About Joshua S
Lives in Orange, California
Since Jul 2015
18-24 year old male
Hey everybody! My name is Josh, I'm 22 years old and learning to live with an adventurous heart in this journey called life. Travel, the outdoors, and people are three of my biggest passions and I take every opportunity I can to explore. I grew up in Souhern California my whole life, but when I graduated from High School I moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest (Spokane to be exact) to attend Bible School. I spent one year there before life brought me home, but the PNW will always have a special place in my heart. I spent a year and a half at home, exploring the Sierra Nevadas, rock climbing, backpacking, etc. until I had the opportunity in 2014 to leave home again. I spent 6 1/2 months abroad doing missions work and service projects, and of course finding time to enjoy the beauty of each new place I visited. I spent time in12 different countries and circumnavigated the globe. I can't always travel as much as I would like, but I always look forward to my next adventure!
When it comes to the island of Maui, it's hard to beat Lahaina. Whether you are looking for pristine white sand beaches, great snorkeling, touristy shopping, amazing dining, or simply a spot to enjoy the laid back vibes of Hawaii, Lahaina features all the best in one little slice of paradise!
14 Places
4 City Tips
14 Places
Neighbourhoods
Art Galleries
Parks
Restaurants
Beaches
Speciality Museums
Hiking Trails, Nature & Wildlife Areas
Restaurants
Restaurants
Beaches, Bodies of Water
Restaurants
Beaches
Front Street perfectly embodies the personality of Lahaina as a whole. The street is lined with tourist shops (great for souvenirs), art galleries, restaurants, beautiful views over the water, and even glass blowing! If you're looking for a great location for shopping and nightlife, look no further than Front Street.
Usually, I'm not a huge fan of art galleries. I enjoy browsing, but I'm usually done after about five or ten minutes. When I walked into Kush Gallery for the first time however, I found I could have spent hours appreciating the incredibly creative pieces of art! Vladimir Kush has found a way to combine nature, architecture, and a sort of social commentary in his own unique style. Even if you wouldn't normally spend time in an art gallery, I would encourage you to stop by.
One of Lahaina's claims to fame is the Banyan tree. You might wonder why everyone makes such a big deal about a tree — until you see it that is. This massive tree actually spans an entire city block! As Banyan trees grow out, they send branches down to the ground as roots, and after years and years of growth, the single tree begins to look more like an entire forest. But don't be fooled, it really is just one tree!
If you enjoy a good cup of coffee, you must start your day at The Coffee Store. The quaint little cafe makes for a great spot to hang out or sit down with a good book. And when it comes to quality coffee, you can't beat Hawaii. Whether you like your coffee black, with cream and sugar, or a specialty drink, I guarantee you will savor every sip!
After your morning cup of coffee, head to Ka'anapali Beach. As you leave Lahaina, the temperature drops and the trade winds pick up, which helps balance out the warmth of the sun. And nothing is better than a swim to cool off! If you walk to the far end of the beach, you will even find a formation of lava rock that is great for cliff jumping! However you decide to make the most of your time here, you will certainly be living the good life.
After spending your morning at the beach, get out of the sun and enjoy some of the best shopping in Western Maui. Whaler's Village has a variety of shops that are sure to entertain everyone. Guys can go check out a knife shop, girls can shop for clothes, and everybody can enjoy picking out souvenirs. And while you're at it, grab a bite to eat for lunch before continuing your adventure.
If you enjoy going for a walk in the morning or around sunset, you might find yourself on this trail every day. Whenever I visit Maui, I go for at least one walk along this trail that follows the beautiful coastline. As soon as you step foot on the path, you will be greeted with sweeping views and the smell of the ocean; and as you hike along and enjoy the fresh air, don't hesitate to swim at any of the gorgeous beaches you pass by!
In my travels to Maui, I've only had the privilege of eating at Leilani's on a couple of occasions, and each time I have felt absolutely spoiled! The location near the beach sets the mood perfectly, the food is exceptional, and the service is superb! Due to the cost, I usually only stop in once a trip, but each time it is an experience I cherish to the last bite. This is the perfect ending to another day in paradise!
Unlike most people, breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out. And of all my favorite spots, I think Sea House takes the cake! In fact, as I write this I leave for Maui tomorrow, and I can't help but think about sitting here enjoying breakfast in the next day or two. As you gaze out the large open windows you will be able to appreciate the entire view of Napili Bay; complete with it's sparkling, crystal clear water and perfect white sand beach. Between the view and the food, you might not want to leave!
If you enjoy snorkeling, Honokeana Bay is a must! With visibility up to 50 feet, countless varieties of fish, and a large population of sea turtles, Honokeana has it all! While the fish are similar to what you might find in the surrounding bays, I can guarantee you will see at least three or four turtles in the water here (something unique to this cove.) There's nothing quite like swimming alongside a massive sea turtle, and what better picture to send home to all your friends? (Don't forget a waterproof camera!)
What can I even begin to say about Lorraine's Shave Ice? This is my absolute must-see hidden gem on the entire island of Maui! Despite the drive, I have gone to Lorraine's at least once on each of my Maui trips. When you meet Lorraine, it's essentially like gaining a new grandma! If it's your first time, she will take you on a tour of her property to see her backyard with ocean views, banana trees, and a small creek. Afterwards, you can order shave ice, banana bread, and toasted coconut that are all to die for! By the time you've enjoyed your delicious treats and hung out with Lorraine you will feel like family! Don't miss out!
Napili Bay just might be the nicest beach in all of Maui. I have talked with countless people who have been all over the island and just keep coming back to Napili. The relatively sheltered bay is a perfect spot for paddle boarding, snorkeling, or swimming, and the sunsets are some of the most beautiful I have seen in the world. You could spend the entire day hanging out on the beach, but be sure to stay long enough to catch the sun going down between the islands of Lanai and Molokai. This spot is one that I will be coming back to for years, and after you visit you will understand why!