Multiple outlets reported that more than 100 former Lahaina residents displaced by the August 2023 wildfire returned to West Maui this weekend for the inaugural Lahaina Homecoming, a free three-day event running July 17–19 focused on community healing and reconnection. Organized by Festivals of Aloha in partnership with Maui County, the event was open to the public and timed to coincide with the approaching three-year anniversary of the fire and Front Street’s broader reopening.
- 103 former Lahaina residents were brought back to Maui, with travel and lodging supported through partnerships with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Maui hotels, and community organizations
- The free event spans Friday through Sunday at multiple Lahaina venues, including Campbell Park and Lahaina Cannery Mall
- Friday programming included a career fair with on-site interviews and immediate job opportunities at Lahaina Cannery Mall (10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), followed by Kaibigan Ng Lahaina’s Palengke Night at Campbell Park (5–9 p.m.)
- Saturday featured Pa’ūpili – Lahaina 3rd Saturdays with over 30 Maui-based businesses, nonprofits, and service providers (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), plus a ho’olaule’a at Campbell Park (5–9 p.m.)
- Sunday’s main homecoming event at Campbell Park (5–9 p.m.) will feature headliners John Cruz and Brother Noland (Maui Now)
- Organizers originally planned to bring back 80 residents but expanded to 103 after being unable to turn down compelling applications from displaced residents across Hawaii and the continental U.S.
- The event’s timing was intentional — organizers wanted displaced residents to experience Lahaina before Front Street reopens more broadly to visitors (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
- Some returning families arrived Thursday at Kahului Airport, where community members gathered to welcome them as they deplaned (Hawaii News Now)
- Mayor Bissen said recovery involves restoring community connections, not just rebuilding homes and businesses
- Organizer Daryl Fujiwara said monthly ‘Lahaina Third Saturdays’ gatherings over the past year helped gauge community readiness before expanding to the larger homecoming event (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
Sources
- Aol: Lahaina Homecoming: Weekend of Hope, Healing
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Displaced Lahaina residents to return for 3-day homecoming event
- Hawaii News Now: Lahaina Homecoming event flies more than 100 former residents back to Maui
- Maui Now: Lahaina fire survivors return for emotional homecoming on 3-year anniversary
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