There are few places in the world as glorious as the island of Maui — and its residents know it. From the sun rising above Haleakala to its miles and miles of stunning coastline, the second-largest island in the Hawaiian chain is revered for its golden sand, immaculate water, roaring waves, and remarkable waterfalls.
Whether you have called Maui home for decades or have recently relocated to the island, you may have heard the Lahaina Yacht Club pop up — and time and again at that. The private club, which got its start in 1965, is committed to making the most of living on the water.
But what does the yacht club entail, and how can you be part of the pack? Read on for real estate agent Jeff Onderko’s deep dive into this fun-as-all-get-out association.
What is the Lahaina Yacht Club?
The Lahaina Yacht Club is located in Lahaina Town, the historic whaling village that houses Maui’s ever-thriving Front Street. The club was established for yacht owners and their communities to enjoy cruising, fishing, and racing, among other excellent activities on the velvet-blue Pacific. Becoming a member of this establishment affords you an abundance of delights, including:
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Sailing lessons and programs for both junior sailors and adults
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Fishing tournaments
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Access to races, including inter-island junior races, year-round regattas, and the VIC Maui International Yacht Race — one of the oldest and most revered races in the world, which takes participants on a roughly two-week cruise from Victoria, Canada, to Maui’s upper west side
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Local events, including fundraisers
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A sense of community and the wonderful memories that arrive with it
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Access to privileges at over 1,000 yacht clubs around the world
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Exclusive entry to premier dining (and imbibing) at Front Street’s Lahaina Yacht Club restaurant
How popular is yachting on Maui?
One of the greatest assets Maui possesses is its warm, sparkling water, which renders it one of the top spots in the world for surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, SUPing, skimboarding, kitesurfing, whale watching (when the Northern Pacific Humpback whales migrate to Maui from November to May), and windsurfing. (Indeed, Paia, on the other side of the island, enjoys the moniker of The Windsurfing Capital of the World, while Peahi sees one of the most popular big-wave surf competitions on the planet.)
Yachting is a unique sport on the island that’s relished by a fortunate few. Why? Because the island’s remote location renders sailing to and from Maui an immense challenge, especially once you factor in the enormous swells and volatility of the sea between land masses. What’s more, slip availability at Lahaina Harbor is scarce. In turn, members of the Lahaina Yacht Club relish intimate, long-standing relationships.
Who founded Lahaina Yacht Club?
Lahaina Yacht Club was founded by a small group of sailors and Floyd Christenson, an intrepid voyager of the South Pacific who also founded the iconic Maui restaurant Mama’s Fish House. Lahaina Yacht Club set up shop at a worn and torn laundry on Front Street in the 1960s; its logo was designed by local artist Sam Ka’ai.
How can I become a member of the Lahaina Yacht Club?
In order to become a member of the Lahaina Yacht Club, you must receive “sponsorship” from two other Lahaina Yacht Club members. The best ways to get in on the scene are to volunteer at one of their many events throughout the year or hop onto a yacht during one of their races (by befriending the crew, of course). Though Maui County as a whole, which includes the outlying islands of Molokai and Lanai, is relatively large (for islands, at least) with 167,000 residents, it’s a close-knit community. Let it be known to your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances that you are interested in Lahaina Yacht Club, and you may be surprised by how quickly word gets around.
Lahaina Yacht Club offers two forms of memberships to serve both full-time and part-time Maui residents: regular and associate. Regular members must live on the island 60 days or more per year; associates, which is a great option for return visitors to Maui, must stay on the island for less than 60 days annually. Young adults between 18 and 26 years old can also become members.
What does Lahaina Yacht Club require of its members?
Membership at Lahaina Yacht Club is a year-long commitment, and dues must be paid to obtain and maintain membership. Regular members — sailors who live on the island at least two months out of the year — must also attend a monthly meeting.
Do I need to own a yacht to become a member of the Lahaina Yacht Club?
Absolutely not. But if you are lucky enough to own a boat and have found a slip at Lahaina Harbor, you will, of course, have the time of your life. As long as you have an affinity for the ocean and the array of awesome sports it offers, you are bound to find kinship with the people who comprise Lahaina Yacht Club.
What kind of volunteer opportunities does Lahaina Yacht Club offer?
Plenty! From historian and grant writing to fundraising and yacht maintenance, there is a wide selection of ways to get involved with the Lahaina Yacht Club.
Can anyone dine at the Lahaina Yacht Club restaurant?
Alas, no. Access is restricted to members of the club and their families, friends, and other guests. If you do join a current member for a meal at this spot, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific and a range of stellar eats, including lobster nights and prime rib dinners.
Work with Jeff Onderko to find your dream Maui home
Interested in all that Lahaina Yacht Club has to offer? It is just one of many boons on an island teeming with fantastic opportunities for residents. Whether you are interested in checking out Lahaina homes to be near the club or would like to explore Kaanapali houses for sale, Jeff Onderko is your ticket to Maui living. Specializing in properties throughout the west side, he’s committed to providing his clients with the utmost satisfaction.
