The Lahaina Rebuild: Progress and Real Estate in 2026
Three years after the August 8, 2023 wildfire, Lahaina is rebuilding home by home. For families returning, owners deciding whether to rebuild or sell, and buyers considering a lot in Lahaina, here is where the recovery stands and what affects buying and selling property in the burn area. We share this with deep respect for the Lahaina community and the lives and homes that were lost.
Where things stand (County of Maui, August 2026)
- Nearly 600 homes have been rebuilt and occupied, and about 400 more are under construction.
- Permits are issued or in process for roughly 1,260 additional housing units.
- About 82% of the 2,746 housing units lost are on a path to rebuild.
- Debris removal was completed on residential lots in 2024 and on commercial lots in early 2025.
- Front Street reopened to vehicles on August 1, 2026, and Lahaina Small Boat Harbor reopened to limited commercial use in December 2025.
Permitting a Rebuild
- Faster county permits: County legislation adopted in 2024 streamlined fire rebuilds, including allowing some homes to be rebuilt beyond the original footprint and adding ohana units for survivors. Third-party plan review has helped move permits through.
- Special Management Area relief: a February 2025 emergency proclamation exempted rebuilds mauka of Front Street within the pre-fire footprint from SMA permitting, and Act 304 (2025) addressed SMA permits for in-footprint rebuilding. Shoreline properties face stricter review.
- Historic district: parts of Lahaina remain in a historic district with design and height limits, including a 30-foot height cap in the National Historic Landmark District.
- Shoreline lots: Maui's shoreline setback rules apply. See our flood zone, sea level rise and setback guide.
Recovery Programs
- Hookumu Hou: a federally funded program offering up to $1.2 million to rebuild a primary home lost in the fire for eligible households at or below 140% of area median income. Applications closed August 31, 2026.
- Front Street shoreline buyouts: the county has offered voluntary buyouts to a group of makai Front Street owners and is seeking federal funding for them.
- Housing and land trust efforts: state and county agencies and the Lahaina Community Land Trust are acquiring land for affordable and community housing.
- Interim housing: FEMA direct housing has been extended to February 2027.
Buying a Lot or Home in Lahaina
Most sales since the fire have been vacant lots, many of them off-market. Before you buy, confirm:
- Debris removal and soil clearance status for the parcel, and any liens or program agreements tied to it.
- Utilities: water, sewer and electrical service availability and any connection costs.
- Zoning, historic district rules, setbacks and whether an ohana unit is allowed.
- Whether existing permits or plans transfer with the property.
- Realistic construction costs and timelines, plus current insurance availability for new construction.
Selling Lahaina Property
Owners who choose not to rebuild have several paths: selling the lot as is, selling with plans or permits in place, or working with community land trust or public acquisition programs where eligible. In 2023 the Governor's emergency proclamation restricted unsolicited offers to buy Lahaina property; if you receive one, you are not obligated to respond, and it is wise to get local guidance before signing anything. We are glad to provide an honest valuation and explain your options with no pressure.
Questions About Lahaina Property?
We will give you straightforward information on values, rebuilding and your options.
Call or text (808) 217-8832 or send us a message.
Related: Lahaina real estate for sale | Maui wildfire donation resources | Free home valuation | Buyer resources | Seller resources
Updated October 2026. Sources: County of Maui rebuild milestone release (August 7, 2026) and Maui Recovers, Maui Now, Hawaii News Now, Civil Beat, Hawaii Public Radio. Figures change frequently; check mauirecovers.org for the latest.