Supporting Lahaina's Economy

Open Businesses in West Maui

Written by a Maui Local

Supporting Lahaina's Economy: Open Businesses in West Maui

The most direct and impactful way you can contribute to Maui's recovery is by supporting our local economy. Every dollar you spend at a local shop, restaurant, or activity provider goes directly to a Maui family, helping them rebuild their lives and our community. This section is your resource for being an active participant in that recovery.

We celebrate the resilience of businesses like Māla Ocean Tavern, which was the very first restaurant to reopen on Front Street, becoming a beacon of hope for the entire town. We celebrate those like Captain Jack's Island Grill, which lost its original location but has found a new home and is serving the community once again. By patronizing these and other local establishments, you become part of their story of renewal.

Restaurants and Dining

West Maui's restaurant scene has shown remarkable resilience. These establishments are not just serving food. They are serving hope, normalcy, and a taste of the aloha that defines our islands.

🍽️ Māla Ocean Tavern

Location: Front Street

The first restaurant to reopen on historic Front Street. Serves fresh, ocean-inspired cuisine with a commitment to local ingredients. When you dine here, you are directly supporting one of the businesses that led the way forward.

🍜 Star Noodle

Location: Front Street

Famed for fresh, hand-pulled noodles and Asian-inspired share plates in an oceanfront setting. Their pork belly buns and garlic noodles are not to be missed.

🐢 Honu Oceanside

Location: Front Street

Fine-dining with a tide-to-table menu and fresh local seafood. The chefs work with local fishermen to source the catch of the day, creating dishes that celebrate the bounty of our waters.

🌺 Aloha Mixed Plate

Location: Front Street

A beloved local institution serving authentic island flavors plate lunch style. Kalua pork, loco moco, and haupia served with generous portions of aloha. This is the food that fuels every great day on the island.

🍕 Sale Pepe

Location: Front Street

Authentic Italian cuisine with handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. A different flavor profile but the same commitment to quality and community.

⚓ Captain Jack's Island Grill

Location: The Sands of Kahana Resort

Lost its Front Street location but reopened with ocean views and the same classic menu. This determination is what Lahaina Strong means.

🥧 Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop

Location: Olowalu

Homestyle comfort food and famous pies. The banana cream pie has a following that borders on religious devotion. Every slice purchased helps a Maui family.

🍹 Monkeypod Kitchen

Location: Whalers Village, Kāʻanapali

Craft cocktails, live music, and locally sourced ingredients. The mai tais are legendary, and twice-weekly live music creates an authentically Hawaiian atmosphere.

Shopping and Galleries

Supporting local shops and artisans is another powerful way to contribute to the recovery while bringing home meaningful mementos of your trip.

🛍️ Whalers Village

Location: Kāʻanapali Beach

Open-air shopping center with local boutiques like SoHa Living alongside global brands. The locally owned shops make the biggest impact on our economy.

❄️ Lahaina Cannery

Location: Lahaina

Maui's only fully enclosed, air-conditioned mall with local shops and indoor food truck court. Comfortable shopping that supports multiple local businesses.

🎨 Lahaina Gateway

Location: West Maui

West Maui's largest open-air shopping center hosting the weekly Maui Gift and Craft Fair with handmade items directly from local artisans.

🌳 Martin and MacArthur

Location: Whalers Village

Fine furniture and crafts made from Hawaiian Koa wood by local artisans. Heirloom-quality pieces that carry the spirit of the islands.

When you shop at these locations, you are doing more than acquiring souvenirs. You are putting food on the table for Maui families. You are helping to pay rent for local business owners. You are keeping our economy alive during a time when we need it most.

Lūʻau and Activities

Experiencing Hawaiian culture through a lūʻau or activity is both enriching for you and supportive of our community.

🌺 Old Lahaina Lūʻau

Location: Front Street

An iconic and authentic Hawaiian lūʻau experience that has reopened. Widely considered one of the most authentic in the state, focusing on traditional Hawaiian food, music, and dance.

👑 Royal Lahaina Lūʻau

Location: Kāʻanapali

Classic oceanfront lūʻau celebrating Polynesian stories. The oceanfront setting with sunset behind Lānaʻi creates a magical backdrop.

🚙 Maui Offroad Adventures

Location: Nāpili

Thrilling off-road tours on a course unaffected by the fires. Pure adrenaline in a controlled, safe environment with modified off-road vehicles.

🔐 Maui Escape Rooms

Location: Whalers Village

Indoor activity perfect for families and groups. Great for rainy days or breaks from the sun with locally inspired themes.

Each of these activities provides employment to Maui residents, from lūʻau performers to off-road tour guides to escape room staff. Your participation matters.