Lāhainā, Hawai'i

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Lāhainā is the most popular tourist destination on Maui, resulting in a congestion of people and vehicles, although the ambience remains relaxed

Lāhainā is the largest town and census-designated place (CDP) in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaiʻi, and the gateway to the famous Kaʻanapali and Kapalua beach resorts north of town. As of the 2000 Census, the CDP had a resident population of 9,118. Lāhainā encompasses the coastal along State Highway 30 from tunnel at the south, through Olawalu up the CDP of Nāpili-Honokōwai is to the north. During the heavy tourist seasons, the population can swell to nearly 40,000 people. Before Hawaiʻi's annexation by the United States, Lāhainā was the "Royal Capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom" as city signs proclaim. The name means "cruel sun" in the Hawaiian language, describing droughts that affect the area. In the 1800s, Lāhainā was the center of the global whaling industry with many sailing ships anchored in front of town; today a score of pleasure craft make their home there.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 Attractions
5 External links

[edit] History

In Lāhainā, the focus of activity is along Front Street, which dates back to the 1820s. It is lined with stores and restaurants, and is often packed with tourists. Banyan Tree Square features an exceptionally large banyan tree planted in 1873 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the missionaries. It is also the site of the reconstructed ruins of Lāhainā Fort, originally built in 1832.

Prior to unification of the islands, in 1795, the town was sacked by Kamehameha the Great. Lāhainā was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi from 1820 to 1845. In 1824, at the request of the chiefs, Betsey Stockton started the first mission school open to the common people. It was once an important destination for the 19th century whaling fleet, whose presence at Lāhainā frequently led to conflicts with the Christian missionaries living there. On more than one occasion the conflict was so severe that it led to the shelling of Lāhainā by whaleboats.

[edit] Geography

Location of Lāhainā, Hawaiʻi

Lāhainā is located at 20°53'10" North, 156°40'29" West (20.886122, -156.674602)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 18.1 km² (7.0 mi²). 14.9 km² (5.8 mi²) of it is land and 3.2 km² (1.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 17.50% water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 9,118 people, 2,599 households, and 1,759 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 612.3/km² (1,584.7/mi²). There were 3,027 housing units at an average density of 203.3/km² (526.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 26.44% White, 0.34% African American, 0.31% Native American, 43.40% Asian, 9.83% Pacific Islander, 2.18% from other races, and 17.50% from two or more races. 7.06% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,599 households out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 18.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.50 and the average family size was 3.91.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 108.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.1 males.

The median income household income in 2005 was $61,402 and the average household income for 2005 was $79,876. Males have a median income of $39,583 versus $35,392 for females. The per capita income for the CDP is $29,921. 7.8% of the population and 6.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

[edit] Attractions

The tree in Courthouse Square.

The banyan tree in Courthouse Square is noteworthy for its size. As a strangling fig, it has grown by dropping roots from its branches that then become additional trunks, allowing it to cover two-thirds of an acre.

In 1831 a fort was built for defense, and the remains of its 20 foot walls and original cannons can still be seen.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the PGA Mercedes Championships every January.

The many restaurants along Front Street, some of national renown like Bubba Gump, others local, offer a broad variety of food and entertainment, making the street the hub of West Maui's night life.

Every November, Lāhainā hosts the Maui Invitational, one of the top early-season tournaments in college basketball.