To get a sense of the mixed currents coursing through the seas of West Maui, we will have to consider three towns. Lahaina, Ka’anpali and Kapula are the destinations located on the warm, tranquil shores of West Maui that have attracted locals and visitors for decades. Each town holds its own unique charm and history. Lahaina has been many things: the capital of Hawaii, home to missionaries, a harbor for whaling ships and though the capital of Hawaii is now Honolulu and whaling ships have given way to whale watches much of Lahaina’s historical sites remain. The first thing you will notice in town is a giant banyan tree, the largest in Hawaii. Although the banyan appears as though it is several plants, the 160 year old tree has just grown its own branches down into the ground. The Pioneer Inn that over looks Lahaina Harbor was built in 1901 is still serving as a port to parched mariners, mostly fresh off of snorkel and sunset cruises, but parched none the less. The town’s antique facades give Front Street a quaint feel. With some of the best art galleries and restaurants on Maui, Lahaina is a lively town that stays up late. Come for the history and stay for happy hour.

The famous Kaanapali Beach has drawn visitors with its natural beauty and calm waters. This beach has something for everyone. Long stretches of sand allow for privacy for tanning. The inviting warm waters are perfect for snorkeling especially along Black Rock. Ka’anapali Beach even has a small surf break just off shore, perfect for beginner surfers. Although eyes are normally on the whales breaching off the shore and fiery sunsets, Kaanapali holds much of its history inland. If you look across the South Golf course on to the 17th green you will notice a dip in the ground. This is the site where the ancient Hawaiians cultivated Kalo (taro). The Kalo root was pounded into poi which was a main staple of the Hawaiian diet. Poi is still eaten in the islands and is a strong connection to the ancient practices of the first settlers to Hawaii.

Kapalua is best known for its panoramic ocean vistas, world class golf and as being one of the most recognized resorts in the world. The first native Hawaiians came to Kapalua by sea. Seeing the curve of the coast line they called the land Kapalua meaning “embracing the sea”. The bay provided the first settlers with a bounty of food along with the Kalo they grew on the land. The native Hawaiians regarded both the land and sea of Kapalua as sacred. It was the Baldwin family who planted pineapple in the fields of Kapalua creating Maui Land and Pineapple Company. To this day Maui Land and Pineapple has a strong influence on the resort community within Kapalua with plans to continue growing both in size and luxury of this resort community.