Visiting Lahaina After the Fires: Travel with Respect

Visiting Lahaina After the Fires: How to Travel Respectfully and Support Local Businesses

In August 2023, the historic town of Lahaina on Maui suffered one of the most devastating wildfires in U.S. history. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a hub of culture, art, and tourism, Lahaina was nearly destroyed—its historic Front Street reduced to ashes, hundreds of lives lost, and thousands of families displaced.

Two years later, in 2025, Lahaina remains a community in recovery. The scars of the wildfire are visible, but so too is the resilience of its people. For travelers planning a trip to Maui, a common question arises: Can we visit Lahaina? And if so, how can we do so respectfully?

The answer is yes—visitors are welcome, but with sensitivity, mindfulness, and a commitment to supporting local businesses still standing or rebuilding. This article provides guidance on how to visit Lahaina in the aftermath of the fires, and how your travel dollars can help the community heal.

The Importance of Lahaina

Before the fires, Lahaina was not only a tourist destination but also a living symbol of Hawaiian history. Once the royal capital under King Kamehameha I, Lahaina was a thriving whaling port in the 19th century and later a hub for Maui’s sugar and pineapple industries. Its historic district featured wooden storefronts, cultural landmarks, and the famous Banyan Tree, planted in 1873.

For locals, Lahaina is more than a backdrop for vacations—it’s home, heritage, and identity. Understanding this perspective is the first step toward visiting with respect.

What Travelers Should Know in 2025

As of early 2025, much of historic Lahaina remains closed for rebuilding and recovery. However, surrounding areas on West Maui—from Kāʻanapali to Nāpili—are welcoming visitors. Many residents rely on tourism for their livelihood, and thoughtful travel provides a direct way to support them.

Key Points for Visitors:

• Historic Lahaina Town is not fully accessible. Rebuilding is ongoing, and many sites remain closed to the public.
• Nearby communities are open. Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai, Nāpili, and Kapalua continue to host visitors with resorts, vacation rentals, and local shops.
• Respect local grief. Survivors are still processing immense loss. Avoid insensitive questions or “disaster tourism.”
• Check official updates. Visit the County of Maui and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority websites before traveling.

How to Visit Lahaina Respectfully

1. Acknowledge the Loss

When you arrive in West Maui, remember that you’re stepping into a community still in mourning. Approach with empathy. If you speak with locals, express condolences before asking questions.

2. Avoid Disaster Tourism

It’s natural to feel curious about what happened in Lahaina, but driving into restricted or burned areas to “see the damage” is considered deeply disrespectful. Follow posted signage and respect barriers.

3. Support Local Businesses

One of the best ways to help Lahaina recover is by spending your money locally. Choose locally owned restaurants, shops, and tour companies rather than large chains. Your dollars stay on Maui and directly benefit families.

4. Be Patient and Flexible

Infrastructure is still catching up. Some businesses may have limited hours, staff shortages, or modified services. Show understanding—it’s part of the recovery process.

5. Volunteer or Donate

If you want to go beyond tourism, consider contributing. Organizations like the Maui Strong Fund or the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation provide aid to survivors. Some community groups also welcome short-term volunteers.

Businesses and Areas to Support

Even though historic Front Street was devastated, many Lahaina businesses have reopened in nearby areas or relocated temporarily. Supporting them ensures the community can rebuild stronger.

Food & Dining

• Food Trucks & Pop-Ups: Many displaced chefs now operate food trucks in Kāʻanapali or Nāpili. Seek them out for authentic, locally prepared meals.
• West Maui Restaurants: Spots in Honokōwai and Kapalua remain open, ranging from casual plate-lunch counters to fine dining.

Shops & Artisans

• Craft Markets: Local artisans who once sold in Lahaina now showcase their work at markets in Upcountry Maui and Central Maui.
• Made in Maui Products: Support artists by buying jewelry, clothing, and crafts labeled as locally made.

Activities

• Surf & Snorkel Tours: Local operators continue to run excursions out of Māʻalaea and Kapalua. Book with Native Hawaiian-owned or family-owned companies whenever possible.
• Cultural Tours: Some groups offer heritage tours in other parts of Maui, providing cultural education while honoring Lahaina’s past.

Alternatives to Historic Lahaina

While much of Lahaina proper is off-limits, other parts of Maui offer both beauty and cultural experiences:

• Kāʻanapali Beach: A world-famous resort area with luxury hotels, shopping, and snorkeling.
• Napili Bay: Known for its calm waters and family-friendly vibe.
• Kapalua Coastal Trail: A scenic walk along Maui’s rugged northwestern coastline.
• ʻĪao Valley State Monument: A lush, sacred site in Central Maui, offering cultural interpretation and history.

Visiting these places provides relaxation and adventure while easing the pressure on Lahaina itself.

Cultural Sensitivity: Carrying Aloha with You

Respectful travel to Lahaina means carrying the spirit of aloha—compassion, humility, and mindfulness—into every interaction. Some tips:

• Use Hawaiian words thoughtfully. Terms like mahalo (thank you) and aloha carry weight; use them sincerely, not casually.
• Observe cultural etiquette. Don’t trespass on sacred or private lands.
• Listen more than you speak. Allow residents to share their experiences on their terms.

Why Responsible Tourism Matters

In the wake of the fires, many wondered whether visitors should even return to Maui. The answer from most residents has been clear: yes, but come with respect.

Tourism is Maui’s economic lifeline. Without it, businesses close, jobs vanish, and recovery slows. By traveling thoughtfully—choosing locally owned accommodations, respecting cultural sites, and avoiding insensitive behavior—you become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Lahaina after the fires requires a shift in perspective. Instead of expecting the bustling historic district of years past, travelers in 2025 should come ready to:

• Respect the grief of survivors.
• Support displaced businesses wherever they’ve reopened.
• Explore nearby communities and cultural sites.
• Contribute to Maui’s long-term recovery.

Lahaina will rise again, but in the meantime, visitors have the opportunity to walk alongside its people in resilience and healing. By traveling with aloha, patience, and respect, your presence can help rebuild not just a town, but the community spirit that has always made Lahaina one of Hawaiʻi’s most cherished places.