On this self-guided walking tour around the town of Lahaina, you will see many interesting historical sites relating to Lahaina’s whaling past, its Christian missionaries, and the Chinese and Japanese immigrants who made their home there. Below are just a few of the many stops on this fascinating tour.
Baldwin House –Built in the 1930s, this was the home of the doctor and missionary Reverend Dwight Baldwin. You can see antique furnishings and other artifacts, and learn about this man who helped further education and fight disease on the island.
Seaman’s Hospital – This building was once a hospital for sailors aboard whaling ships. After the decline of the whaling industry, it became a boarding school.
Hale Pa’ahao – The old whalers’ prison, constructed in 1851, is now a museum about Lahaina’s history.
Wo Hing Museum – Built by Lahaina’s Chinese residents in 1912, this building served as a temple and social gathering place for members of the Wo Hing Society.
Jodo Mission – At this Buddhist mission, visitors can see a Japanese temple, 90-foot pagoda, and a Buddha statue erected in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigrants’ arrival in Hawaii. Walk by some of Lahaina’s other Buddhist missions to see more interesting architecture.
Hale Pa’i – This seminary, founded in 1831, was the first school west of the Rockies. In 1834, the school got a printing press and began to teach the art of typesetting, printing, and binding books. Hawaii’s first printed book and newspaper were created here.
Pioneer Inn – Lahaina’s first hotel, where you can still stay today, is over 110 years old!
The Old Courthouse – Built with materials from a ruined Kamehameha palace, this building served as courthouse for many years. Today, its second floor is the Lahaina Heritage Museum.
Banyan Tree – When this tree was brought from India in 1873 (to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Christian missionaries) it was only 8 feet tall. Today this Lahaina landmark stands at 60 feet high and sprawls over two-thirds of an acre! Many events have been held under the branches of the banyan, including craft shows, concerts, Kamehameha’s birthday party, and the celebration of Hawaii’s inclusion into the United States.
