When my wife and I moved to Maui, it didn’t take us long to find our five favorite things to do in Lahaina. There are a lot of choices when it comes to Lahaina activities, but when it comes to spending quality time with our girls, romantic dinners, or just to have no worries and get away, these are our top five things to do in Lahaina.

5. Baby Beach

When my wife and I first moved to Lahaina, we worried about how long it would take our daughters to adjust from Oklahoma to Maui. Within the first week our two daughters, ages four and two, were ending every sentence with “and then we go to the beach dad?” It didn’t take them long as we expected to adjust to the Maui life. Baby Beach was one reason Maui became home so quickly, and has stayed one of our favorite things to do in Lahaina.

Baby Beach is just a few blocks off of Front Street (the main strip in Lahaina). There are two reefs out a ways that calm down the incoming surf for the kids, and you have a great view of Lanai. Unlike other beaches, there isn’t a drastic drop to deep water. The only downside to baby beach is there are no beach facilities. So be prepared to stay sandy until you get back to your hotel.

Local Tip: This is a great spot to watch the only 4^th of July fireworks on the island.

 4. Family Picnic at Honokowai Beach Park

This park and beach is great for families and the one we go to most often. It has lots of green grass and a nice little playground for the kids to enjoy. There are picnic tables and nice shade along the beach.

The beach has a reef a few feet out that blocks the waves and creates a nice tide pool for the kids to play in (it’s usually only knee to waist deep). It has restrooms and showers and if you get hungry, it’s right across from another popular things to do in Lahaina – The Farmers Market.

Local Tip: We’ve seen lots of sea turtles and even saw a rare monk seal snoozing on the beach! So keep your eyes peeled!

This brings us to our top 3 favorite things to do in Lahaina

3. Going for a Morning Snorkel

What can I say?  This is just a great way to start any day. You can pretty much just stop at any beach, jump in with your gear and see amazing ocean life. Local favorites though are Black Rock at Ka’anapali and Airport beach just before Honokowai. Don’t worry about gear. You can rent snorkel sets everywhere for pretty cheap.

Local tip: Don’t get the cheapest gear. Upgrade at least one notch & you’ll enjoy the experience a lot more.

2. Happy Hour at Ruth Christ’s Steakhouse

Located next the Hard Rock on popular Front Street, this favorite things to do in Lahaina is not only romantic it’s also easy on your pocket book. Their happy hour runs from 5-7 in Lahaina and there are two ways to enjoy it. You can sit in the lounge and have an assortment of appetizers and drinks, (my wife and I’s favorite) or you can enjoy the specially priced multiple course dinner.

Ruth’s is also a great way to lead into our #1 favorite thing to do in Lahaina…

1. Cliff Dive at Black Rock

The story behind this ceremony dates back to the days of King Kahekili, who ruled both Maui and Oahu for 45 years in the late 1700′s.

The ceremony begins about 5-10 minutes before sunset. My wife and I like to enjoy an evening drink at one of the oceanfront bars. The cliff diver makes his way through the grounds of the resort, lighting all the torches and stopping to pose for pictures.

Next, the Hawaiian warrior runs onto Ka’anapali Beach, treks up Black Rock, known to ancient Hawaiians as Pu’u Keka’a, lighting torches all the way. He addresses the ancient Hawaiian gods, offers up his lei to the heavens, and takes a head first leap into the ocean as the sun sets over the horizon.

I hope you not only get a chance to come to Maui and enjoy our favorite things to do in Lahaina, but also make your own list and memories of your favorite things to do in Lahaina.

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