Old Lahaina Courthouse and Customs House in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Watch the 'Ulalena Show

Lahaina, Maui

Culture and history come alive when you watch the 'Ulalena show in Lahaina, Maui. On the island of Maui there is a one of a kind theatre production known as 'Ulalena that thoroughly engages its' audience while telling the story of the Hawaii and its people. Whether or not you know much about the history of the native culture of the islands 'Ulalena brings it alive in a very modern fashion combining multiple performance artists, acrobats, dancers, and musicians in a show that is dynamic and moving.

Highlights: A total thrill for the senses, this show engages you from start to finish, delivering you through ancient to modern history in the 75-minute masterful performance. Mythical characters and historical figures merge in this lively production making for great entertainment for people of all ages.
Activity level: Easy
Location: Lahaina, Maui
Reservations: Required, shows are Monday through Friday 5 pm
Cost: From $79.99 to $59.99 adult admission; $49.99 to $29.99 child ages 6 to 12

'Ulalena is a creative collaboration between Maui's performing arts community, and a Canadian circus production company named ARRA. The brilliance of the theatrical production is in the mix of cutting edge performances, with traditional Hawaiian cultural practitioners and dancers. At its inception in 1999 the production company sought to build the show around the many talents of the islanders wishing to participate in telling the story of Hawaii. From 150 auditions, the cast was crafted from 20 selected performers and involved their input, as well as local cultural advisory to create the award winning show. The performance is a journey through Hawaiian history in an artful show of acrobatics, hula, chant, and live musicianship.

Enjoying Ulalena during the beginning of your vacation enriches your experience of Maui as your deeper understanding of the performance echoes for days afterward. Shedding light on the spirit of aloha that is embodied through the production, and ever present in daily Hawaii life.

The Maui Theatre was built around the show and is stocked with state of the art sound, lighting and stage design putting you right in the middle of the action. A terrace of talented musicians interact live through out the performance from the right flank of the audience providing a soundtrack that often gives you "goose bumps" as the sound and visuals transform the room around you into rain forests, lava eruptions, the ocean, and many other natural and mythic environments.

Local's Tip:
'Ulalena is an early show beginning at 5 pm. This makes for good timing for a show and dinner combination. The Maui Theatre is at the heart of Lahaina town and has its own parking area making it easy to explore Front Street and its many galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Contacts:
Phone: 808-856-7900
Web: http://www.Ulalena.com/

Address:
Maui Theatre
878 Front Street
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761

Directions:
Reaching Lahaina via HI- route 30 aka Honoapiilani Highway look for Papalaua Street. Turn on Papalaua Street heading toward the ocean, pass Wainee Street and look for entry into Maui Theatre parking lot on the left. Look for parking in stalls marked for show.

Banyan Tree Park

Lahaina, Maui

Lahaina's famous Banyan Tree Park is home to one of the largest banyan trees in the entire world. The magnificent tree was brought over from India and planted in front of the Lahaina Courthouse in 1873. It was 8 feet tall when it was planted, but now has 12 major trunks, is the size of a city block, and stands over 60 feet tall. A landmark in this colorful west-Maui town, the tree provides extensive shade that, in addition to providing a cool resting spot for visitors, is the site of frequent art exhibits and other events.

AT A GLANCE:
Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820 and 1845, and has a rich cultural history. The banyan tree has been a landmark for over 200 years, and regardless of what area of Maui you're visiting, it is worth a trip to the west side just to see it. At first glance, visitors would assume that the park is full of numerous large trees, but the marvel of the banyan is that it is actually all the same tree. In addition to growing upwards toward the sky, banyans grow sideways, with new roots growing out of the trunk to the ground, where they take root and form new trunks. This creates what looks like a mini-forest all from just one tree.

The park has numerous benches and picnic tables, and overlooks the Lahaina harbor, old courthouse, and bustling Front Street. Within easy walking distance to all of the town's restaurants, shops, and galleries, Banyan Tree Park is the perfect place to start or end your visit, or to take a break and cool down in the middle of a busy day of touring.

Hours:
Daylight

Cost:
Free

Address:
648 Wharf St, Lahaina, HI 96761

Directions:
From the airport, take HI-380 to HI-30 S. Turn left onto HI-30 S, and follow it for 16 miles. Turn left onto Prison St to enter Lahaina, and then right onto Front St. The park will be ahead on the left.

Baldwin Home Museum

Lahaina, Maui

Tucked right in the center of bustling Lahaina, the historic Baldwin Home is famous for being the oldest house still standing on the entire island of Maui. Built in 1834 by Reverend Ephraim Spaulding, it was originally a one-story "missionary compound." Spaulding had to return to the mainland due to illness just two years after building the home, and Reverend Dwight Baldwin, a medical missionary who had been living in a grass hut on the property, moved in with his family. As the family grew over the years, the home grew as well and by 1850, Baldwin had added on a bedroom, medical study, and an entire second floor.

AT A GLANCE:
The Baldwin family spent the remainder of their lives in Hawaii and became very active in the community, with Reverend Baldwin serving Maui, Lanai, and Molokai as government physician, dentist, and veterinarian, as well as working as a minister in Lahaina. His wife taught sewing lessons and children's lessons, and their home was always open to travelers, ship captains passing through, and members of the Hawaiian royal court. With extensive gardens, fruit trees, farm animals, and a nearby stream, the property was completely self-sustaining.

Descendants of the family gave the property to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation in 1967, and it was then restored to the mid-19th century design that it would have had during the time when the original Baldwins and their eight children lived there. The home is filled with original photographs, writings, and artifacts, as well as donated furnishings and other period items, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant history of Lahaina.

Hours:
10am - 4pm Daily
Candlelit tours every Friday between 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Cost:
Adults (13 and older): $7, Seniors: $5, Children: Free
Admission fee includes entrance to the Wo Hing Museum.

Phone:
808-661-3262

Website:
www.lahainarestoration.org/baldwin-home-museum

Address:
120 Dickenson St, Lahaina, HI 96761 (located on the corner of Front Street)

Directions:
From the airport, take HI-380 to HI-30 S. Turn left onto HI-30 S, and follow it for 16 miles. Turn left onto Dickenson St to enter Lahaina. The Baldwin Home Museum will be on the left.

Lahaina Stables

Lahaina, Maui

Explore the beauty of West Maui from horseback with one of Lahaina Stable's scenic tours, which offer stunning views of Molokai, Lanai, and Lahaina Town and Harbor. Guests will ride into the gorgeous Launiopoko Valley and break for refreshments or lunch (depending on the tour) next to a cool, mountain fed pond.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Located on a hillside just a short drive from Lahaina and Kaanapali, Lahaina Stables offers a tranquil retreat from the bustle and noise of the resort areas. Guests can choose from a morning, lunch, or sunset tour. Snacks and a beverage are included with the morning and sunset tours, and the lunch tour also includes a deli sandwich, chips, and desert.

With beautiful, clean facilities and experienced guides, guests of any experience level will feel comfortable and safe. Ample parking is available, as well as a full washroom and a water cooler.

Opened in 2004, Lahaina Stables is the only horseback tour company offering trail rides to Kauaula Valley and Launiupoko Valley. The tours provides guests with an up-close view of areas of West Maui that they would never see otherwise.

It is recommended to book your reservation in advance to ensure that there are spots available during your visit. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required. The trail can be hot and dry, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses!

Cost:
$130

Hours:
8:30am check-in time for the morning ride; 10:30am check-in for the lunch ride; varying time for the sunset ride depending on the season.

Phone:
808-667-2222

Website:
www.mauihorse.com

Address:
Punakea Loop, Lahaina, HI 96761

Directions:
From Lahaina/Kaanapali, turn right onto Honoapiilani Hwy/HI 30. Turn left onto Kai Hele Ku St. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Haniu St. Turn right onto Punakea Loop. Lahaina Stables will be ahead on the left.

Atlantis Submarines Maui

Lahaina, Maui

With Atlantis Submarine Adventures, the ocean becomes readily accessible and easily shared as you walk into an undersea vessel designed with touring in mind. The experience of diving beneath the near shore waters of Hawaii is unforgettable, but when you go by submarine it becomes a family size experience.

Highlights:
State of the art Atlantis submarines get you closer and deeper into the wild natural ocean, with Morey eels, sharks, occasional whales, and tons of fish floating about exotic coral reefs just outside your window.
Bonus-Everybody has a window seat!

Tour Hours & Schedule:
9 am to 2pm, every hour on the hour. Check in 30 minutes before.
6 tours daily, 45 minute underwater, 1hour and 45 minute excursions when factoring in check in, shuttle boat, and boarding time.

Fees:
$109+ plus tax $45+ tax under 12- must be over 3 feet tall.
*260 lb. weight limit, due to use of ladder to enter and exit the sub.

Not everyone has the composure needed explore the ocean depths around Hawaii, as it is well known that the currents and ocean conditions can be dangerous. A submarine tour is a great option for those wanting to see the beauty of the deep blue sea without the stress that swimming in the wilds can bring.

Where to start:
After booking your tour by phone or online, check in occurs within 30 minutes of your departure time by visiting the Atlantis Submarine retail store located on Front Street, in the lower story of the famous Pioneer Inn. A short walk from the store across the Banyan Tree Park to the harbor brings you to the loading area for the "shuttle boat" to the submarine, which is offshore at the actual dive location.
The Atlantis staff is very helpful and courteous, feel free to ask them about the experience and what to expect. Once settled at the shuttle boat slip, you might take a last restroom break before the adventure, as there are none onboard the shuttle boat, or submarine.

What to expect:
The Atlantis submarine is a well-designed and operated craft. The submarine seats 48 people, though tour attendance varies by season and time of day. Boarding the shuttle boat, and the submarine is fairly easy via a ramp. Entering the submarine requires the ability to climb down, then up a ladder. Once inside, the experienced crew helps you get situated and the exploration begins. Guided by a support tugboat on the surface, the submarine dives from surface up to 130 feet depending on visibility. Coral reefs thriving with fish, and the sunken hull of ship teaming with undersea activity are highlights of the 45 minute tour. An onboard guide and narrator interprets the action out your submarine windows. Additionally each seat sits opposite a window that has a fish identification card attached for your use during the tour.

What to bring:
You won't need much as the submarine experience is pretty inclusive with water refreshment onboard. A camera is tempting, but shooting pictures is challenging during the underwater portion of the tour. Best to leave backpacks, and larger purses onshore as there is little storage in the submarine.

Contacts:

Toll Free Phone: 800-548-6262 then press 1, then press 2
Local Phone: 808-667-2234
Website: http://www.atlantisadventures.com/

Local's Tip:
Perfect for the non-swimmers, young or elderly vacationers wanting to experience the ocean safely. Mid-day submarine adventures have the best lighting and less of a crowd then the early and later subs.

Directions:
Lahaina town is on Maui's west side, reachable by HI-route 30. Look for Shaw Street intersection, which is close to the southern end of town. Turn on Shaw Street heading toward the coast. At the stop sign at the end of Shaw Street, turn right onto Front Street. Follow Front Street for several blocks, looking for municipal parking lot on the right hand side at the intersection of Prison Street. This lot is two blocks from the harbor and Atlantis Submarine check in. If you wish to look for closer parking, continue on Front Street heading north, and pass the Banyan Tree Park the left, and turn onto Hotel Street. Parking spaces are marked, mostly on the left. Follow the one-way streets around the Banyan Tree Park and if parking space is not available, either circle back or proceed to the municipal parking at Prison Street.