Old Lahaina Luau returns after surviving Maui wildfires [Video]

MAUI, Hawaii — Seven months after wildfires destroyed much of Lahaina, a cherished local business is getting back on its feet. Old Lahaina Luau, which has served and entertained over 4 million guests since 1986, has reopened.

Old Lahaina Luau is located on Front Street, the town’s famous seaside roadway that suffered extensive damage from fires on August 8, 2023. Most of the businesses on Front Street were destroyed, and despite being surrounded by flames, Old Lahaina Luau suffered only smoke damage.

“We’re so lucky that this place has survived the fire,” says Paula Gamboa Martinez, the luau’s emcee.

Even though Old Lahaina Luau’s location survived, the company could not even access the grounds for nearly three months due to National Guard blockades. When the company was finally allowed back on their property, all of the necessary utilities–water, electricity, sewage–remained offline.

“When every one of those things came online, it was a reason …