West Maui
OLOWALU, LAUNIUPOKO, LAHAINA, KAANAPALI, HONOKOWAI, KAHANA, NAPILI, KAPALUA (96761)
Lahaina Harbor
WEST MAUI IS CLOSED EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES OF RESIDENTS
The sunny west side of Maui is home to Maui’s highest concentration of resorts with many restaurants, shops, and activities, and arguably Maui’s best sunsets. West Maui residents have been heard saying the mantra - ‘west side is the best side.’ It’s almost always sunny and dry, and on very clear days you can see four outer islands. This proximity to the other Hawaiian islands allows for the waters off West Maui to be rich with sea life.
Coming around the south side of the West Maui mountains, the first areas of the West side you will see are Olowalu and Launiupoko. Both are popular beach and surfing recreation areas for locals. This area also contains small farms and luxury home sites on the slopes above the ocean.
Next is Lahaina town. Lahaina (Hawaiian for ‘cruel sun’) was once the royal capital of Hawai’i before being moved to Honolulu. It was also the epicenter of the Pacific whaling industry during the 1800s. Lahaina town burned down in a tragic fire on August 8, 2023. The rebuilding of the town will take many years. Please honor those who live here by not visiting this area unless you are visiting the few local restaurants and other businesses that have reopened.
Heading north, you’ll see the resort area of Kaanapali. Here, seven large resorts front the mile-long white sand beach along with shopping, restaurants, and a golf course.
Further north the beach towns of Honokowai, Kahana, and Napili hug the coast with some of Maui’s best snorkeling spots. And finally, furthest north, you will find the luxury area of Kaupalua with the Montage and Ritz Carlton resorts and two golf courses alongside one of Hawai’i’s largest nature preserves.