Maui: Free to visit Old Lahaina Prison & botanical garden

If you want to see the dark side of Maui, head over to Hale Pa’ahao Priso (Old Lahaina Prison). The small jail once served as home to many rowdy sailors and whalers. As you can imagine, the most common things prisoners were jailed for in those days were drunkenness and adultery. However, sailors were often jailed for such odd crimes as furious horseback riding, furnishing intoxicating drink to natives, and drinking ʻawa (kava), which was supposed to be reserved for religious ceremonies. Life in the wooden prison was not comfortable and sailors were often shackled to the walls at night. Fortunately, periods of incarceration were very short, and the men normally left when their ship’s captain would bail them out. The prison is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily and admission is free. In addition to the prison, the grounds have a beautiful botanical garden. More info: Explore The Old Lahaina Prison | Quam Properties