More than three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, Front Street’s commercial district remains vacant with no businesses returned. County focus on housing has delayed commercial recovery, though officials say business rebuilding is now a growing priority.
- Not a single business has returned to Front Street, once home to over 800 establishments generating $70M+ per month.
- Around 600 homes have been built or permitted in the burn zone, as housing was the county’s primary early focus.
- Business owners cite a county plan discouraging oceanside reconstruction, plus rising costs and permit delays, as key obstacles.
- The restaurant industry was hit especially hard, with 22 major Lahaina restaurants lost representing 60% of some operators’ revenue.
- Some business owners report improved county engagement in the past six months, with a few well-known tenants like Kimo’s planning to return.
Source: Hawaiibusiness
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