If you think Lahaina Center is about shops, pubs, and restaurants, then you are totally wrong. It is more than that. In the past, the street of Lahaina Center was a canal acting as a waterway for the trading of goods between natives and seamen and to ensure collection of tariffs. But, in 1913, this canal disappeared as part of the public project. In front of the port, there was an old Lahaina Court and Custom House used as courtroom, tax center, police station, and jail. Today, it is now home to the Lahaina Visitor Center, Lahaina Arts Society, and Lahaina Restoration Foundation's museum.
Near to the port, where yachts and huge vessels are anchored, lies the Hauola Stone (resemble like a stoned chair) over the seawall. Hauola means extending life and health. Back in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Hawaiians believed that this stone had magical powers to ease and assist in delivering a child and to cure ailing people, because this stone was located in an area with mixture of fresh air and saltwater, known for its healing power.
At the back of Lahaina Center, there was a remarkable banyan tree, the biggest in United States. It shades almost an acre of the park and reaches upwards to a height of 60 feet. This tree has spread over the area by the way of its aerial roots that grew into thick brawny trunks when they reached the ground. Up to now, there are 16 major trunks apart from the original trunk in the center. Under this tree is a favourite spot for painters to do their drawing.