Costliest repairs to Lahaina Harbor still ahead as dredging gets underway

DLNR began a $5 million dredging project this week at Lahaina Harbor, the first since work was halted by the 60-year gap. Officials say clearing debris and deepening channels will permit safer navigation and resume full harbor operations, with completion scheduled for December. Even as progress continues, the harbor remains part of a broader recovery from the August 2023 wildfire, with limited hours and access in recent months. Eight companies are now permitted to access the harbor, including six from Lahaina and two from Mā'alaea, reflecting a staged reopening.

Past repairs already completed include the $321,500 demolition of the harbor office and ferry pier and a $505,000 restroom fix; more costly projects loom, including an $8 million front-row piers and dinghy dock project and a $3.5 million harbor office and ferry pier rebuild, with dates ranging from October to September 2027, and December to 2027 for the latter. Full recovery is not expected until the end of 2027, underscoring the scale of Lahaina’s harbor reconstruction.