Finally attended the Lahaina Restoration Foundation's 60th Gala which was supposed to be in October…read more23 but was postponed due to the Aug 8 fires. What an amazing night, full of music, dance, culinary delights and fevered fundraising. With these funds LRF and its workers and volunteers can rebuild Lahaina and it's historical buildings, keeping history and culture alive and thriving. Many Mahalos to everyone involved, from the LRF board to volunteers, dancers and servers, Kimberley in the office who answered my emails regarding the night, to the greeters at the doors of the Old Lahaina Luau. Everyone involved made it a night to remember!

IMHO If you want a…read morerespite from the tourist trappings on Front St., head up Prison St. and visit the old Whaling Prison. It's free and there are a few free parking spots right up front.

My father's family were born and raised in Lahaina and I finally made it to Pioneer Mill and to…read morefind our family's commemorative brick, which is laid at the base of the smokestack. It was a proud moment, knowing that my father's family were born and raised in Puukolii, Lahaina. As a youngster, I heard stories from my dad, uncles and auntie about life in Puukolii and growing-up in Lahaina. Being able to visit and see the landmarks was quite a sight.

If you never saw the original Pioneer Mill, you really missed seeing something wonderful from…read moreMaui's past. The gargantuan steel structure and smoky/sweet smell greeted you as you drove up Lahainaluna Road which was covered in dust, caked-on red dirt, and cane stalk remnants. The mill stood on both sides of the road with a bridge-like connector in the middle. Come present day, the only surviving artifact is a majestic 225 foot high smokestack that has been beautifully restored into a free visitable monument, complete with restored locomotives. For the past six years (since 2009) they held an event known as the Lahaina Plantation Days that showcased plantation history, exhibits, arts, crafts, entertainment, and food booths, which benefitted the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Sadly the event's finale was this year, 2015.

This was one of the spots recommended when visiting Molokai. I thought the pos a nut activity was…read moresilly but I figured why not. EXPERIENCE: Parking: You can pull over but there is plaza parking. Feels: It was near the corner of the intersection. Depending on the season or time of day it can have a flow of people. The spot itself is nothing too special. Straight business so no room to hang out. The signs were a bit worn down and the Post-A-Nut items weren't as promotable. However, they do provide sharpies at the post office and you can work on them in your car or sit on the grass. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Fantastic! Friendly people and very knowledgeable. OVERALL: 4.5 Stars. Fantastic! Friendly and patient employees. A good activity and solid service. I appreciate the story behind Post-A-Nut and I wish Gary and the rest of the team the best. Tips: - DUE TO COVID BRING YOUR OWN COCONUT. I got a fallen one from Coconut Grove. - When drawing on the coconut - save 1/3 for drawing, 1/3 for your address, and 1/3 for stamps. - https://postanut.com/

Pretty cool gem in Moloka'i and this is where the Post-A-Nut is located. The coconuts are free to…read morecolor decorate your own and have it shipped virtually anywhere (though the postage is super expensive in my opinion). I think the way it works is that on one side you put your shipping address and on the other side you put your paintings and drawings. Pretty cool concept, though!

Closing the trail to mule and human traffic has made Kalaupapa a site only accessible to the…read morewealthy. Folks, apparently the only way to access Kalaupapa now is via Damien Tours, costing $645 per person. $1290 for me and my wife to visit. Why only one (commercial) option? You have made this a National Park only available to the wealthy and for some reason exclusively via Damien Tour Company. Please explain why. Shame on you for denying this wonderful (taxpayer supported) historic site to everyone else!

Such a beautiful place and I highly encourage everyone to visit if youre allowed to! Flying…read moredirectly into Kalaupapa is unlikely so riding down from Kaunakakai is your better option. The whole island is full of breath-taking views and picturesque moments, but the trail to Kalaupapa will show you mauka to makai (mountain to ocean). Kalaupapa itself is an incredibly sacred place. You can feel the land when you arrive. The history itself is long and there are only a handful of its original occupants still living here so stop by and say hello! Residents and park workers (who maintain the history) are all friendly! Small souvenir shop, goods shop, but mostly everything you need should be brought with you. Accomodities are scarce but thats the appeal, to spend time in mostly untouched lands and waters. The stars shine bright as the skies are free from city lights and the water is crystal clear, saw monk seals on the shore sleeping. Its also quiet so the group you go with should be a good one -- Lifelong friendships could be formed out there. The church is beautiful and the pier is fun to jump off of. Again, its very humbling to come here and immerse yourself. Its a break from the civilization of the other outer islands. I had a wonderful time here and the memories made there are precious and worth more than most things. Spent 10 days here on a mission trip so I got a chance to know all the locals, play volleyball in their main park area, and attend church in the chapel. Book a trip down there if you can!

Hey, who wants to be naughty and look at a Phallic?…read more If you don't know what a phallic is...........here is Google's interpretation - "Phallic" - relating to, or resembling a phallus, or erect penis. While visiting the Kalaupapa Overlook, there was a sign featuring another tourist attraction called the "Phallic Rock". Geez, I'm not one to rave about looking at a penis, but since I was here at the park already............I figured I mine as well make the trek to see it just for the adventure. The hike up the hill to the Phallic Rock will take you about 5 to 10 minutes, the trail way for this hike is not paved, so make sure you wear the proper shoes to make the hike up to see this rock. Be careful when walking along the pathway, as I noticed a lot of mossy rocks which can make pathway very slippery if the trail is wet, and to top it off, since the trail is in a Forrest area, there were also a lot of loose tree needles on the pathway, making the pathway hike for some unsure footing. Upon reaching the Phallic Rock, upon looking at it..........it didn't resemble a penis to me...........I would say it resembled more of a Honu (Turtle). There was a sign by the rock (see pic), as there is a story behind this legend. Worth the trip to see it? Perhaps, but I would say the real attraction was the Kalaupapa Overlook...........I wouldn't make a special trip just to see the Phallic Rock.

This place will always be close to my heart. It is impossible to write anything negative here when…read moreyou find yourself on one of the easiest hikes into a beautiful "jungle" of Hawaiian scenery leading to a monumental landmark before a gorgeous outlook! This is an established State Park, hiking trails & picnic area. There are public restrooms next to the parking lot & two trails to choose between. My Dad's favorite place was Phallic Rock. We vacationed to Molokai yearly growing up, always visiting this location. To honor his wishes, we made the trip this time to take him back to his favorite place. You don't have to pay to park or enjoy. There were only one or two others we encountered. An easy hike, about 1/4 mile to the infamous rock. Well maintained trail, just watch out for tree roots! I did it in flimsy flip-flops. The overlook & scenic areas are gorgeous. You get a view of the end of Molokai as well as the leper colony. There are some historic signs along the way that detail. But the entire trek is SO peaceful & beautiful. I could have spent the entire day there soaking in the serene beauty- almost "off the grid". This will forever be a favorite place- I do intend on keeping the tradition & coming back annually. Especially since part of our family will be there, eternally. Much appreciation to Hawaii's parks & recreation department for keeping this historic landmark there for all to enjoy over the years. It holds a special place, and meeting up with a local on our hike back to the parking lot offered an abundance more of history! I would highly recommend taking the time to visit this park & explore the trails. But, be respectful & keep it clean & serene! It's also a very cool story (displayed on signage) of how this place came to be with it's name. And, RIP to my dear Dad- forever 'dust in the wind' at this beloved & fun location.