Blessing marks start of first commercial rebuild on Lahaina’s Front Street

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A blessing ceremony marked the start of construction on the first commercial rebuild along Lahaina’s Front Street since the 2023 wildfire.

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Project partners and contractors gathered at 612 Front Street for a blessing led by Kahu Wilmont Kahaialiʻi.

“We all have memories of walking down historic Front Street, stopping into the shops or enjoying a meal with family,” said Shannon Robinson, controller at Arita Poulson General Contracting. “Skilled Maui craftsmen with deep personal connections to this place will lead our work to honor the past and rebuild for the future.”

Arita Poulson General Contracting will lead the reconstruction, which is expected to take about six months. Tenant build-out will follow, with an opening targeted for summer 2027.

The project will bring back familiar storefronts while closely matching the appearance and original footprints of the buildings lost in the fire.

Plans include a 4,400-square-foot commercial building with four street-level bays and a separate 310-square-foot kiosk.

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The new structures will use fire-resistant materials, including metal roofing and cement board siding instead of wood, while preserving the property’s familiar look.

Pacific Whale Foundation, which has been based in Lahaina since 2004, will return as the anchor tenant.

“Returning to Lahaina means renewing those relationships and the next step of being part of this community’s future,” said Dayna Garland, executive director of Pacific Whale Foundation.

To mark the start of construction, Arita Poulson is also donating $5,000 to Treecovery to support reforestation efforts in Lahaina.

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