At the three-way intersection of Ala Moana, Unahiole and Front streets stands a homemade sign that acts like a scarecrow for visitors thinking about adding the leveled neighborhood just ahead to their list of must-sees while exploring the historic West Maui town of Lahaina. “LOCALS STILL GRIEVING/SHOW RESPECT/NO TOURISTS” reads the bright yellow sign propped up in the middle of the junction. The reason for the sign is understandable; the last thing Lahaina’s residents and business owners need one year after the worst wildfire in modern U.
S. history are inconsiderate tourists or anything disrupting the huge recovery effort underway since 102 people died and 6,200 families were upended on Aug. 8, 2023.
But for an economy that is 40% driven by tourism and where three of four private sector jobs are in hospitality, acceptance of visitors sharing publicly accessible areas with debris removers, construction crews and many others is vital to the comeback of a region plagued with two disasters within a four-year period. Helping give West Maui its grit are the combined essence of “Lahaina Strong,” a phrase that arose from the ashes, and the unceasing “aloha spirit” for which all of Hawaii is known. “Communities and neighbors coming together to cry, hug and support each other emotionally, visitors joining in the efforts, contributing their help and expressing their love for the people and places here — these acts of kindness and compassion have been constant reminders.