Lahaina, on Maui’s west coast, is one of Hawaii’s most storied towns — a former whaling port and royal capital now rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfire destroyed roughly 2,200 structures. The good news: Lahaina is open to visitors again. Front Street reopened to vehicle traffic on August 1, 2026, with more than a dozen businesses back, the 153-year-old banyan tree still alive and releafing, and whale season, luaus, and ocean tours all running. This guide covers what to do in Lahaina right now, what’s open, and how to visit with respect for the community still rebuilding.
Key Highlights
- Front Street is back open: Vehicle traffic resumed on August 1, 2026, with reopened restaurants and shops — but rebuilding continues, so check what’s open before you go.
- The banyan tree survived: About half its branches died in the fire, yet the tree is alive and growing back under intensive care; Banyan Court Park remains closed, but designated viewing areas are open.
- Historic sites tell two stories: Maria Lanakila Catholic Church (1858) survived the fire, while the Pioneer Inn and Lahaina Courthouse were lost — rebuilding is underway across the historic district.
- Seasonal highlights run strong: Humpback whale watching (December through April), the Old Lahaina Luau, ocean sailing tours, and world-class beaches north and south of town.
- Visit respectfully: Lahaina is a working community in recovery, not a disaster attraction — stay out of fenced areas and residential burn zones, and spend at local businesses.
Understanding Lahaina in 2026: A Town Rebuilding
Before planning your activities, it helps to know the situation on the ground. The August 2023 wildfire swept through Lahaina in hours, destroying most of the historic commercial core along Front Street. Three years later, the town is in an active rebuilding phase. The County of Maui reopened Front Street to vehicle traffic on August 1, 2026, from Pāpalaua Street to Shaw Street, with Dickenson and Prison streets reopening too. More than a dozen businesses, including restaurants and the new ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, came back with that milestone.
Some nearby streets — Market Street, Papelekane Street, and Mokuhinia Place — remain closed while construction continues, and temporary road closures can pop up as utility and rebuilding work moves forward. Conditions change, so check Maui County’s official updates (MauiRecovers) before your trip. And one guiding principle: don’t drive through residential burn areas to look. Support the town by visiting its open businesses and spending locally.
See Lahaina’s Famous Banyan Tree (From the Viewing Areas)
The banyan tree is Lahaina’s most beloved landmark — planted in 1873 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant missionaries’ arrival, it once sprawled across an entire acre and was a gathering place for visitors and locals alike.
The fire scorched the tree and dried out much of it; about half of its branches died from the intense heat. But the 153-year-old tree lived. Arborists removed the dead branches so the tree’s energy could go to the living limbs, installed sensors to monitor its sap flow, and set up irrigation and care for its aerial roots. Branches are growing back healthy — some are even producing fruit — though arborists still describe the tree as being “in the ICU.”
Here’s the key detail for visitors: Banyan Court Park itself remains closed to the public, with a reopening planned for late 2026. You can view the tree from designated viewing areas along the edge of the park. Stand at the barriers, take your photos, and let the tree keep recovering. It remains one of the most moving sights in Lahaina — a symbol of survival.
Walk Front Street’s Reopened Corridor
Front Street has always been Lahaina’s beating heart — the oceanfront strip of art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. Its reopening in August 2026 was an emotional milestone for the community, even though many storefronts are still being rebuilt.
What you’ll find now: reopened restaurants and bars, the ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace with local vendors, and stretches of the historic street where you can walk, browse, and dine with ocean views. The makai (ocean-side) of the street got new railings, sidewalks, and seawall improvements as part of the rebuild.
Keep expectations honest — the full pre-fire strip of galleries and shops is not all back. But the restaurants that have returned, like Mala Ocean Tavern (which reopened in February 2024, one of the first to come back) and Kimo’s, are serving the waterfront dining Lahaina was famous for. For more exploring nearby, check out our guide to things to do across West Maui.
Visit the Historic Sites That Remain
Lahaina was Hawaii’s royal capital in the 19th century and later a whaling boomtown, and its historic district holds stories you won’t find anywhere else. Some sites survived the fire; others were lost and are being rebuilt.
Maria Lanakila Catholic Church — Miraculously still standing. The 1858 church (rebuilt in 1928 on the same foundation) came through the fire with mainly smoke damage and some roof damage, its sanctuary intact. Locals called it a miracle, and seeing the steeple rise above the burn zone became one of the recovery’s iconic images.
The Pioneer Inn and Lahaina Courthouse — Two landmarks that did not survive. The 1901 Pioneer Inn, Maui’s oldest hotel, was destroyed in the fire, and the 1859 Lahaina Courthouse (home to the Lahaina Heritage Museum) was catastrophically damaged. Rebuilding and restoration efforts continue through the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
Lahaina Jodo Mission — The Buddhist temple’s Great Buddha statue survived the fire while the pagoda did not; the mission grounds reopened to the public in August 2025. The large seated Buddha and temple grounds remain a peaceful, meaningful stop just north of the burn zone.
Waiola Church (Waine’e), another deeply historic church and cemetery, was lost in the fire — a reminder of how much Lahaina’s heritage community is working to restore.
Go Whale Watching (December to Mid-April)
Winter is Lahaina’s most magical season. Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Maui’s warm, protected waters to mate and give birth, and the channel off Lahaina is one of the best places in the world to see them.
From December through mid-April you can spot whales from shore — the Papawai Scenic Lookout on the drive into Lahaina is a favorite vantage point — or take a whale-watching cruise for an up-close look at breaches, tail slaps, and mother-and-calf pairs. Several tour companies operate from Lahaina’s Māla Wharf area, including Trilogy Excursions and Hawaii Ocean Rafting. Book in advance during peak season (January through March), when whale sightings are nearly guaranteed.
Attend a Luau at the Old Lahaina Luau
No Maui trip is complete without a traditional luau, and the Old Lahaina Luau remains one of the most authentic in all of Hawaii. It closed for about seven months after the fire and reopened in March 2024, running strong ever since on Front Street across from the Cannery Mall, north of the burn zone.
The evening includes traditional Hawaiian cuisine — kalua pig cooked in an underground imu oven, poi, fresh seafood, sweet potato, and tropical desserts — plus hula, live Hawaiian music, and storytelling that traces the islands’ history. Expect to pay around $229 per adult and $140 per child as of 2026, and book two to three months ahead since it runs near full capacity year-round. For another take on the luau experience, see our guide to a traditional luau experience.
Enjoy the Beaches Near Lahaina
Some of Maui’s best beaches sit just minutes north and south of Lahaina town:
- Kāʻanapali Beach — A three-mile stretch of golden sand just north of Lahaina, consistently ranked among the best beaches in North America, with calm, clear water that’s ideal for snorkeling.
- Slaughterhouse Beach — A tucked-away cove north of Lahaina with excellent snorkeling and family-friendly swimming.
- Kahekili Beach Park — A pretty, shaded beach with calm water and long walking paths.
Snorkeling is a must here — Maui’s west shore is famous for sea turtles and coral gardens. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own gear, or read up on snorkeling in Hawaii before you go.
Take an Ocean Adventure
Lahaina’s waters are built for boat days:
Sailing and snorkel cruises — Trilogy Excursions runs award-winning snorkeling and sailing trips, including excursions to Lānaʻi, plus dinner sails and private charters. Hawaii Ocean Rafting offers smaller-group snorkel and dolphin tours from the area.
Atlantis Submarines — After losing its submarine, tugboat, and dock facilities in the fire, Atlantis returned in June 2026 with reef-viewing submarine tours — a great option for anyone who wants to see coral and sea life without getting in the water. Tours run three times a day, five days a week, around $148 for adults and $66 for children (kids must be at least 36 inches tall and able to climb a vertical ladder on their own).
Moana Glass by Ryan Staub — This glass-blowing studio on the bypass road never closed. Watch a demonstration or book a hands-on lesson and blow your own glass souvenir — a memorable break from beach days.
Slack Key Show — Presented by Grammy-winning slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr., this evening show of masterful Hawaiian guitar music and storytelling is a Lahaina institution for music lovers.
Take a Day Trip: Haleakalā and the Road to Hana
Lahaina makes a fine base for Maui’s two signature day trips. Haleakalā Crater — the 10,000-foot dormant volcano in east Maui — is about a two-hour drive; sunrise at the summit is legendary, but reservations and a 3 a.m. wake-up are required. Our Haleakalā Crater guide covers what to know.
The Road to Hana is a full-day adventure along the island’s lush windward coast — waterfalls, bamboo forest, and black-sand beaches. It’s a long day from Lahaina, so consider a guided tour instead of driving it yourself.
Heading north instead? Kapalua offers the scenic Kapalua Coastal Trail, resort dining, and ziplining adventures.
How to Visit Lahaina Respectfully
Lahaina is recovering, and visitors are genuinely welcome — local businesses need your support. A few simple guidelines go a long way:
- Stay out of fenced and restricted areas. If a spot is posted closed or fenced off, don’t enter — crews are still working and some structures remain hazardous.
- Don’t treat neighborhoods as a tourist attraction. Drive on the main roads, not through residential burn areas.
- Spend locally. Every meal, ticket, and souvenir bought in Lahaina supports families rebuilding their lives.
- Check official sources before you go. Maui County’s MauiRecovers site and gohawaii.com have the latest on what’s open.
- Be patient with closures. Some side streets stay closed for construction; temporary detours are part of recovery.
Lahaina has always been more than its landmarks — it’s a living community, and its people are rebuilding it with extraordinary determination. Visiting now means witnessing resilience firsthand. For broader planning, our Maui travel guide covers the whole island.
FAQ
Is Lahaina open to visitors in 2026?
Yes. Lahaina is open to visitors in 2026. Front Street reopened to vehicle traffic on August 1, 2026, and more than a dozen businesses — including restaurants, the ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, and ocean tour operators — are welcoming guests. The historic commercial core is still being rebuilt, so some areas and side streets remain closed.
Did Lahaina’s banyan tree survive the fire?
Yes. The 153-year-old banyan tree survived the August 2023 wildfire, though about half of its branches died from the heat. It is alive and growing back under intensive care from arborists, with new branches and even fruit appearing. However, Banyan Court Park remains closed to the public, with a reopening planned for late 2026 — visitors can view the tree from designated areas along the park’s edge.
What historic sites in Lahaina can I still see?
Maria Lanakila Catholic Church (1858) survived the fire and is still standing. The Lahaina Jodo Mission’s Great Buddha also survived, and its grounds reopened in August 2025. The Pioneer Inn (1901) and the Lahaina Courthouse (1859) were destroyed and are part of the town’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
When is whale watching season in Lahaina?
Whale watching season in Lahaina runs from December through mid-April, when thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Maui’s warm waters to mate and give birth. Peak sightings are from January through March. You can watch from shore at spots like the Papawai Scenic Lookout or join a whale-watching cruise from the Lahaina area.
Is the Old Lahaina Luau open after the fire?
Yes. The Old Lahaina Luau closed for about seven months after the fire and reopened in March 2024. It operates on Front Street across from the Cannery Mall, north of the burn zone. Tickets run about $229 per adult and $140 per child as of 2026, and booking two to three months ahead is recommended since it runs close to full capacity.
How can I support Lahaina’s recovery as a visitor?
You can support recovery by visiting Lahaina’s open businesses and spending locally — every meal, tour ticket, and souvenir helps families rebuild. Stay out of fenced and restricted areas, don’t drive through residential burn areas, and consider donating to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, which funds rebuilding projects across West Maui.