Multiple outlets reported that Maui County announced Front Street in Lahaina will reopen to vehicular traffic on August 1, nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire destroyed much of the historic town. The reopening follows the completion of several infrastructure improvement projects and coincides with the approach of the fire’s third anniversary on August 8.
- Maui County’s Office of Recovery announced the August 1 reopening date on July 18, 2026
- Completed work includes removal of wildfire debris and offshore pilings, seawall and sidewalk repairs, new railings and tree planting on the makai side, new fencing on the mauka side, and road paving and striping
- Mayor Richard Bissen called the reopening ‘another important step in Lahaina’s healing journey’ and noted the return of commercial activity to the area
- More than a dozen businesses are moving forward as part of the reopening, including Ê»Ulu o Lele Marketplace and Kimo’s Restaurant
- T S Restaurants signed a letter of intent to develop a new Kimo’s on Front Street, partnering with Kent Untermann and Mousa Hassan to restore the historic Chan Wa Building (Spectrumlocalnews)
- Kimo’s, founded in 1977 at 845 Front Street, was the first T S Restaurant and operated for nearly five decades before the fire (Spectrumlocalnews)
- County officials had previously aimed to reopen Front Street before the August 8 fire anniversary; some construction and limited road closures are expected to continue (Alohastatedaily)
Sources
- Alohastatedaily: Lahaina’s Front Street set to reopen Aug. 1
- Spectrumlocalnews: Lahaina’s Front Street to reopen to vehicles on Aug. 1
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