| :: Hawaii >Maui
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Attraction >Landmark
| Whalers Village |
Address:
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy.
| Hawaii |
Region:
Maui
Rating:
 
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More Info
Phone: (808) 661-4567
FAX:
Website
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Description and Basic Information ::
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Two things surprise visitors to the Whalers Village: One, that it’s, literally, right on the beach. Two, that there’s such a wide variety among its approximately 60 shops and restaurants. You can go from Honolua Surf Co. to Tiffany & Co. to the Hunting World shop in one visit. The complex is located right on Kaanapali Beach, a beautiful 3-mile stretch of golden sand that is occupied by many pricey mid-rise hotels.
On the second floor of the mall is the Whale Center of the Pacific, which offers two unique museums that honor Maui’s unofficial mascot. The Whalers Village Museum combines exhibits and educational displays as seen through the eyes of a sailor to celebrate the “Golden Era of Whaling” (1825 to 1860). The exhibits recount the tale of how sailors signed on for a 3-5 year whaling voyage hoping for “greasy luck” and fair winds. It then details the story of their long voyages, the dangers of the hunt and the sailors’ longing to be safe at home. Included in the displays are ship models, authentic artifacts, harpoons and an extensive scrimshaw collection. Across the way is Hale Kohola (House of the Whale), which takes an in-depth look at the biology and physiology of the great whales, including the humpback whale. The museum also highlights current research and conservation efforts. Each museum houses its own air-conditioned theatre and both are admission-free.
Whalers Village offers many alternatives to shopping including hula shows, lei-making classes, keiki (child) ukelele, sand castle building and artists’ exhibits. The hula shows are offered at 7 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and each night features a different hula style. For the other activities, a schedule of events can be picked up at the information booth on the lower level.
Located seaside at 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy. in Kaanapali north of Lahaina in West Maui.
At the entrance you are greeted by an almost life-size metal sculpture of a mother whale and two nursing calves.
Admission is free.
Parking is free for the first three hours with validation. After that the fee is $3/hr. |
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:: Hawaii >Maui :: |
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