Where to Stay: West Maui Areas Unaffected by the Fire

West Maui is a long stretch of coastline with many distinct neighborhoods, and one of the biggest misconceptions potential visitors have is that the entire area was affected by the 2023 fire. In reality, the fire damage was concentrated in historic Lahaina town, and the majority of West Maui's resort areas, beaches, and tourist infrastructure were completely unaffected. Here's a clear, neighborhood-by-neighborhood picture of where things stand.

Ka'anapali (Fully Open — 3 miles north of Lahaina)

The main resort corridor is completely unaffected and has been operating normally since immediately after the initial emergency period ended. All major hotels are open: Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Maui, Westin Maui, Marriott Ocean Club, Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, Royal Lahaina Resort, and the Whaler. Whalers Village (shopping, dining, and the beach walk) is fully open. The three-mile Ka'anapali Beach is pristine and busy with visitors. Black Rock cliff diving happens nightly. All pools, restaurants, spa services, and resort amenities are operational. This is the most "seamless" experience for visitors who want to feel like nothing has changed — because in Ka'anapali, functionally nothing has. If it's your first visit and you want zero stress about what's open, Ka'anapali is the safest bet.

Kapalua (Fully Open — 8 miles north of Lahaina)

Kapalua is the luxury end of West Maui, and it's fully open and as stunning as ever. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Montage Kapalua Bay are both operating normally. The Kapalua Bay Villas and various vacation rental properties are available. Two championship golf courses (Plantation and Bay) are open. All restaurants in the Kapalua area — including Merriman's, Banyan Tree, and the resort dining rooms — are serving. Honolua Bay, the Coastal Trail, and all beaches in the Kapalua area are accessible. Kapalua is a bit more remote and quiet than Ka'anapali, which is part of its charm. If you want luxury, privacy, and nature, this is your spot.

Napili & Honokowai (Fully Open — 4-6 miles north of Lahaina)

This stretch between Ka'anapali and Kapalua is where savvy repeat visitors stay. It's loaded with well-maintained condo properties that offer great value — Napili Kai Beach Resort, Napili Shores, Papakea Resort, Kahana Falls, Sands of Kahana, The Mahana, and many others are all fully operational. Napili Bay is arguably the most beautiful small beach on the island. The Gazebo Restaurant and other local favorites are open. There are grocery stores, dive shops, and casual restaurants in the area. The local, non-resort feel is a refreshing change from the bigger hotel zones, and prices are typically 30-40% lower than equivalent Ka'anapali properties.

Lahaina Town (Partially Rebuilding)

Lahaina town itself is a mix of recovery and renewal. Some areas are rebuilt and open; others are still in construction phases. Hotels and properties in the harbor area and southern Lahaina are reopening on rolling timelines. Some businesses that lost their Front Street locations have reopened in temporary or new locations around West Maui. The harbor is fully operational for boat tours, whale watches, and snorkel trips. If you want to stay in Lahaina proper, check individual property status before booking. The town has a different energy right now — hopeful and resilient, but visibly in transition.

Our Recommendation

If it's your first visit to Maui, Ka'anapali or Kapalua give you the most polished, worry-free experience with everything you need within walking distance or a short drive. For return visitors who want to directly support Lahaina's recovery, look for reopened properties in or near town and make a point of eating at local restaurants and shopping at local businesses. The Napili/Honokowai area is the best value play for all visitor types. No matter where you stay, you're supporting Maui's economy and recovery.