Saturday, August 13, 2011

Maui Town of Lahaina

Nestled in the middle of the waters of Auau Channel towards Lana'I Island and the strong peaks and valleys of Mauna Kahalawai, is the historic town of Lahaina. This town, sometimes known as the jewel in Maui's crown, is one of the most visited spots in the area.

In fact, about 83% of Maui's visitor habitancy (2 million people), visit the town of Lahaina annually.

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Lahaina is known for having quite a history that has led to a diverse cultural population. Over one thousand years ago, Polynesian settlers came to the town of Lahaina to build a home. The area was perfect as it offered numerous freshwater streams, fertile soil, beautiful weather, and pristine valleys. The area is still as beautiful today as it was back then. At least 18,000 habitancy call the town of Lahaina home on a full-time basis. Millions more visit the area each year.

The landscape and the exciting options are what keep habitancy coming into Lahaina each year. From the colorful waterfront to the world-famous Front Street, it is easy to see why this area of Hawaii is as popular as it is. You will find plentifulness to do and see when visiting the town of Lahaina. Below are a few of the most popular options.

Jodo Mission

The town of Lahaina is home to the Jodo Mission, the largest Buddhist community surface of Japan. Placed against the astounding West Maui Mountains, the Jodo Mission offers a temple, a bell tower, pagodas, and a small park where a model of Buddha is located. This is one of Lahaina's busiest attractions.

Lahaina Hongwanji Mission

The Hongwanji Mission was built in 1910 and was originally a temple and a small school. Today, the Mission shows off the history of the Japanese community in Lahaina. The temple at Hongwanji is home to the each year August O-Bon Dance. This dance offers a celebration of life and death, thousands of candles, and the pounding of rhythmic drums.

Moku'ulu-o-Lele

Located on Front road in the downtown area of Lahaina, is Moku'ula, one of the most historic parts of the island. Moku'ula is a small island that finally became a park. Nearby the island was a set of sacred ponds (Mokuhinia). This spot has been home to giant lizards, Maui Chiefs, and Kamehameha Kings. After the 1900's, the area was turned into a park. Today, some of the ponds and other historical artifacts are being unearthed in a resumption project.

Old Fort Walls of Lahaina

The Old Fort Walls are the last of ruins of a fort that once stood near the justice building and overlooking the now defunct canals in Lahaina. The fort was originally created to help safe the town of Lahaina. Canons had been shot at Reverend Richard's home when he convinced the King to ban women from the ships that would come into the area. Visitors that would come to the area assumed the fort was for aesthetics and not for protection. Eventually, the fort was torn down and provided bricks to the area prison. The old ruins that were once part of the fort walls are all that remain.

Other points of interest in the town of Lahaina include:

Carthaginian Floating Museum

Lahaina Lighthouse

Luakini Street

Brick Palace

Masters Reading Room

Seamen's Cemetery

Pioneer Inn

Wo Hing Temple

These are just a few of the places to visit in the town of Lahaina while your vacation on the beautiful island of Maui.

Maui Town of Lahaina

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

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