Planning a trip to Maui? Find out some of the top things to do in Lahaina Maui. Scroll down to read them all!
This things to do in Lahaina Maui post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I need to be honest with you right from the start. Lahaina isn’t the same town it was before August 8, 2023.
The fires that swept through West Maui took 102 lives, destroyed over 2,200 buildings, and changed this historic community forever.
The Lahaina my family knew, where my mom lives part-time on neighboring Kauai and where I’ve spent countless hours strolling Front Street, is now a place of both profound loss and remarkable resilience.
But here’s what you need to know: West Maui needs visitors.
Tourism isn’t just Maui’s economy. It’s how families pay rent, put kids through school, and rebuild their lives.
Every meal you eat at a surviving restaurant, every tour you book, every night you stay in Ka’anapali directly supports someone who’s putting their community back together.
This post will help you understand what’s currently open in Lahaina, how to visit respectfully, and where your tourist dollars will make the biggest difference.
Looking for comprehensive Maui planning help? My Maui Travel Guide for Families includes up-to-date information on West Maui, plus detailed itineraries for your entire trip.
Understanding What Happened and What’s Accessible
Most of historic Lahaina, including the majority of Front Street, was destroyed in the fires. The burn zone remains restricted to authorized personnel only.
What this means for visitors: You cannot casually drive through downtown Lahaina to sightsee.
You should not take photos of the burn zone, even from a distance. Please don’t ask service workers about the fires or their personal experiences unless they bring it up first.
The Lahaina Bypass (built before the fires) allows you to reach Ka’anapali and other West Maui destinations without driving through the affected area.
What’s Actually Open in Lahaina Right Now
The Lahaina Banyan Tree
The 151-year-old banyan tree survived the fires and has become a powerful symbol of Lahaina’s recovery.
Arborists have been caring for it with irrigation systems, pruning, and monitoring. About half the tree was lost, but new growth is sprouting.
The tree is not fully accessible to tourists yet, but you can see it from designated viewpoints. Please respect all barriers and signage.
Restaurants on North Front Street
A small cluster of restaurants on the northern edge of Front Street survived the fires. These businesses reopened throughout 2024 and desperately need your support:
Mala Ocean Tavern was the first Front Street restaurant to reopen (February 2024). Their oceanfront setting is stunning, and their ahi bruschetta is still as good as I remember.
They serve brunch, happy hour with live music, and dinner. Late night on weekends too.
Honu Oceanside reopened in October 2024 with a new team that includes chef Arnie Gonzalez, who was executive chef at the beloved Lahaina Grill for 27 years.
The fresh seafood and ocean views make this a special evening out.
Star Noodle moved to a new location next door to the other surviving restaurants and reopened in August 2024.
Their hand-made noodles and small plates are exactly what you’d want after a beach day.
Aloha Mixed Plate is back at their original Front Street location serving generous portions of local favorites like kalua pork, loco moco, and shoyu chicken. The ocean backdrop hasn’t changed.
Coco Deck Lahaina is brand new, opened by chef Alvin Savella. It’s a casual spot with ocean views, big TVs for watching games, and a family-friendly vibe. The menu blends Mexican, Hawaiian, and American food.
Lahaina Cannery Mall Area
The Lahaina Cannery Mall, just north of the burn zone, has become an important gathering place. Safeway and Longs reopened shortly after the fires. Various restaurants and shops are open here, with more coming.
Old Lahaina Luau
This is huge: Old Lahaina Luau reopened in March 2024.
Half their staff lost homes in the fire. The luau grounds survived, though they needed extensive cleanup and repairs.
Going to this luau isn’t just about the experience (though it remains the most authentic Hawaiian luau on Maui). It’s about directly supporting nearly 300 employees who are rebuilding their lives.
They’re open Tuesday through Saturday. Book way ahead because they sell out fast. The show tells Hawaii’s story through traditional hula, the food is a proper Hawaiian feast, and the oceanfront sunset views are breathtaking.
I can’t recommend this enough. Check current availability here.
Things to Do in West Maui (Ka’anapali and Beyond)
Ka’anapali wasn’t touched by the fires. The beaches, resorts, restaurants, and activities here are fully operational and beautiful as ever.
Ka’anapali Beach
This three-mile stretch of white sand is one of the best beaches on Maui. The water is perfect for swimming, and you can snorkel around Black Rock to see tropical fish and maybe spot a sea turtle.
The beach connects multiple resorts via a walking path. Whalers Village has restaurants, shops, and ice cream. You can spend an entire day here without spending much money at all.
Book your family photo session with Flytographer and save $20 using my link. Ka’anapali Beach at sunset makes for incredible family photos.
Whale Watching Tours
If you’re visiting between December and May, you have to see the humpback whales.
Many whale watching tours depart from West Maui harbors. These tours directly support local boat operators and crew who’ve been affected by the economic impacts of the fires.
The whales are spectacular. We’ve seen mothers teaching calves to breach, males competing for attention, and pods traveling together. It’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have in Hawaii.
Snorkeling and Ocean Activities
West Maui has incredible snorkeling. You can book snorkeling tours that take you to Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens. Or grab gear and snorkel right off Ka’anapali Beach near Black Rock.
Other water activities:
- Sunset dinner cruises along the coast
- Parasailing
- Kayaking tours
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Surf lessons
Luaus Beyond Old Lahaina Luau
If Old Lahaina Luau is sold out, other great options in Ka’anapali include:
- Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton
- Royal Lahaina Luau
- Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt
Golf Courses
The golf courses in Ka’anapali and Kapalua are open and gorgeous. You can golf with ocean views and potentially spot whales during winter months.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
This easy 3-mile hike starts at Kapalua Beach and ends at Dragon’s Teeth. You’ll walk along the coast with views of Molokai and the ocean.
Great for families and gives you a beautiful look at West Maui’s shoreline.
Want a complete West Maui itinerary? My Maui Travel Guide walks you through where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your days for maximum enjoyment with minimal stress.
How to Visit Respectfully
This part is crucial. Here’s how to be a responsible visitor:
Do:
- Spend money at local businesses, especially in Lahaina
- Book tours and activities through local operators
- Stay in West Maui if you can (the resorts in Ka’anapali need guests)
- Be patient and kind with service workers
- Tip generously
- Ask “how can I support you?” rather than asking about the fire
Don’t:
- Take photos of the burn zone
- Try to access restricted areas
- Ask service workers about their fire experiences
- Expect everything to be perfect (businesses are understaffed and stressed)
- Complain about construction, detours, or changes
- Treat this like disaster tourism
Where Your Money Makes the Biggest Impact
Every dollar you spend in West Maui supports recovery. But some choices make a bigger difference:
- Eat at the surviving Lahaina restaurants on north Front Street
- Book Old Lahaina Luau if possible
- Shop at the Lahaina Cannery Mall instead of other areas
- Use local tour operators for ocean activities
- Stay in West Maui resorts (Ka’anapali, Napili, Kapalua)
What About the Rest of Maui?
Here’s something important: most of Maui was not affected by the fires.
South Maui (Wailea, Kihei), Upcountry, Haleakala, Paia, and the Road to Hana are all completely unchanged. You can (and should) visit these areas too.
But West Maui specifically needs tourists. Before the fires, Lahaina attracted about 80% of Maui’s visitors. Without that economic engine, the entire island struggles.
Planning to visit other parts of Hawaii? I have detailed guides:
Getting There and Getting Around
Kahului Airport (OGG) is about 45-50 minutes from Ka’anapali. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they work with the major companies but get you better rates.
You’ll want a car for Maui unless you’re planning to stay put at your resort the entire time. The island is too spread out to rely on shuttles.
Use the Lahaina Bypass to get to Ka’anapali and north without driving through the burn zone.
Looking Ahead: Lahaina’s Future
Rebuilding Lahaina will take years. Current plans show homes being constructed, with about 290 under construction and 55 completed as of fall 2024. Front Street’s rebuilding is in the planning stages.
The community is working to preserve Lahaina’s cultural sites and historic significance while planning for the future.
It won’t be the same Lahaina, but it will honor what was lost while creating something new.
My Personal Take as a Hawaii Travel Expert
I’ve been to Lahaina dozens of times over the past 20+ years. I’ve walked Front Street at sunset, shopped the art galleries, eaten at restaurants that no longer exist, and watched kids participate in the Halloween parade that may never happen again.
The loss is profound. But the people of Lahaina are even more so.
When you visit West Maui now, you’re not just taking a vacation. You’re participating in recovery. Your presence, your spending, your respect, and your aloha all matter.
Come with an open heart. Expect it to be different. Spend your money generously. Be patient and kind. And know that your visit is making a real difference for families rebuilding their lives.
Need help planning a respectful, meaningful trip to Maui? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can discuss your specific situation, timeline, and how to make the biggest positive impact during your visit.
I also have a free email course that walks you through planning a trip to Maui step by step.
Visiting Lahaina FAQs
Is it okay to visit Maui right now?
Yes. Maui needs visitors. The island’s economy depends on tourism, and the best way to support recovery is to come, spend money, and be respectful.
Can I walk through historic Lahaina?
Most of historic Lahaina is still restricted. You can access the small cluster of surviving restaurants on north Front Street and the Lahaina Cannery Mall area, but the majority of the burn zone is off-limits.
Where should I stay to support Lahaina?
Stay in West Maui if possible. Ka’anapali resorts are beautiful and directly support the West Maui economy. Find hotels in Ka’anapali on Expedia.
What’s the best way to support Lahaina residents?
Spend money at local businesses in West Maui. Eat at the surviving Lahaina restaurants, book local tours, shop at the Cannery Mall, and tip generously. Your spending directly employs people affected by the fires.
Are the beaches in West Maui safe?
Ka’anapali Beach and other beaches north of the burn zone are safe and beautiful. Some concerns have been raised about water quality near the burn zone after heavy rains, but the main tourist beaches have been deemed safe.
Can I volunteer or donate?
Unless you have specific skills that are needed (like construction), the best way to help is by visiting and spending money. If you want to donate, research reputable organizations like Lahaina Restoration Foundation or Habitat for Humanity Maui.
Wrap-Up: Come Visit, Spend Money, Be Kind
Lahaina needs you. Not your sympathy. Not your disaster tourism. Your actual presence, your tourist dollars, and your aloha.
The sunsets over Ka’anapali Beach are still breathtaking.
The humpback whales still migrate every winter. The ocean is still that impossible shade of blue.
And the people of West Maui are still welcoming visitors with more grace than most of us could manage under similar circumstances.
Book that trip. Stay in West Maui. Eat at those surviving restaurants. Go to Old Lahaina Luau. Leave generous tips. And know that your vacation is helping rebuild a community.
Mahalo for caring enough to learn how to visit respectfully. I hope you’ll share this post with anyone planning a Maui trip.
Ready to plan your Maui trip? Start with my free email course on How to Plan a Trip to Maui or grab my complete Maui Travel Guide for Families.
If you want personalized help planning a trip that supports Lahaina’s recovery while giving your family an amazing vacation, book a consultation with me.
I’ll make sure every dollar you spend makes a difference.