Lahaina in 2026: What's Open, What's Rebuilding, and How to Visit Respectfully

The August 2023 wildfire devastated historic Lahaina, claiming over 100 lives and destroying much of the town that had been the heart and soul of West Maui for centuries. The community continues to heal and rebuild, and the question we hear most often from prospective visitors is: "Should I come? Is it okay?" The answer, from the community itself, has been clear and consistent: yes, please come. Here's an honest, detailed look at what to expect when you visit.

Is It Safe?

Absolutely yes. The areas open to visitors are completely safe. Ka'anapali, Kapalua, Napili, Honokowai, and other West Maui resort areas were not directly affected by the fire. The beaches, resorts, restaurants, and activities in these areas have been operating normally since late 2023. Emergency response systems, evacuation routes, and fire prevention measures have been significantly upgraded throughout West Maui. There are no safety concerns for visitors staying in any open area.

What's Open?

The vast majority of West Maui's tourism infrastructure is fully operational. All Ka'anapali resorts are open — Hyatt, Sheraton, Westin, Marriott, Royal Lahaina. The Ritz-Carlton, Montage, and all Kapalua properties are open. Whalers Village shops and restaurants are open. Lahaina Harbor is operational, with snorkel trips, whale watches, and sunset sails departing daily. Many restaurants and shops in the greater Lahaina area have reopened, and some that lost their original locations have reopened in new spots. The Old Lahaina Luau continues to operate. Beach access to Ka'anapali, Napili, Kapalua, Launiupoko, and other popular spots is unchanged.

What You'll See

Parts of historic Front Street and the adjacent blocks are still under reconstruction. Some areas are fenced off for rebuilding, and you'll see construction activity. The famous Banyan Tree survived the fire (though it was badly damaged) and is in the process of recovery — seeing it is an emotional experience for many visitors. Drive through the Lahaina area and you'll see a community actively rebuilding — new structures going up, businesses reopening, and signs of hope alongside the evidence of loss. It can be emotional, and that's completely okay. Many visitors tell us that seeing the recovery in progress made their trip more meaningful and deepened their connection to the place.

How to Visit Respectfully

Spend money locally. This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Every meal at a local restaurant, every activity booked through a Maui-based operator, every item purchased from a local shop directly supports the families and businesses rebuilding their lives. Don't take photos of damaged areas as souvenirs or for social media clout — be thoughtful about what you capture and share. If you see memorial sites or offerings, observe quietly and respectfully. Ask before photographing people or their businesses. Read up on the history of Lahaina before you visit — understanding what was lost gives you a deeper appreciation for what's being rebuilt. And remember that many service workers you'll interact with — at restaurants, hotels, and activity companies — were personally affected by the fires. Your kindness and generosity (including tipping well) goes further than you might realize.

Supporting Recovery

Your visit directly supports the families and businesses rebuilding their lives. Tourism provides roughly 75% of Maui's total economic activity. When visitors stopped coming after the fires (even to unaffected areas), the economic impact was devastating — on top of the fire damage itself. Responsible tourism is genuinely welcomed and needed. If you want to go beyond just visiting, several organizations accept donations for ongoing recovery efforts. The Maui Strong Fund, Hawaii Community Foundation, and local GoFundMe campaigns continue to support displaced families. Some visitors have volunteered with cleanup and rebuilding efforts — ask at your hotel concierge for current opportunities.

The Bottom Line

West Maui is beautiful, welcoming, and ready for visitors. The aloha spirit is, if anything, stronger than ever. Come with an open heart, spend your money locally, and you'll leave with unforgettable memories — knowing that your vacation made a real difference in a community's recovery.