Lahaina and The Plantation Inn

Back on Maui, we set out for Lahaina, the famous old whaling village and capitol of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845 during the reigns of Kamehameha II and III--just a short drive from the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, where we were hosted with authentic Hawaiian hospitality.

We'd been invited to breakfast at the highly-recommended Plantation Inn, a gem of a hidden-away bed and breakfast, actually in the center of the town, but seemingly remote and away from traffic, too.

A southern-style manse with Deep South architecture, the Plantation Inn at first sight reminded us of a gracious New Orleans home. A photogenic giant palm appearing to be a work of art from nature caught our attention in the front courtyard. Up the steps, the interior of the inn was as cozy as you might expect a perfect honeymoon destination to be.

The Plantation Inn has another distinction: a gifted French Chef in the person of Gerard Reversade, a continental treasure who brings a French flair to island cuisine. Dinners, served indoors and outdoors feature such entrees as Medallion of Duck Foie Gras Seared in Spice Crust, French Toast with Pohà Berry Compote, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Smoked Salmon Carpaccio with Fennel and Lemon Chantilly.

Chef Gerard's trademark, though, is a secret ingredient French toast which had been highly recommended to us before the trip, and as guests for breakfast, we were not disappointed!

Marinated in a house blend of special ingredients, the toast is served with an indescribably delicious filling and is the best we've ever eaten anywhere!

The lilikoi (passionfruit) juice, Kona coffee and best quality island fruit topped with toasted coconut made for the perfect breakfast--not to mention the idyllic setting of the sort you want to stay and relax in--with attentive service besides.

We lingered over our breakfast in the intimate courtyard setting at the back of the inn, a perfect, small and romantic Mediterranean-style pool and an attentive waitperson with an island blossom tucked behind her ear. The Inn and its courtyards were quiet, graceful, comfortable and away from crowds--perfect for honeymooners, or those who just want an ideal getaway.

After breakfast we walked to the nearby shops for film, postcards, and gallery viewing, finding in the process friendly shop owners who had migrated from Somewhere Else and were glad to tell us their stories.

We Find the Famous Banyan Tree --

Strolling along the main street near the wharf, we suddenly saw it--the famous gigantic Banyan tree that looks like its own forest - thriving right in Courtyard Square.

Brought from India to Lahaina as a mere 8-foot-high sapling in 1873, the tree now has 17 major trunks and encompasses 2/3 of an acre! Maui Sheriff William O. Smith planted it back then in honor of the 50th anniversary of Lahaina's first Christian mission.

This incredible tree has sprouted its own progeny of "sub-trees" with hanging Spanish moss-like fronds, all of which are potential new tree offshoots which can take root when they reach the ground!

Lahaina Visitor's Center information states that the tree must be pruned at regular intervals to prevent jungle-like density from taking over the site!

After we'd thoroughly inspected and photographed this living marvel, which attracts visitors from all over the world, my traveling companion wanted to tour the nearby Baldwin Museum, with its authentic and original nineteenth century furnishings.

Baldwin House was home and hearth for the missionary and Harvard-trained physician Rev. Dwight Baldwin of Durham, Connecticut who, with his bride, sailed from New England for Hawaii in 1830 and served as pastor of Lahaina's old Wainee Church. The Baldwins lived at this historic location from 1838 until 1871.

Lahaina Harbor is directly across the street and the point of our departure the following day.

(Next - We head out to Lana'i)..

The Maui Visitor
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