Lahaina Front Street, Maui Halloween

This year, as Halloween was nearing, my neighbors were preparing their costumes for their long-planned trip to Maui where they would participate in Lahaina’s famous Halloween celebration. They had a friend with a Maui beach rental in the area, which they would use as a home base while they partied along Lahaina’s Front street on Halloween night. The evening’s annual tradition has given Lahaina the reputation of being the “Mardi Gras of the Pacific”, when up to 50,000 celebrants come dressed in costume. Lahaina’s Front street overflows as outer island residents and out of state visitors come to experience the nightlife of this happening seaside town.

A party of this magnitude only happens once a year and rumors have swirled that one day the Halloween festivities may come to a halt altogether. Regardless of the fate of this infamous celebration, the droves of fun-loving merrymakers are a testament to the artistic pulse that beats in this historic town.

Though some Hawaiian islands are more quiet than others, Maui and Oahu are two islands that have the most night life and cultural activities available. But even on these more populated islands, there can be vast areas that are still pretty rural and therefore, quiet. Some visitors come to Hawaii to commune with nature, slow their pace and relax. Peace and calm may be exactly what you’re looking for. But if you find yourself in the stillness of your Maui vacation home with a hankering for music, art and some great people watching, take a drive to Lahaina  where you’re likely to find the streets buzzing, year round.

A Friday night is a great time to check out Lahaina town. Their weekly event “Friday Night is Art Night in Lahaina” means the multitude of galleries that span Front street are open for a meet and greet with the artists with a showcasing of art and music.

On weekend nights simply stroll the streets and follow your ears to the various restaurants and clubs that feature live music and dancing. The well-known Hard Rock Cafe Maui is here in Lahaina, too, where good grinds, rock and roll and surf culture coalesce.

Any night of the week, various boat companies offer sunset dinner cruises that launch from Lahaina Harbor to sail the sea. These tours offer a nautical perspective of the island and fantastic views. Often these cruises offer cocktails and feature live entertainment on board.

Lahaina is a hot spot in the daytime, too. Soak in the flavor of this fun town through the shops, boutiques and fantastic restaurants. Check out one of Lahaina’s central figures, the gigantic Banyan tree that has created a shady gathering spot in the center of town. After strolling Front street, take a load off under this massive tree and watch the people strolling by. You might hear a local strumming the ukulele or find yourself talking story to an old-timer resting on a nearby bench. Listen to the waves lapping on the shore.

Keep in mind, the pace of life in Hawaii is slower. The “action” of Lahaina is nothing like Los Angeles. And though Halloween night does get a little crazy, it’s still no comparison to New Orleans.

But if a little excitement in paradise is what you’re looking for in your Maui vacation, Lahaina is a good bet.  Consider staying in one of the many Lahaina vacation rentals. You can always take a scenic drive to a more remote location if you want a little quiet nature time in the day, knowing you’ll be coming back home to some great restaurants and the hum of Front street in Lahaina town.