Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii
When people come across the name Maui, they immediately think of white sand beaches and soothing music blaring from the sound systems placed near the tropical shores of Hawaii. When people hear the name Lahaina, the impressions are the same. Though the town can be found in the county of Maui, Lahaina has made its own mark and has established a distinction, which makes for easy recall.
The word Lahaina itself already connotes something exotic yet special. Indeed, these descriptions could also be said for this place of "cruel sun." Compared to other towns and villages, the area of Lahaina covers an expanse of Maui, about a total of 18.1 square kilometers, from Honokahau to Olawalu. No wonder Lahaina serves as home to over a thousand families and almost ten thousand local residents, mostly comprised of Asians, Whites, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and other mixed races. But contrary to other areas in Hawaii where there are more females than males, Lahaina has more men in the population than women, with an estimated ratio of 10 to 1.
As its origin implies, the town of Lahaina experiences warm to hot weather conditions all year round. As a matter of fact, there have been cases of drought that have influenced the locals way of living in the area. On the other hand, it is evident that the tropical climate is not at all a hindrance to the tourist population, which increases tremendously during peak seasons. Thus, Lahaina can be accessed via Highway 30 and is also a paradise destination for roughly forty thousand foreigners and travelers that flock to the island.
Lahaina's History
As modernized as the town of Lahaina looks today, there can be no denying that the place played a significant role in the historical account of the entire Hawaiian islands. Even way before there was a boost in land-based or crop-based industries, and even before King Kamehameha I (also known as King Kamehameha the Great) decided to unify all the islands of Hawaii under his rule, the town apparently already had resources that were vital and abundant enough at the time. This reason follows the instance Lahaina was raided by the King Kamehameha in 1795.
The King's fondness for the town did not end there. When Kamehameha the Great finally had the islands unified, he chose and established Lahaina as the prime or capital of his newly founded Kingdom of Hawaii. This lasted for a quarter of a century, until the year 1845. Four years into the start of the unification, the chiefs decided to have their people, the masses, educated. Thus, a mission school was built.
The town of Lahaina is also known to have been home to many Christian missionaries in the 1800s. In fact, the Banyan Tree Square in Lahaina still has the big banyan tree, which was made as a tribute to the missionaries' arrival. When whaling became a common practice in the area in the nineteenth century, missionaries readily got involved in the matter. The whaling practice sparked conflicts between the missionaries and the whaling companies, and eventually, Lahaina became the casualty of bombings by the whaleboats.
Lahaina's Attractions
Due to the historic influence of missionaries in the area of Lahaina, a tribute was created for them in the form of a banyan tree. This is located in the Square and is noted for its unusually large size. At present, the banyan tree covers more than half of the land it stands on.
Also found in the same place as the banyan tree is the Lahaina fort. Originally created in the early 1830s, this structure of defense is now one popular attraction in Lahaina. Tourists can certainly get a grasp of the town's history by visiting the ruins of the fort, especially its cannons and its walls, which stand at 20 feet.
There are many beaches and water activities offered in Lahaina. For those who can't get enough of the fast-paced and modern lifestyle, Lahaina has a whole street to satisfy the dining and partying appetite. Front Street is not only famous among the locals but also among the tourists, simply because of the various activities and establishments found there. Established in the 1820s, Front Street now has an array of colorful shops and enticing restaurants, which offer great entertainment and food -- perfect for those exploring the nightlife in this west side of Maui.
Unlike other Hawaiian destinations that only have their natural resources and sites to boast of, Lahaina hosts events that are definitely inviting to tourists. For example, during the month of November, Lahaina gathers fans of college basketball tournaments in its Maui Invitational event. When January comes, PGA Mercedes Championships are held in The Plantation Course, found in the area of Kapalua.
Lahaina's Economy
The economy of Lahaina started out very simple. Before Lahaina became the town of thousands of people, the way of living was dependent on the waters surrounding the area. Fishing then was the means of survival for the family. However, when ships and boats became prevalent in the area, Lahaina residents took the opportunity and made use of its natural harbors; thus, the system of trading became strong.
In some cities of Hawaii, modernization is very much apparent. In the Lahaina side of Maui island, this is absolutely true. There are so many activities in Lahaina, most of which are reminiscent of urban city living. Though many consider the beaches of Maui to be must-sees in Hawaii, most of the time, Lahaina serves as the solace of those who had been to the beach and are merely out to chill, party, and have a good time. As such, Lahaina's economic condition heavily depends on the influx of tourists who are intent on attending events, seeing historic sites, and spending their vacation at the beach every season and every year.
Due to the booming tourist industry of Lahaina, residents are pretty much living a good life, balanced between modernity and simplicity. The annual income of families is estimated to be more than $84,000. Meanwhile, the household income is estimated to be at a close figure, a little more than $72,000. Although there are people in the area who are living on less than meager terms, it could be said that based on the numbers, Lahaina residents are doing well.
Lahaina Statistics:
Population: 9,118Households: 2,599
Median resident age: 36.0 years
Median household income: $52,984
Median house value: $259,400
Land area: 5.8 square miles
Elevation: 20 feet
Latitude: 20�°53'N
Longitude: 156�°40'W
Zip code: 96761
County: Maui
