West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply will host a morning cast at Mala Wharf on June 27 as part of its grand reopening celebration in Lahaina. Photo courtesy West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply

The West Maui Sports crew will cast lines into the water at Mala Wharf at 8 a.m. June 27 to kick off a day of celebration.

The public is invited to join the morning cast by bringing a fishing pole, talking story with local fishermen and helping celebrate the store’s return to Lahaina, as West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply hosts a daylong grand reopening celebration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a blessing planned for 10 a.m.

For owners Lopaka and Katie Wilson, the upcoming event represents more than the opening of a new store.

The Wilsons purchased West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply in 2022, 18 months before the August 2023 fire destroyed their Front Street location and displaced the business.

“West Maui Sports has always been more than a store,” Katie said. “It’s where friendships are made, fishing stories are shared, and visitors get a chance to connect with the ocean through the eyes of local people. Being able to reopen in Lahaina and welcome everyone back is something we’ve dreamed about since the day we lost our store. This grand opening belongs to the entire community.”

Katie and Lopaka Wilson, the owners of West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply, will celebrate the grand reopening of the business’ new location in the Lahaina Cannery on June 27. Photo courtesy West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply

Following the fire, the Wilsons worked to keep the business operating and their team employed, hosting pop-up shops throughout Hawaii and establishing a location at Kaanapali Shores while working toward a permanent return to Lahaina.

In recognition of those efforts, Katie and Lopaka were honored with the mayor’s Small Business Award for Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees) in 2024.

“Opening the doors again in Lahaina means everything to our family,” Lopaka said. “There were many moments over the last three years when we didn’t know what the future would look like. This store represents perseverance and the incredible support we’ve received from our community.”

For more than three decades, West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply has offered fishing tackle, marine supplies, ocean gear, sporting goods and local knowledge to generations of residents and visitors.

The new flagship location at Lahaina Cannery is intended to continue that legacy while creating a new home for the business.

The grand opening will feature prizes, music, store specials and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“We’ve always believed that West Maui Sports is about bringing people together through the ocean, fishing and the outdoors,” Lopaka said. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back, share stories and celebrate this next chapter together.”

For more information, visit westmauisports.com or call (808) 661-MALA.

West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply’s grand reopening on June 27 will feature prizes, music, store specials and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Photo courtesy West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply