Lahaina Homecoming event flies more than 100 former residents back to Maui

News admin July 17, 2026 0 Comments

Lahaina Homecoming event flies more than 100 former residents back to Maui

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – More than 100 former Lahaina residents are being flown back to Maui this weekend for the Lahaina Homecoming, a three-day celebration focused on healing, reconnection and hope for the future.

Some families arrived Thursday morning at the Kahului Airport, where community members gathered to welcome them as they deplaned from Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines flights.

Chaunsey Chen was born and raised in Lahaina but now lives in Oregon with her family.

Her family home burned down in the 2023 disaster, and she is among the 103 former residents being flown in for the event.

“Overwhelmed,” Chen said. “Definitely felt some emotions coming off the plane.”

Chen’s first stop with her husband and children was her parents’ newly built home on Flemming Road in Wahikuli. She said her family plans to hold a house blessing Friday.

‘Nothing compares to Lahaina’

The Tuipelehake family said they have been looking forward to the event.

“We’ve lived a lot of places. We’ve traveled all over the world, but nothing compares to Lahaina, and it’s very special for us to come back home,” said Angela Tuipelehake, a former Lahaina resident.

Her mother Theresa Tuipelehake was grateful for the welcome at the airport.

“I’m so excited to be here and just landing was awesome to see everything again and seeing all these people waiting for it was really a good surprise,” she said.

Angela’s sister Toni Tuipelehake said the first thing they are going to do is support local businesses.

“We’ve got plans to eat and plans to just kind of hit up all of our favorite shops, get some Maui merch, spend our dollars with local businesses. We’re excited to be here,” she said.

Event runs Friday through Sunday

Lahaina Homecoming is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Event coordinator Daryl Fujiwara said the celebration is open to everyone.

“If you are from Lahaina, worked in Lahaina, lived in Lahaina, or love Lahaina, this event is for you,” Fujiwara said.

The event is funded by the County of Maui, Hawaiian Council, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines, other local organizations and numerous private donors.