Visiting Lahaina, Maui: What’s Open and What to Know in 2026

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Lahaina is open, and local businesses are happy to be back! Here is your guide to visiting Lahaina, Maui, this year. I’ll share what is open in Lahaina (including videos) and what you can expect.

We visit Maui a few times a year, and we always stop by Lahaina to see the progress after the 2023 fire. We love seeing some of our favorite restaurants open again, Lahaina Harbor running tours, plus our favorite Maui luau running every night.

While much of Lahaina is still rebuilding, some areas have reopened to visitors, and there are ways to respectfully experience this part of West Maui.

Let’s get into visiting Lahaina, Maui, in 2026!

The Lahaina Fire of August 8th, 2023

We moved from Lahaina about 10 months before the fires. The townhome we lived in, belonging to my wife’s family, burned down, and so did many of our neighbors.

During our years on Maui, we lived in Puamana. The fire on August 8th essentially stopped one-third of the way through the Puamana community, as it was the southernmost part of town.

The fire went north, past the end of Front Street, and into the Wahikuli neighborhood.

Folks on the mainland thought the fire destroyed all of Maui. In fact, it took a surgical scalpel to the historic town. The Kula and Olinda Fires claimed homes in the Kula community in Upcountry Maui.

The loss of so many homes, businesses, harbors, and historical landmarks was hard to comprehend. Our hearts continue to go out to those who are rebuilding their lives, homes, and businesses.

Lahaina is Rebuilding. Here is the Status

This Lahaina Visitor’s Guide is all about communicating what is open in Lahaina as the town rebuilds.

To understand what is open in Lahaina and how to visit the historic town, let me provide an update on construction and the challenges the community has faced in rebuilding.

There was a lot of speculation after the fire about property developers and billionaires buying up properties from desperate locals. This has not happened, regardless of what you may have read or seen on social media.

A quick look at Zillow, property records, and local news will show few properties have gone up for sale and sold.

Locals are holding onto their assets with grace and grit. Some are attempting to sell at above-market rates (what is the right price?). Some locals are selling to their neighbors. In reality, it is hard to sell a piece of land when there are so many uncertainties with permitting and building. Communities with HOAs may be years away from rebuilding, yet HOA fees and special assessments continue to be charged.

For those who want to sell, organizations like the Lahaina Community Land Trust are on hand to ensure Lahaina lands stay in Lahaina’s hands. 

This may change as the grind of rebuilding wears on the community. I’m sure some properties will sell to mainland developers and families. As of 2025, 20 to 30 percent of Maui homes are vacation rentals, second homes, or vacant from out-of-state owners. I hope it doesn’t happen, but this has been the pattern even without the fires.

Lahaina has a lot of plans! See their Long-Term Plans for rebuilding Lahaina. These are their visionary projects.

Status of rebuilding Lahaina:

• See Maui Recovers for the latest data on permits approved, homes under construction, and constructed homes.
• The water system was deemed clear of contamination a year after the fire
• All debris was removed from Lahaina by February 2025
• The sewer system was 100 percent restored by April 2025
• Only 45 residential structures had been rebuilt as of April 2025, representing only 2% of the homes lost in the fire.
• Payouts from a $4.03 billion lawsuit settlement should start in June. Delays in payouts are due to settlement lawyers requesting a 25% fee.
• None of the former tourist district’s businesses (downtown Lahaina) have been rebuilt
• The Lahaina Banyan Tree is recovering, but it is an uphill battle. 40 percent of the tree was removed in the year after the fire.

Lahaina’s recovery has been slow due to numerous factors. While some highlight permitting is going faster than recent fire disasters in California, Maui permitting has been slow.

• 40% of residents in Lahaina were underinsured. The rapid rise in building costs in the past few years was not accounted for in policies.
• Permit fees have not been waived for survivors
• Maui County initially set a 15-day deadline for reviewing building permits for rebuilding in Lahaina, but complicated land-use rules have rendered that deadline ineffective for many projects.
• Homes and businesses near the coast are awaiting a decision on whether they can build in Maui’s Special Management Area, which is near the ocean.

Can You Visit Lahaina After the Fire?

Yes! Parts of Lahaina that were not burned down by the fires opened in late 2023.

Businesses that lost their buildings have opened in areas of Lahaina that were not destroyed. Some of our favorite restaurants are back! Plus, some new ones.

Essentially, Lahaina’s border areas are open to all. As you will see in our What’s Open in Lahaina section, the locations on the edge of town fared better from the fire and have been the first to open.

The Lahaina Bypass reopened within a few days after the fire. The bypass was installed around 2017 (don’t quote me on that, as construction took many years). The Lahaina Bypass takes traffic around Lahaina as it is located on the side of the West Maui Mountains.

The bypass is the main route to the Ka’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua resorts. The bypass will drop you into Lahaina and back on the Honoapiilani Highway at the two major shopping centers.

You don’t have to drive through most of the fire-damaged area of Lahaina. You will see empty lots and rebuilding in the Wahikuli neighborhood.

What’s Open in Lahaina Right Now

Here is a list of what is open in Lahaina in 2026. These really are can’t-miss restaurants in West Maui.

I’m afraid Banyan Court Park (the Banyan Tree) isn’t open to visitors yet. Arborists and the County of Maui continue to nurse it back to health. You can see the tree by taking a tour from Lahaina Harbor.

It is worth visiting Lahaina for its classic restaurants and shops.

Shops in Lahaina

The Lahaina Gateway and Cannery Mall were relatively untouched by the Lahaina Fire. These have been open for over two years and are expanding rapidly as shops in downtown Lahaina move here.

It is nice to see the Lahaina Cannery Mall having a moment. The complex felt a bit dated, but a new investment has it looking great and expanding with satellite buildings.

In the Cannery Mall, you will find a Longs Drug and a Safeway grocery store. Inside is a food court designed as a food truck park. Maybe someday their four food trucks will make our Best Maui Food Truck Parks.

See here for their food and entertainment calendar: Cannery Mall Maui

Here are more shops in the Cannery Mall:

• Hawaiian Island Creations surf shop
• ABC Store
• Boutique shops are great for souvenirs
• T-shirt shops
• Lahaina Jewelers is a local shop that was on Front Street since the late 80s
• Starbucks
• Lahaina Printsellers
• Boss Frog’s Snorkel Shop

The Cannery Mall hosts an art show in its parking lot during the week. Make sure to stop when you see the tents out on their lawn.

You will also find a small exhibit dedicated to the Lahaina Fire in the mall. Look for the glass displays in the center.

Across the street from the Cannery Mall, mauka of the highway, is the Lahaina Gateway shopping center. This is a larger outdoor strip-mall-style shopping center. You will find the following shops at Lahaina Gateway.

• Foodland Farms grocery store
• Ace Hardware
• Local Motion Hawaii surf shop
• Auntie Snorkel and Beach Shop
• Ross Dress for Less

Restaurants in Lahaina

The most popular restaurants in Lahaina are located behind the Cannery Mall, along the ocean. The Cannery Mall shielded these buildings from the fire and the high winds. This is a popular row of restaurants you should add to your list. Reservations are recommended for these Lahaina hot spots.

We share details and more here: Best Restaurants in Lahaina

• Aloha Mixed Plate: Thank goodness this opened again! The owners moved their more prestigious Star Noodle into this location during COVID. Now, it is back and our favorite place for asian-Hawaiian fusion. It serves classic plate lunches and has a great bar.
• Star Noodle: Next door to Aloha Mixed Plate is the new home to Star Noodle. The green plantation building houses the famous ramen restaurant.
• Honu Oceanside: This may be the only place we haven’t eaten at in Lahaina! The fine-dining restaurant with surf-and-turf is best without our kids. It serves up New England-style food with a Hawaiian flair.
• Mala Ocean Tavern: Surf and turf with a Hawaiian flair. The oceanside spot is great for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Sit at the bar for a lively time.
• Coco Deck Lahaina | Kitchen + Bar: This laid-back bar is great for sports and happy hour. While it is no Down the Hatch (sister restaurant, lost in the fire), the atmosphere is still lively, and they have good drinks and pupus.

The following Lahaina restaurants are more casual as they are located off the ocean and in the shopping centers.

• Kalei’s moved into the Denny’s location in the Cannery Mall. You will find it near the Safeway. Kalei’s is a great place for breakfast and classic plate lunches. Hawaii food at its best.
• Noodle is a low-key Asian noodle house located in Lahaina Gateway.
• Kihei Caffe Lahaina is the sister restaurant to the original in Kihei. Our favorite place to visit for breakfast before a snorkel tour to Lanai (save 10%).
• Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is near Foodland Farms. It serves up large burgers at a good price for Maui.
• Sale Pepe Maui is a wonderful, family-owned Italian restaurant in Lahaina. They lost their original store in Lahaina but reopened in the industrial park. This is our go-to for pizza on Maui.
• Food trucks in Lahaina! These are located mauka of the highway, spread around the Lahaina industrial park. See Aloha Braised, Smash Maui (sushi), 808 Antojitos, 808 Grindz, and Ohana Thai.
• Panda Express and Starbucks are on the south side of the Lahaina Gateway.

Bonus! The iconic Captain Jack’s bar, which was by the Banyan Tree in Lahaina, has reopened in Kahana. Check out their new location! Cool Cat Cafe has reopened in Kihei.

Old Lahaina Luau is Open

The famous Old Lahaina Luau is our favorite luau on Maui, and they have a lot of competition. We enjoy the table service, seating layout, activities, location on the water for sunset, drinks, and the wonderful performance. This luau does not have fire-knife dancing!

Learn more about the Old Lahaina Luau and all of our favorite Maui Luaus here.

Erica also made a list of her favorite Maui Luaus with Kids.

Lahaina Harbor is Open!

The harbor is far from complete, but the DLNR reopened it in December 2025 to support a few local tour companies.

Sail Maui has catamaran sailing tours departing from Lahaina Harbor daily. Take a sunset sail, snorkel tour, or whale watching tour (Dec – March). Click below to learn more and book direct!

• West Maui Snorkel & Sail
• Luxury Sunset Sail from Lahaina
• Sail with the Whales from Lahaina Harbor

Sail Maui provides details on accessing the harbor through Lahaina Town per the proper detours.

Beaches in Lahaina

Baby Beach Lahaina has reopened to visitors and locals. This is where you would find our family on the weekends when we lived in Lahaina! You can’t beat this calm Hawaii beach for swimming and snorkeling with little ones.

I recommend parking and entering Baby Beach Lahaina on the north side, close to Mala Ramp. Click here for where to enter Baby Beach Lahaina. They are rebuilding the homes on the beach, so some access roads are closed.

Breakwall, the famous surf spot in Lahaina, and Kamehameha Iki Beach Park are closed as access to the beaches is restricted.

Resources for the best beaches in Lahaina:

• Baby Beach Lahaina
• The Best Beaches in Lahaina and West Maui
• 9 Best Snorkeling Spots in Lahaina and West Maui

What is Open in Lahaina Videos: 2026

We like to show and tell! We enjoy visiting Maui multiple times each year. It is a great time to provide an update on what is open in Lahaina.

Supporting local businesses is a great way to help survivors and rebuild historic Lahaina Town. Here are two videos on visiting Lahaina, Maui.

Areas of Lahaina Still Closed

Visiting the historic downtown Front Street and the town’s residential areas is off-limits. You will be greeted by orange bollards and signs saying not to enter the streets leading into Lahaina. The main area of Lahaina is closed because it’s an active construction zone, and they want folks to respect it (no gawkers).

You can drive the Honoapiilani Highway that cuts through the northeast (makau) side of town.

For those who are taking a tour from Lahaina Harbor, the tour company provides directions on how to enter Lahaina and where you’re allowed to drive.

We are all eagerly awaiting the approval of commercial permits and the start of construction in historic downtown Lahaina. Historic Front Street is directly on the coast, within Maui’s Special Management Area.

With the threat of sea-level rise and changing weather patterns, Maui is determining whether the famous buildings on the oceanfront can be rebuilt, and how.

For example, can the iconic building that once housed Cheeseburger in Paradise be rebuilt? Places like Kimo’s were half-built on piers over the ocean. Buildings on the opposite side of Front Street (mauka) need to know that answer too, as it will impact their design.

There are plenty of YouTube videos that provide updates on construction in Lahaina if you’re interested in seeing the damage and the rebuilding.

We like to focus on what Lahaina will become again. See our video below on what it was like visiting Lahaina before August 8th, 2023.

Is Lahaina Worth Visiting?

Lahaina is now two shopping centers and a partially open harbor. The rest is empty lots filled with gravel, freshly planted trees, and a bit of construction.

But those two shopping centers are worth visiting!

Our Maui trips are split between staying in Wailea (Things to Do in Wailea) and staying in Ka’anapali (Things to Do in Kaanapali). We head to Lahaina for shopping and groceries in the Cannery Mall and will always make it to Aloha Mixed Plate or Star Noodle.

Lahaina Baby Beach is also our go-to beach for our kids.

Visiting Lahaina is more than supporting local; it is a great addition to your West Maui trip.

Lahaina is a gateway to some of the best beaches, snorkeling spots, and other sights that you can find on West Maui.

Getting to Lahaina

Lahaina is located on West Maui, approximately 25 miles from the main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG).

Most visitors to Maui arrive in Kahului, with airlines such as Southwest, Hawaiian Airlines, United, Alaska, Delta, and American operating daily flights here.

The nearest airport, Kapalua Airport (JMH), is located approximately 5 miles north of Lahaina. Kapalua Airport is primarily a private-use airport, but it offers commercial flights via Mokulele Airlines.

If you are doing any island hopping in Hawaii, you might be able to find a flight that lands at Kapalua Airport. 

The easiest way to get to Lahaina and around Maui is by renting a car. You can rent a car from either airport or from multiple off-airport locations, such as Kihei or Ka’anapali.

We love booking with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You can book with national carriers, and no prepayment is required, nor is there a cancellation fee. Plus, their prices are so competitive — we’ve saved hundreds on each inter-island trip we’ve taken by renting with them. 

If you’re not renting a car on Maui, there are other options for getting to Lahaina. One of the easiest ways is to take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to downtown Lahaina.

There are usually plenty of Ubers and taxis available to take you back to your hotel when you’re done visiting Lahaina. Uber drivers call it the Lahaina Loop when they ferry folks from Ka’anapali to Lahaina, and back.

And finally, from the airport, you can take any number of airport shuttle buses, like Roberts Hawaii, to take you from Kahului Airport to Lahaina.  There is also a public bus service on Maui, which offers several routes.

Just remember that the bus makes multiple stops, and if you’re going a long distance, you may need to change buses. It’s a very cost-effective way to get to Lahaina as long as you’re not in a hurry! 

Weather in Lahaina

If you’re coming to Maui in search of sunny and dry weather, Lahaina is the spot. Located on sunny west Maui, Lahaina offers plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and very few rainy days.  The chart below shows the average temperature by month in Lahaina:

This chart shows the average rainfall by month in Lahaina:

As you can see, it’s pretty dry and sunny year-round, so there really isn’t a bad time to visit.   

If you want to compare the weather in Lahaina to other parts of the island by month, we have you covered. Here’s what it’s like to visit Maui (and Lahaina) in November, December, January, February, and August.

Where to Stay in Lahaina

Downtown Lahaina had a few boutique hotels, like the Pioneer Inn and The Plantation Inn. They will be back!

Right now, there are two places to stay in Lahaina. You can rent these places for a reasonable rate as they are in the fire-damaged areas of town. As they were in residential areas, the houses around them were gone.

Lahaina Shores is a vacation rental complex located on Front Street, by the ocean. The multi-story building is a fan favorite among frequent Maui visitors. The beach is lovely out front, and it is a quiet place to stay. See Vrbo to learn more and to book.

Our old home has townhomes available to rent. Puamana is a gorgeous, garden community with oceanside units. They have their own surf spot out front. One can rent from large homes to one-bedroom bungalows. Look on Vrbo to rent at Puamana.

Camp Olowalu is ten minutes south of Lahaina. See our Maui Camping for details on their glamping tents, cabins, and tent camping.

Check out our favorite hotel and vacation rental options in Lahaina and West Maui. 

And if those aren’t quite right for you, we have plenty of other information about booking the perfect place to stay:

• Where to Stay on Maui (a great overview of the island and options available)
• Best Area to Stay on Maui
• The Best Honeymoon Resorts on Maui
• The Best Kid-Friendly Resorts on Maui

Visiting Lahaina, Maui: Things to Do

Lahaina is a hub of activity with no shortage of things to do. Lahaina itself has plenty of activities, and there is even more just a short drive away, up and down the coast of West Maui. 

For a complete list, check out our list of Lahaina Things to Do.

• Enjoy the Beach: Lahaina Baby Beach is the best beach in Lahaina. Check out our list of the best beaches in Lahaina and on West Maui. 
• Sunset Sail: Head out from Lahaina Harbor on a luxury sunset sail at a great price! Save 10% with our promo code!
• West Maui Snorkel and Sail: This snorkel tour does not disappoint! The caption takes you to the best snorkel spots around Lahaina, not accessible from shore. Save 10% with our promo code!
• Go Whale Watching: From December to April each year, thousands of whales migrate to Hawaii to breed, birth, and nurture their calves. And the best place to see them is just off the coast of Lahaina. This tour leaves from Lahaina Harbor. See our Maui Whale Watching Guide for more details.
• Attend a Luau: Lahaina is home to the best luau in Hawaii, the Old Lahaina Luau. And, we aren’t even affiliate partners with them! Learn more and explore more Maui luaus in the Lahaina area here: Best Maui Luaus. 

Visiting Lahaina and Beyond

Lahaina is just one of the amazing places on Maui that is worth a visit. But it’s not the only spot you should see. If you want to make the most of your vacation time and experience more of Maui’s beauty without doing the heavy lifting of planning, our itineraries are for you.

Our itineraries map out excursion days where you visit the best spot — beaches, historical sights, restaurants, snorkeling spots, farms, and more — on a well-planned route. Plus, we provide tips on parking, when to go, and how long to stay.

“I just wanted you to know that my family and I purchased the Maui itinerary and we are wrapping up 12 days on the island. We did so much of what you recommended and it was awesome for everyone. We have three college-age kids and everyone enjoyed the things that you suggested, including the restaurants. Thanks for all of the work that you put into this.” – Gunnar