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Lahaina Harbor has been closed since August 8, 2023, following the devastating wildfire. This closure has suspended the harbor’s role as critical transportation infrastructure, as a community hub, and as a driver for the local economy.
Prior to the fire, 47 permitted operators ran vessels out of Lahaina Harbor, collectively employing nearly 600 residents. As a result of the disaster, 82 boats and at least 562 jobs were lost, dealing a heavy blow with ripple effects on the local community and economy. Only 12 companies responded to a recent DOBOR survey, indicating that many operators may not return with their full fleet.
The Lahaina Harbor was a lifeline for Lanai, Molokaʻi, and Maui residents who relied on the Lanai Ferry and loading dock to travel to and from Maui for medical appointments, groceries and supplies, visits with friends and family, and other needs. Although the ferry has been operating out of Maalaea, this location is problematic for overall harbor operations, traffic flow, and long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, the Lahaina Harbor provides a safer berth for Molokaʻi vessels than Mala Wharf.
Lahaina Harbor has long served as a vital cornerstone of Maui’s heritage, a place of deep cultural and historical significance. Beyond its legacy, Lahaina Harbor continues to play a critical role as one of the few safe harbors on the leeward side of Maui—providing essential shelter for vessels during storms and adverse weather. Its strategic location and historical value make its restoration and reopening a priority for the community.
In sum, a clear, thoughtful, and phased approach to reopening Lahaina Harbor will serve to restore critical infrastructure, revive a community resource, and support those operators who can resume operations and help rejuvenate economic activity and opportunity in Lahaina.
Goal: As one step in the long-term recovery process, work in collaboration with the State (DLNR-DOBOR), Maui County (Office of Recovery), and community organizations to phase in limited operations at Lahaina Harbor by the end of this year.
The aim is simply to rehabilitate or reconstruct the existing harbor components, ensure safe access to and from the harbor area, and incrementally resume preexisting activities. No expansion of infrastructure, structures, or activities beyond those in existence in August 2023 is proposed. It is envisioned that activity will be limited to recreational boaters, potentially the Lanai Ferry, and a small group of commercial operators who are deeply tied to the community and committed to respectful operations.
With the loading dock functional by the end of this year, five to six operators could resume operations and collectively rehire 50 to 75 employees. This would further provide a safe alternative for Kaanapali-based operators to operate during high surf events and keep their employees at work. With rehabilitation of the front row and inner marginal wharf in 2026, additional operations could resume and reestablish a total of 200 to 300 jobs. Depending on the trajectory of activity through 2027 and beyond, a total of 400 to 500 jobs could be revived. Beyond employment benefits, the reopening of the harbor would enable boat operators to resume field trips and whale watches (which must launch from Lahaina Harbor) that provide formative experiences for local students, a meaningful community benefit.
As an added benefit, resuming harbor activity will ensure the area is monitored. Visitors are currently accessing the area unsupervised, which increases the risk of trespassing into sacred and unsafe zones. With operators and community members present in the area, they can help to guide behavior, share history, and uphold the integrity of Lahaina Town during this sensitive time. Public access will be restricted to the harbor loading dock and the area surrounding the Banyan Tree; access south of the Banyan Tree will be prohibited to protect culturally sensitive areas such as the King Kamehameha III Elementary School site and active recovery zones.
The proposed reopening is envisioned to respectfully re-establish a community space—for surfers, fishing, and community gathering.
Maui Nui Strong is a program of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development that connects our residents, businesses, and visitors to useful information about Maui County, our diverse islands, and a variety of resources that help to promote thriving and vibrant communities.
