Lahaina was originally called Lele in Hawaiian[6] and was known for its breadfruit trees.[7] Lele means jump or fly.

Other interpretations of the name include "day (of) sacrifice" and "day (of) explanation".[11] Inez MacPhee Ashdown (1899–1992), historian and founder of Maui Historical Society, believed the name was Lahaʻaina, meaning "land (of) prophesy", because of the number of kahuna nui (high priest) prophecies made there