hawaii is 2-6 hours behind the mainland. Here's how to sync up fast so you don't waste your vacation napping.

4 min readFeb 14
The 4 Best 'No Effort' Beaches for Your First Day
First Timer4 min read

The 4 Best 'No Effort' Beaches for Your First Day

You just got off a plane — you don't need an adventure. These beaches are easy to reach, have amenities, and set the tone for your trip.

4 min readFeb 14
Lahaina in 2026: What's Open, What's Rebuilding, and How to Visit Respectfully
First Timer4 min read

Lahaina in 2026: What's Open, What's Rebuilding, and How to Visit Respectfully

An honest look at where Lahaina stands in its recovery — what visitors will see, what's open, and how to be a thoughtful guest.

4 min readFeb 13
Where to Stay: West Maui Areas Unaffected by the Fire
First Timer4 min read

Where to Stay: West Maui Areas Unaffected by the Fire

A clear breakdown of which neighborhoods are fully operational and which hotels are open and welcoming guests.

4 min readFeb 13
5 Ways Your Visit Directly Supports Maui's Recovery
First Timer4 min read

5 Ways Your Visit Directly Supports Maui's Recovery

Visiting isn't just okay — it's one of the most meaningful things you can do. Here's how to make your trip count.

4 min readFeb 13
What Visitors Are Saying About West Maui Right Now
First Timer4 min read

What Visitors Are Saying About West Maui Right Now

Real feedback from recent travelers — the good, the emotional, and why most say they'd come back tomorrow.

4 min readFeb 12
Ka'anapali vs. Kapalua vs. Lahaina: Which Area Is Right for You?
First Timer4 min read

Ka'anapali vs. Kapalua vs. Lahaina: Which Area Is Right for You?

Three very different vibes, one stunning coastline. Here's how to pick the perfect home base for your trip.

4 min readFeb 11
How Much Does a West Maui Hotel Really Cost?
First Timer4 min read

How Much Does a West Maui Hotel Really Cost?

Real price ranges by area and tier — plus when to book for the best deals and how to save hundreds.

4 min readFeb 11
The 8 Best Condo Stays in West Maui (Better Than Hotels?)
First Timer5 min read

The 8 Best Condo Stays in West Maui (Better Than Hotels?)

Full kitchens, more space, and often better views — why many repeat visitors skip hotels entirely.

5 min readFeb 10
Should I Stay in Kihei or West Maui?
First Timer4 min read

Should I Stay in Kihei or West Maui?

Many visitors debate between South Maui and West Maui. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

4 min readFeb 10
Do You Actually Need a Rental Car in West Maui?
First Timer4 min read

Do You Actually Need a Rental Car in West Maui?

The short answer is yes — but here's when you might not, and how to save money on your rental.

4 min readFeb 9
Driving in Maui: Tips, Etiquette, and Roads to Know
First Timer4 min read

Driving in Maui: Tips, Etiquette, and Roads to Know

Narrow highways, one-lane bridges, and local courtesy rules — everything you need to know before getting behind the wheel.

4 min readFeb 9
Getting Around West Maui Without a Car (It's Possible!)
First Timer4 min read

Getting Around West Maui Without a Car (It's Possible!)

Resort shuttles, beach walks, bike rentals, and rideshare — a car-free guide for those willing to plan ahead.

4 min readFeb 9
Road to Hana: Drive It Yourself or Book a Tour?
First Timer5 min read

Road to Hana: Drive It Yourself or Book a Tour?

620 curves, 59 bridges, and countless waterfalls. Here's how to decide whether to drive or let someone else handle the wheel.

5 min readFeb 8
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Always Fresh Content

Our blog posts are written with local knowledge of Lahaina and West Maui. New posts are published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.