Maui, Lahaina, Hawaii

Last day on the ship and last port.
Lahaina is a popular spot for locals to visit and has always been a centre for trade. Many of the buildings in the town centre have not changed from the colonial period. Once mum and dad businesses catering to the local community needs, the shops now sell tourist items.

Today we are tracing its history on the Heritage Trail. You didn’t want to go shopping did you? Originally the  Hawaiian king made this island his base when he united the different island groups. Whalers used it as a place to restock supplies and now tourists visit the resorts. Problems broke out with the locals and whalers . A fort was built at the order of the governor during the hostilities.

It was eventually destroyed by a disgruntled ship captain because of restrictions imposed by the officials.  The walls were used to make the walls of the prison.

This is a replica of the prison.     Life in this prison in the 1850’s and 1860’s was not to bad. Rations for the day was a loaf of bread, rum and water .Hawaiian prisoners would cook lots of interesting food to share. Each day was undemanding as long as you kept to the rules.Prison time was imposed for many interesting crimes like the gentleman below. He rode a horse too fast down the road.

Like all the islands, sugar cane plantation was the main industry for many years. All that remains of this time is two locomotives and the chimney. People came from all over the world to work on the plantations.

The engines are the originals

Perhaps the most important piece of history that still plays an active role in the community is a Banyan tree. Planted in 1873, this tree is a meeting place for the community and now occupies 2/3 of an acre. Quite a tree.

Remember you must be out of your room by 7.00am but you can have a leisurely breakfast. It’s retail therapy day in Honolulu . I hope you have enjoyed your holiday . We will catch up soon.