Maui Tourism and Community Recovery Progress After Lahaina Wildfires

The aftermath of the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires continues to shape Maui’s recovery, affecting local residents, businesses, and tourism patterns. The recovery process involves housing transitions, economic rebuilding, and new approaches to tourism.

The wildfires in Lahaina resulted in the loss of more than 100 lives and destroyed thousands of properties, making it the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century. Before the disaster, Lahaina businesses contributed over $70 million in monthly revenue and provided jobs for about 8,500 people, accounting for a notable share of employment in Maui County and the state.

As of March 2024, approximately 3,000 survivors from the fires were still living in hotels, with around 30 people moving into longer-term housing each day. Debris removal had been completed on about a quarter of homeowner lots, which allowed the permitting process for rebuilding to begin.

By late 2024, economic challenges persisted for many residents. The poverty rate among households affected by the fire had more than doubled, increasing from 14 percent before the fire to nearly 30 percent. Unemployment among these households rose from 2 percent to 14 percent, and one in five respondents reported their income had been reduced by half.

What the numbers show

• Over 100 fatalities occurred in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires
• By mid-2025, 64 homes had been rebuilt and 290 were under construction
• Maui welcomed about 2.5 million visitors in 2025, a 7 percent increase from 2024
• Visitor spending in 2025 rose by approximately 12.7 percent year-over-year

Rebuilding efforts advanced by mid-2025, with 64 homes completed and 290 more under construction in Lahaina. Maui County released design options for the redevelopment of Front Street’s commercial district, which included plans to maintain a two-lane road and improve waterfront access.

Tourism activity showed signs of recovery in 2025. Maui received roughly 2.5 million visitors, a 7 percent rise from the previous year, and visitor spending increased by nearly 13 percent. The reopening of Mala Ocean Tavern in February 2024 marked the first business to resume operations on Front Street after the fire, and by early 2025, it continued to operate as a symbol of recovery.

The reopening of Lahaina Harbor at the end of 2025 represented a milestone in the town’s recovery process. This development followed ongoing efforts to restore commercial and community infrastructure in the area.

Indigenous-led organizations have introduced “regenerative tourism” initiatives, encouraging visitors to participate in cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community-focused experiences. Maui Cultural Lands, an indigenous-run nonprofit, provides volunteer activities such as reforestation, invasive species removal, and archaeological site stewardship to promote sustainable tourism practices.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.