Sunday, August 4, 2024 Upon entering Mala Tavern in Maui, patrons are greeted by a sign requesting they avoid discussing last year’s wildfires with the staff. Located at the end of Lahaina’s iconic Front Street, Mala Tavern is one of the few buildings that survived the deadliest wildfire in the U.S.
in over a century. “It’s been really heavy, and it continues to be for people,” said Ashley Davis, co-owner of Mala Tavern. Facing high operating costs and with employees eager to return to work, the restaurant reopened as soon as Maui County officials allowed – in February, it became the first on Front Street to do so.
However, with the loss of Lahaina, Mala Tavern has seen a significant drop in foot traffic, and business has yet to recover. Over the past six years, the restaurant has faced multiple closures, including during the pandemic. “We want to survive,” Davis said.
Mala Tavern’s experience reflects that of many other Maui businesses as the island continues to navigate the uncertain recovery from the devastating August 8 fires. These fires ravaged historic Lahaina, resulting in over 100 deaths and the destruction of homes, businesses, and cultural sites. Over the past year, the Maui community has tried to balance the economic need for tourism with the emotional healing of what was lost.
The island, especially Lahaina, is a tight-knit community, and many returning to work were directly affected by the fires or knew someone who was. The healing process has .