The Spirit of Aloha: 4 Ways to Experience the Rich History & Culture of Maui
By Patricia Harrison
In August 2023, a devastating fire destroyed the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. While recovery efforts are ongoing, particularly in parts of Lahaina, Maui is open and welcoming visitors. Supporting tourism now matters more than ever— nearly 40 percent of Maui’s gross domestic product depends on it, and spending your dollars at locally owned businesses can make a real impact.
If you’re planning a trip, there are plenty of ways to explore the island respectfully and meaningfully. Here are four must-have experiences celebrating the rich history and culture of Maui to add to your itinerary.
Maui Ocean Center
Located in Wailuku, southeast of Lahaina, Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center that offers a deep dive into Hawaii’s unique ecosystems. In addition to mesmerizing exhibits with kaleidoscopic coral reefs and hundreds of free roaming marine life, Maui Ocean Center offers two new immersive evening shows celebrating local culture. Check out “Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience” at the Maui Sphere Theater, a 360-degree visual extravaganza honoring iconic music traditions. Or get tickets to “Migrations: A Cultural Dinner & Dance Experience,” a show that celebrates modern Hawaii’s multicultural roots through song, dance, storytelling and an international dinner buffet—all amid stunning views of Maalaea Harbor.
Maui Gold Pineapple Co.
Fresh Maui Gold Pienapples | eqroy - stock.adobe.com
Since the 1990s, pineapples have been Hawaii’s top export and are a symbol of the state’s tropical spirit and resilience. To learn more about the industry, book the Pineapple Planting Experience at Maui Gold Pineapple Co. in Makawao. On the guided tour, visitors can be a pineapple farmer for the day, plant their own pineapples and learn about every stage of the cultivation process. Or go for the Farm & Feast Experience, a tour of the working farm followed by a farm-to-table meal at Haliʻimaile General Store. The outing includes a free pineapple, expertly packed for your plane ride home.
Museums, Historic Sites & Events
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Park
Delve into Hawaiian history at Hale Hoʻikeʻike at the Bailey House. Operated by the Maui Historical Society, the small museum has the largest collection of pre-Western Hawaiian antiquities on the island. Find out how missionaries influenced Hawaii’s Indigenous communities by viewing rare photographs and artifacts such as tools, accessories and furniture. Then take a stroll through Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Park, a public park featuring structures and sculptures honoring countries that shaped Maui’s modern culture, such as Portugal, China and the Philippines. Also be sure to attend a luau to sample famous Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig and kulolo and see traditional hula dancing. The Old Lahaina Luau, which reopened in 2024 after shuttering briefly for repairs after the fire, has been a popular option since 1986.
Local Flavors
One of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to experience Maui’s vibrant culture is to explore the local food scene. Don’t miss the many beloved restaurants that have reopened after the fire closed their doors in 2023, such as Star Noodle, known for its freshly made noodles and Asian-inspired plates, and Mala Ocean Tavern, a must-visit for exquisitely prepared seafood dishes and breathtaking oceanfront views. Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, a must for house-made pasta and pizza, was one of the first restaurants to rebuild and reopen in Lahainatown. In July 2025, owners Michele and Qiana Di Bari also expanded to Whalers Village, where they serve pizza by the slice, pastas, and salads at fast-casual Via! by Sale Pepe.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Situated on the soft white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach, Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaii’s only luxury all-suite and villa resort. Guests love all of the property’s features, including three pools (the adults-only option is popular with couples), pampering spa and the breakfast buffet at Kea Lani Restaurant. Plus, the resort is only 25 minutes from Maui’s main airport.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
This recently renovated oceanfront property is nestled on 40 acres of peaceful beachfront. Groups of all sizes, particularly multigenerational families, appreciate the Hyatt Regency Maui’s plentiful activities and amenities. Kiddos can spend hours at the lagoon pool, equipped with a 150-foot waterslide and splashpad, while adults enjoy yoga on the oceanfront and the elegant dining options.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
If you want to relax in a tucked-away setting, The Ritz-Carlton Maui is the perfect pick for your getaway. The expansive property, located in the quiet resort community of Kapalua, is surrounded by two nature preserves and a marine sanctuary. Learn more about the area's natural beauty on a guided excursion with the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, which partners with select Ritz-Carlton hotels, or hike one of the trails along the coastline.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Beach in Maui, Hawaii
