Lahaina Harbor, once a bustling hub of whale-watching tours, fishing charters, and ocean adventures, now sits in limbo. Vessel owners, tourism operators, and residents are growing increasingly frustrated as delays in its rebuild threaten jobs, businesses, and Maui’s reputation as a premier destination. Once teeming with activity, the harbor now stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Maui’s recovery. While officials cite permitting and infrastructure challenges, those impacted say the slow pace of recovery is costing livelihoods and visitor experiences.
Lahaina’s tourism lifeline stalled.
Lahaina Harbor has been a key launching point for ocean excursions for decades, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Before the fires, it supported over 200 jobs and generated millions in annual tourism revenue, serving as a lifeline for Maui’s economy. Now, businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and Maui risks losing its competitive edge to destinations like Kauai or the Big Island, which are already seeing an uptick in visitor interest.
Vessel owners argue that enough debris has been cleared for limited operations to resume, but government officials insist that safety and infrastructure repairs must come first. “Bookings have tanked, and our regulars are choosing other islands—or even other countries,” said a veteran operator. While other parts of Maui tourism recover, Lahaina’s setbacks could have lasting consequences.
Red tape vs. recovery: The fight for Lahaina Harbor.
Funding remains uncertain, with potential allocations from state capital improvement funds, special revenues, and federal relief programs still under discussion. Residents argue that if Lahaina Harbor were in Honolulu, repairs would already be underway. “This should be an emergency rebuild, not another government backlog,” one resident said, echoing the frustration of many. The delays, they say, are not just bureaucratic—they’re costing Maui its economic future.
Maui County’s long-term recovery plan had a three-to five-year timeline for rebuilding Lahaina Harbor at an estimated cost of $30 million. Currently, that puts the completion date close to the end of 2026.
However, vessel owners and tourism operators insist the harbor should be at the top of the list rather than just one of many recovery projects. They say the delay is unnecessary and economically damaging.
Officials say Front Street is still unsafe to reopen, which would be necessary for harbor access. Some advocate for shuttle service to the harbor to load and unload passengers to move the timeline up. A fuel dock has already reopened so boats do not need to refuel at Ma’alaea Harbor, which is much further away.
Lanai ferry caught in limbo amid harbor delays.
The closure of the Lahaina Harbor has also left the Lanai ferry in limbo, disrupting a critical transportation link between Maui and Lanai. Before the fires, the ferry provided residents, workers, and visitors with a reliable connection between the islands, but with Lahaina Harbor unusable, operations have been significantly impacted.
Alternative docking arrangements in Maalaea have been inconsistent, forcing passengers to adjust to longer travel times and limited schedules. Meanwhile, Maui County has been exploring the possibility of purchasing the ferry service to ensure its long-term viability. With no firm timeline on Lahaina Harbor’s rebuild, questions remain about whether a county-owned ferry can operate effectively without its primary port.
The broader impact on Maui’s tourism industry.
Beyond Lahaina, the continued closure of the harbor has ripple effects across Maui’s tourism industry. Tour companies, charter operators, and local businesses reliant on ocean access without a functional harbor are losing critical revenue. Some have already shut down, while others face an uncertain future. The concern is that prolonged delays will permanently shift visitor demand to other islands, making recovery even harder than it is already.
Tourism operators warn that continued inaction could erode visitor confidence in Maui as a travel destination. “The longer Lahaina stays closed, the harder it will be to bring people back,” one business owner said. Without immediate action, Maui’s visitor-dependent economy faces long-term repercussions.
A growing call for accountability.
Critics argue that Lahaina’s recovery is being mismanaged, with tourism-critical infrastructure taking a backseat to less urgent projects. Calls for federal intervention and greater transparency on fund allocation are growing louder, as residents demand answers on why the harbor’s rebuild isn’t a top priority.
What’s next for Lahaina Harbor?
The future of Lahaina Harbor—and Maui’s tourism economy—hangs in the balance. As frustrations grow, the question remains: Will officials rise to the challenge and fast-track the rebuild, or will Lahaina Harbor become a lasting symbol of stalled recovery efforts? The coming months will be critical in determining whether Maui can reclaim its place as a top-tier destination or risk falling behind.
We welcome your comments on today’s article. Should Lahaina Harbor be the top priority? Mahalo!
Lahaina_LTRP_Report_20241221_compressedBeat of Hawaii pre-fire photo of Lahaina Harbor.
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All l can think of is Coco Palms so good luck Maui.
While many here are blaming the government I’ll go in a different direction. The Governed. Native Hawaiians that claim that every inch of ground is Papahānaumokuākea. Nothing can get done even though it’s been “desecrated” for decades. The Governor is an elected representative and the vocal minority is calling the shots. I’ll bet good money that if the Governor said that every inch of Lahaina will be rebuilt (hopefully with government sponsored upgrades) as it was before the fire (except obviously near and over the water) the locals would have a fit.
Sounds like a job for DOGE to expose the waste, fraud and corruption in Maui.
This is what happens in a democrat controlled “blue” state. Government bureaucracy and red tape. Everyone involved has to get their cut. The investment that was supposed to relieve the suffering goes to the higher ups and the people suffering end up holding an empty bag. What needs to happen in Lahaina also needs to happen all over Hawaii. Get government out of the way and let private investors in to pave the way forward. People in Hawaii think that the government is a savior, when in reality, most of the time, they are a hindrance. As Ronald Reagan said, the nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”
I’m here now, and sadly, this will be my last visit. Maui has lost its magic—the resentment toward visitors is palpable. Lahaina is only part of the problem; I really started noticing this shift after COVID. I’ve always visited with respect and appreciation, but it’s clear we’re no longer welcome. I understand wanting to protect the islands and culture, but pushing tourists away is only hurting the local economy. Going forward, I’ll be spending my time and money in places where I feel appreciated, like Mexico and other destinations that truly welcome visitors. I know I’m not the only one making this choice. Good luck to you Maui.
Good luck in feeling welcome in Mexico!
Maui officials were warned numerous times about the extreme dangers of non native grasses overgrowth surrounding Lahaina and ignored warnings by locals and experts to take fairly simple measures to mitigate the problem. This statement alone speaks volumes. This fire event happened after the horrible fires at Paradise and Northern California…
Other than a few construction projects and roofing projects, Sarasota FL is basically back to “business as normal” after a direct hit from a Cat 3 hurricane.
You all need new leadership out there
Maui County has completely rebuilt the water and sewer system in Lahaina and the US Army Corps has completely cleaned up the entire town, and the state has not even started rebuilding the most prolific harbor in the state. Please, please, please let’s get this ball rolling! Also FYI there are 800 employees of the harbor (not 200) plus thousands of ripple effects for jobs and the economy.
I would think that Lahaina Harbor would be the first priority for rebuilding, so materials can be shipped in over the ocean, instead of being hauled over the Pali. It makes no sense that they are stalling it’s reconstruction unless they are trying to choke the local small businesses out. I hope this issue is taken to the federal government and they override Greene’s lack of urgency.
More than a year ago I met two engineers for the mainland who were hires in Maui for the repairs of Lahaina. I asked how things were going and they simply said “They Are Not Going” They elaborated by saying there are too many groups fighting each other. The local government, feds, native hawaiians who want to take their time, and in particular the Hawaiian State Government. I asked how long they think it will take to get going and they said Many Years To Just Start building. Seems they were right.
This is particularly true since the harbor has been cleaned out, the draft is deep enough, the cleats are even still there. The only things lacking are an (air conditioned) office for DOBOR, the Dept of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and a public toilet. That tells us where the priorities are. As a lifelong resident, I’m both not surprised and deeply saddened that the state, businesses, and visitors are missing out again.
Continue to vote democrat and you will never see your harbor rebuilt. Your senator Maxie Hirono is as incompetent as it gets
Same incompetent Hawaii Bureaucrats, different day. It isn’t rude to state the truth and that is in spite of some of the highest taxes in the US, Hawaii government is without question in the bottom of the list of responsible governance! What a shame for those suffering businesses in Lahaina, and in particular, Lahaina harbor!
Too easy to blame it on the bureaucracy, the politics, when it’s mostly about money, or lack of it. There are not a lot of people willing to pay more taxes to get rebuilding done. I don’t hear a lot of ideas for funding all that’s needed, including infrastructure, roads and harbor facilities. Any efforts should include jobs and income for locals.
Excuses
What happened to the money people including myself donated.
I don’t know where your donation went. Mine went to a friend of mine whose son set up a go-fund-me account for his dad who lost his house and all his belongings including his guitars (he has been a musician in Lahaina for over 30 years). If you don’t know anyone personally who lost everything in the fire, my suggestion would have been to do a little research. That said, there were plenty of residents who helped each other. The 1st ones who arrived in Maui with what they had were locals from Molokai and many of my friends volonteered distributing food etc.
Once again Hawaii voters, Consequences! You expect things to change when you yourselves do not even entertain the concept of change as to the people, (democrats) that you continuously vote for and somehow you expect them to act differently towards you!? That is the textbook definition of insanity and only YOU can do things differently when you finally realize that they only have their own self interest that they are looking out for!
Hawaii used to be a magical place to visit. But, after my visit to Maui last year it occurred to me that the expectations and attitudes of Hawaiian citizens and their government are now exposed to be no different than any other blue state on the mainland.
The rebuild of Lahaina Harbor should certainly be a top priority. Access to the water is important to the Maui experience. Delay will certainly erode visitor and potential visitor confidence. Maalea is too far away to expect West Maui visitors to drive to in order to board a boat.
this would be the best time to introduce the seaglider by Regent.
First, it has not been certified for flight let alone passenger service! Considering the time of year it is in Hawaii with humpback whales around and breaching everywhere exactly how would YOU protect the whales from the aircraft since it does not always fly at a very high altitude! DUH!
“Seaglider certification in the US follows a path led by the US Coast Guard, with FAA technical support, as wing-in-ground craft are defined as maritime small passenger vessels, requiring a Design Basis Agreement establishing design safety equivalence to certified vessels”. On a personal note, I rather take the all electric seaglider than the ferry from Lanai to Lahaina! The captain was speeding right into the waves and I was thinking of the whales the entire time …it wasn’t exactly a whale watching cruise or sailboat, but a gas (oil) powered boat that was quite outdated.
Lahaina community and volunteers reopened the Lahaina Aquatic center in 3 months instead of 3 years. Now boat owners are being told to wait another 3 to 6 years for repairs . Our boat captains captains saved fire victums from a treacherous shoreline in 70mph winds and flying embers.
These same boat captains will lead our community to rebuild Lahaina now. Just the way it was . The dock supplies are already on maui!
I think the tourism is suffering because of the attitude s of the residents. I have been to Maui 5 times, but didn’t realize how awful I was for admiring and developing a deep affection for your state. After seeing the resident’s reaction to how awful visitors are, I love your state too much to come back. Sorry, thanks for the previous good times.
I believe Maui’s tourism is suffering because they keep telling people not to come, I go to Oahu and Kauai now. I don’t feel welcome in Maui and I’ve heard that from other people.
Sorry for those who suffer this. However, I support the government who is, “doing what it takes with the budget they have”, to keep the public safe. Government is to protect the people.
It will to take time.
Better the clean up job done correctly than to see government dragged into court because something was rushed to, “get the business open”.
Defending what was not done would cost much more than doing the clean up job properly the first time. Doing it a second time costs much more.
I know business operators are “hanging on”. I believe government can provide some assistance until the clean up job can be done properly & it is safe for the public to return.
Ignoring fire & building codes is the reason Lahaina was the tender box it became. I know the firefighter & inspectors who were threatened or discharged by business interest pressures who controlled city hall in the 1970’s. A mob ruled city then! Where are they now? What a mess they left! All incinerated today!
Cockroach is spot on. It will take many years, and rushing will lead to inferior work and many more problems down the road. A good reference point is Paradise, Ca. which was comparably leveled by fire in 2018. They are still rebuilding. Insurance hurdles add more time. Shuttles taking people through town to the marina might help, but they will be disruptive to the rebuild process. There are a few shortcuts (pre-approved floor plans) that help, but the new “old Lahaina” will have many more fire safeguards built in. Lahaina is too precious for a “rush job.” Better do it all correctly to last many lifetimes. My guess is 2-3 years for marina area, 10-15 years before we see a viable Lahaina – and another decade after that to fill in around the edges. What we may see will be breathtaking if done right.
I am sorry but you are either part of the problem and a true local or you are just kidding. 10 or 15 or 25 years. Oh right you are just kidding.
Yes. Lahaina Harbor needs to be a priority. The businesses that were there and their employees need this to be a priority.
I suggest accusations the County is slow is a misdirection. The Governor and Mayor have announced intention to block rebuilding on the oceanside of Front Street. I vigorously oppose this, and note surveys show the majority of residents favor rebuilding in the previous footprint.
Instead, the Governor and Mayor are influenced by minority interests and off island groups, and blocking harbor rebuilding is part of the plan.
Maui wake up. Your government leadership. Probably the wrong word. Loser Green governor and old lady Senator with no moral compass. My dad built a runway in the Pacific WW2 in 30 days
30 million $ get a Grant from Bezos. Call me out of retirement and I finish it in 6 months. Please vote for business leaders not corrupt politicians. Just a few thoughts. Jon C.
Maui needs to streamline the process of red tape to rebuild the harbor! Unacceptable to not have started rebuilding by now!
Not just for the harbor, which should already be in progress. They need to cut the red tape & issue residents their building permit within 30 to 45 days. People end to rebuild their homes & businesses. The endless rules & regulations make no sense. I waited 9 months on the Big Island for our permit because we put in 2 ADA bathrooms and a ramp instead of stairs.
Boy, I’ll tell you, this Maui County gov’t is a ‘real inertia at rest’ shining example. Their motto on rebuilding is truly motivating: “Let’s Think About It!”. Over 18 mos after the devastating fire, and they are Still ‘thinking about it’. Guess they must be trying to figure out how to spend all those new tourist dollars coming in thru new ‘fees’. So, it looks like this level of devastation is beyond their ability to deal with, so maybe they are going to call in a contractor to do a study on the damage and determine how much it is going to cost to fix things up. So a request for bids goes out, the bids are submitted, a choice is made, them someone sues the County alleging discrimination/prejudice/favoritism, etc., in the selection and then an investigation has to be conducted and the courts get involved, etc., etc.. Don’t expect and forward movement for at least another year, folks.
Not just Maui. Since the 2018 eruption, Hawaii County knows we need an emergency road out of the Volcano Golf Course. We had Hwy 11 collapse right outside our subdivision. The road into it separated at the Kilauea & Mauna Loa crater junction. Then we had a massive wildfire. So, now, 2025, last week we had a “talk story” with pathetic powers that be about what “could” be done. We still don’t have an emergency road.
Hawaii is pricing itself out of tourism market. Expensive flights, parking in Kona at a premium. Cost of food. Very sad that costs have risen so much in 8 years.
As a resident of Maui, I too am greatly disappointed in the low priority of the harbor development. I remember listening to President Trump state that he would wave any permits for the victims’ of the Los Angeles fires in an effort to speed up building. Perhaps it is time to send a letter, on behalf of the victims of the Lahaina fire and the boat harbor!!!!!!!! I love the old phrase “The squeaky wheel gets the oil”.
If you expect 47 to wave time for permits also be ready for him to build a resort and golf course with his name on it .
You just could not resist. The Democrats run Hawaii and have caused these problems as stated above.
When and where did President Trump even come in to the conversation about the Lahaina Harbor or is it just your TDS that causes you to post nonsensical vowel movements!?
We love Maui and miss not going but there are other reasons people are going to other distinations. The airline industry has upped their prices, the hotels and resorts have made it that only wealthy people can stay.
Also, there has been so much talk from locals that tourists aren’t wanted. With all of that it makes a person not want to visit Maui when there are so mny other beautiful places to visit.
The state and county are clearly dragging their feet. They want to starve the ferry operators and other businesses out. Then their “politically cprrect” and “politically connected” friends can come in and take over on the cheap.
We know things need to be safe for everyone. But why can’t officials work with the operators and use some common sense. Hopefully they can soon before it is too late. I pray
Let’s make this simple.
The red tape bureaucracy needs to stop now! The harbor should be viewed the same as a road that people use every day.
There is zero reason it should not already be open.
People’s lives and businesses depend on it.
Leaning on Maalaea Harvor as an excuse is pathetic and inexcusable and irresponsible.
And saying there is no safe way to reach the harbor is also ridiculous hogwash.
Easily, the road can be cleaned up whats left around the area , and a parking area opened for travel to and from the harbor.
The excuses from Maui County need to be investigated.
As well as where the money has gone!
People’s lives depend on this.
Stop the bureaucratic games.
Or expect more major lawsuits coming against the county.
Yes, the reopening of Lahaina should be a top priority. Please identify the individuals / organizations that are standing in the way, so that more action can be focused on understanding and resolving the roadblocks.
“…Officials say Front Street is still unsafe to reopen…”
It’s been almost 2 years. What have they been doing all this time?
My question is “Why” do they say Front Street is “Unsafe”? There’s nothing there anymore. ridiculous. Hey BOH, why does Google
Earth still show Lahaina pre-fire? I remember about a week or so after the fire, Google Earth had pictures of the fire ravaged area. That lasted about 2 to 4 days and then those pictures were removed and replaced with pre-fire photos. Now all debris has been removed and there is nothing on Front Street. The pre-fire shots are still on Google Earth. What is it some kind of secret? Everyone knows what happened.
There’s more to fire removal than meets the eye. I don’t have time to explain right now. But there may be more posts on here that will explain to you.
As someone who visits Maui 3 – 4 times a year, I doubt that the downtown Lahaina & Harbor area will be rebuilt in my lifetime, (just turned 72 yrs). It’s my belief the L. A. fires will rebuild as Maui barely gets started. Hawaii has not been able to develop a plan between the locals and develpers in the almost 2 years since the fires of Aug ’23. The Hawaii government’s slow permitting and lack of urgency to begin rebuilding makes me believe this to be true.
I agree Bradley. It is as clear as the tall dog. Coupled with Island style of life getting things done, poor government, it’s just not going to happen any time in my life either. I am a bout 6 years older than you. It’s sad, but Maui will never be the same. Not only due to the fires, the climate change, the lack of proper planning commissions, the list goes on. Briefly, I’m frequent visitor since 1970, and Always cried when it was time to leave. My trip in 2024, was sad because the Maui I always longed for, was gone, not just Lahaina, the whole island. It was like a death to me, the feeling has disappeared and I Never In The World thought this would be how I would feel. Everyone who knows me, knew I lived and breathed Maui. It’s gone for now, for many years past my life. Very sad.
Without a harbor boats are dangerously moored offshore and likely to break free in heavy seas, run aground damging the reef and polluting the water. If Maui officials actually understood the situation and cared about our precious and sacred marine resources they would experdite restoration and expansion of all our harbors to reduce the number of boats relying on offshore moorings. The goal should a slip for every boat and every boat in a slip especially during storms.
Prime Example: In two weeks we will be on our third visit to Maui (Ka’anapali area) since the Lahaina fire. Every previous visit (once or twice for the past 15+ years) we purchased a Trilogy Captain’s Sunset Dinner Cruise out of Lahaina Harbor. That cruise is still available out of Maalaea Harbor but I refuse to drive that return trip from Maalaea Harbor to the Ka’anapali area in the dark. We have not replaced that cruise with anything else so that is money that is not going to a local business or taxes to Maui County. Lahaina Harbor’s rebuild should be a top priority!
*Yawnnnn* Just more of the same. The bureaucrats, as usual, have different priorities then the common folks they are supposed to represent and work for. I commented on a post right after the fire that It was my opinion that even 10 years after the fire, the problems rebuilding Lahaina will still be front page news. Nothing I’ve seen yet changes my mind on that prediction…
Best Regards