The Sugar Cane Train...
All Aboard!

My oldest son loves trains, so despite the negative reviews I've heard (more on that later), this will be a must-do activity for our future Maui family vacations! Actually, I think almost any kid loves a good old fashioned train ride!

Sugar Cane Train FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)

There are 3 stations: The Lahaina Station, the Kaanapali Station, and the Puukolii Station. You can purchase tickets at any of the 3 stations.

The Lahaina Station is located at 975 Limahana Place, Lahaina.

The Puukolii Station is located in the Kaanapali, Maui area. If you're driving north on the Honoapiilani Highway, make a right turn on Puukolii Road - the train station will be right there on your left, just past the train tracks.

The Kaanapali Station is located a short walk from the Maui Eldorado Resort (in the Kaanapali Beach Resort).

2) I'll be driving there... is parking available near the train stations?

Both the Lahaina Station and the Puukolii Station have plentiful free parking right at the station.

The Kaanapali station can only be reached by foot though - there is no public parking at the station itself. If you're considering this option, I recommend you simply call the Sugar Cane Train office once you arrive in Maui for directions.

3) Do I need to make reservations?

They don't take reservations in advance, but I was told by their staff that they always have room, so there are no worries about showing up and seeing the train too full to accommodate you - the train can accommodate over 170 passengers!

4) Can I bring a stroller onto the Sugar Cane Train?

If you'll have a stroller with you, you can bring it along on the train. There is one coach with enough room to leave the stroller out as is, which is great if you'll have a sleeping baby along that you don't want to disturb! The remaining coaches can only accomodate strollers if they are folded up.

5) How much time will a round trip take?

Tickets are for the full 1.5-2 hour long round-trip, but you are allowed to get off at any of the stations to sight-see. If you elect to get off at one of the stations, just make sure to check what time you'll need to be back to catch the train for your return trip!

6) Is there any entertainment provided on the train?

Yes! If you take the "Dinner Train," there will be a Hawaiian hula show that you can watch. At the time of this writing, the "Dinner Train" is only offered once per week though.

For the regular Sugar Cane Train rides your entertainment will be be the narrator, who will be pointing out the sites of interest along the way.

And now I'll get into more about what I've heard in the way of negative reviews, and why this is on my MUST-DO list anyways!

Some of the complaints included:

• People felt that they could have seen much of the same scenery by simply driving the highway between Lahaina and Kaanapali.
• People felt that the narrator was difficult to hear.
• People didn't like some of the scenery as they rode through Lahaina - garbage strewn along the tracks, seeing the loading docks of local business, etc.
• People felt that they didn't get enough value for their money.

So why then is this on my MUST-SEE list for my next trip to Maui?

Like I said, my oldest son (he's 3 at the time of this writing) LOVES trains. He is the kind of kid who likes the train ride itself for the sheer fun of riding a real train. He doesn't care about the scenery. He doesn't care if there is a narrator or entertainment along the way.

Because of this, I know that HE will LOVE this train ride.

And me?

Well, I'm quite certain I will find a ride on the Sugar Cane Train to be relaxing. And, I'm quite certain that the majority of the ride will offer pleasant views of the ocean, the West Maui Mountains, and yes, even a golf course!

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More articles of interest:

1) If you're thinking of getting off the train in Lahaina for some sightseeing, find out why we think of Lahaina, Maui as "The Little Town That Could!"...

2) Find out more about what the Kaanapali Beach Resort area has to offer in "Kaanapali Maui: A Playground Fit for Royals!"

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