Lahaina in Hawaii

Lahaina has among Maui's most jaw-dropping beaches. They curve around the top edge of the island, reaching from the lava reefs of the Launiupoko Beach Park in the south to the hotel-backed sands of much-loved Kaanapali in the north.

Baby Beach is closer to the heart of Lahaina itself. You can stroll there from the theatres and bars to be surrounded by stooping coconut palms and enjoy views of Lanai island across the strait. A better option for escaping the crowds is Hanakao'o Park. It has cinnamon-tinged powder below big casuarina trees and isn't usually too busy.

There's plenty of enthralling Aloha State history to get through in Lahaina that should entertain the whole family. That runs the gamut from venerable buildings in the heart of the old town area to fun rides on vintage trains to plantations in the Maui foothills.

First, be sure to drop by the Old Banyan Tree. It stands proud on the appropriately named Banyan Court Park. The tree is said to be the oldest on the whole island, with a whopping 150 years to its back. From there, hop on the Sugar Cane Train to whizz through lush fields as the steam plumes overhead. At night, the kids are sure to love the traditional dance shows that come with the Old Lahaina Luau.

Lahaina is a great place to get a feel for the past of Maui and how the island has developed since being a centre of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Aside from being anchored on Front Street, a whole row of pretty heritage architecture, the town hosts some informative institutions.

Take the Hale Pa'i printing museum. It's the only one of its kind in the whole state and shows the spot where the first Hawaiian language newspaper was made back in the day. Pioneer Mill Co. Ltd, the oldest sugar mill on Maui, is also there in the centre of town, offering a sight of its huge smokestack. And there's the US Seamen's Hospital Museum, housed in a building that dates back to 1833.

Front Street is the epicentre of life in Lahaina. It goes for over 2 miles through the very middle of the town, fringing the shoreline on one side and beset by all sorts of heritage buildings on the other – cowboy-style saloons, wood-fronted arcades, and Victorian shops.

This is the place to be for dining, drinking and shopping. Souvenir seekers can duck into independent art galleries like the Lahaina Printsellers or Sargent's, while foodies can seek out the Kobe steakhouses and fish bars. There's also a mix of high-street fashion names, surf shops, tattoo parlours, and ice-cream outlets to get through.

The Old Lahaina Luau is a chance to get a taste of authentic Maui culture. It's a whole evening of dance, music, food, and Hawaiian hospitality, which takes place on the shoreline of the town in a pretty garden filled with tropical plants surrounded by traditional thatched-roof buildings.

You'll be garlanded with hibiscus necklaces when you arrive. Then, you'll be seated and served a smorgasbord of tasty islander food – think kalua pig and guava butter – as the ukulele band strikes up. Later on, there's a complete dance troupe who perform a show that draws on episodes from the history of Maui.

Lahaina is well-positioned to help you really make the most out of a trip to northern Maui. You can get stuck into all sorts here, whether you're keen to dive under the Pacific or hit a round of 18 at one of the award-winning local clubs – nearby Kaanapali has some of the most iconic courses around.

Budding surfers can rent a board or reserve a lesson and make for the weaves of the Lahaina Breakwall to try and pop up. Alternatively, swap that for snorkelling gear and get to the reefs of Baby Beach for an underwater session. There's also an abundance of hiking paths behind the town, in the West Maui Forest Reserve for those feeling really adventurous.

Lahaina is considered a bit of a foodie hot spot because the big hotel resort restaurants are swapped out for more locally owned kitchens. Front Street is a great place to start your search when the belly rumbles, but don't be shy of ducking into the blocks just behind, where other gastronomic secrets await.

Some of the highlights include the Lahaina Fish Co, where the menus tout taste-bud-tingling dishes like Hawaiian tuna in katsu and panko breadcrumbs. Lahaina Grill is better for fine-dining evenings, with its meticulously crafted Pacific surf and turf. Meanwhile, Fleetwood's on Front St. is a legendary tavern for hearty American-Hawaiian fare by the sea and is owned by British musician Mick Fleetwood of the legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac.

Lahaina's rich heritage background makes it a great place to go souvenir hunting. There are more shopping centres here than you can shake your mahi-mahi at, along with all the independent retailers of Front Street to boot.

The Old Lahaina Center waits just a stone's throw from the shoreline. It's packed with banks and dental clinics, but also has a few interesting noodle bars and Maui-made clothing makes. You could also hit the aforementioned Front Street, where surf brands like Rip Curl sit next to local art purveyors. The sprawling Outlets of Maui is to the north and better for big-name labels like Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas.

Lahaina doesn't just go to sleep when the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean. In fact, the nightlife starts way before the light has even faded, with people gathering at the golden hour to sip cocktails at joints like Fleetwood's on Front St.

From there, it's easy to hop up to the Waikiki Brewing Company, a microbrew spot that offers award-winning labels like the refreshing Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale. The Dirty Monkey is another legendary Front Street haunt that has big TVs for sports as well as DJs on the weekends. Away from the buzz of all that, the Sly Mongoose is a moody Tiki tavern with Harley Davidsons and a well-priced beer menu.