West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply reopens in Lahaina nearly 3 years after fire

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply has reopened in Lahaina, nearly three years after its store at Old Lahaina Center was destroyed in the 2023 fire.

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The shop’s new location is next to Lahaina Cannery.

Owners Lopaka and Katie Wilson say their new shop represents hope for other entrepreneurs still struggling in the wake of the disaster.

‘It feels like we’re back home’

“It feels amazing. It feels like we’re back home and it’s just so nice seeing everyone and being able to interact with everyone,” Lopaka said.

Lopaka, a 10th generation Native Hawaiian born and raised in Honokohau Valley, bought his first fishing pole from the store’s original Front Street location in the 1990s.

He and his wife Katie took over the Wainee Street location 18 months before the 2023 fire destroyed it.

“It’s been a roller coaster. It’s like being on a bullet train going 90 miles an hour. But we’re finally here where we want to be and at the destination we want to be at,” said Lopaka.

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Community ties continued through the fire’s aftermath

Even after losing their store, the Wilsons continued to give back to the community through events including “Take a Kid Fishing.”

At their new location, they are continuing that effort through a Giving Tree Project.

“There’s so many faces we haven’t seen since the fire, and to see those faces and to hug people and to see them seeing their friends — this isn’t just a store. This is a meeting place. This is where we talk story. This is where we connect,” Katie said.

Katie said the reopening marks a significant moment for the business and the broader community.

“Yes, it’s a new chapter, but it feels like the end of a chapter for us. That’s really special,” she said.

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