A rendering shows the future home of Kimo's Restaurant in the restored Chan Wa Building on Front Street in Lahaina. Courtesy photo

A restaurant that was established on Maui nearly 50 years ago and grew into a chain of 13 establishments across Hawaii and California is returning to Lahaina.

Kimo’s restaurant, part of T S Restaurants, has signed a letter of intent to develop a restaurant on Front Street, marking a significant milestone toward revitalizing the town’s historic district and T S Restaurants’ commitment to return to Lahaina nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire destroyed the popular dining establishment.

While the company continues to explore possibilities for the original Kimo’s site as redevelopment plans for the makai side of Front Street progress, T S Restaurants is moving forward with a new location at 730 Front St. to ensure Kimo’s returns to the community as quickly as possible.

T S Restaurants is partnering with longtime Hawaii business leaders Kent Untermann and Mousa Hassan, who are restoring the Chan Wa Building, the future home of Kimo’s.

“We knew bringing Kimo’s back would require not only the right location but also the right partners,” T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed said. “Kent and Mousa are longtime Hawaii business leaders, trusted friends and people who care deeply about Lahaina. They were among the first to reach out after the fires asking how they could help. This partnership is built on trust, shared values and a common commitment to Lahaina’s future.”

The announcement marks a homecoming for the restaurant where the T S Restaurants story began. Founded in 1977 by Rob Thibaut and Sandy Saxten, Kimo’s was the first T S Restaurant, opening at 845 Front St. on a waterfront parcel in Old Lahaina Town.

Untermann said he and Hassan are honored that T S Restaurants chose to partner with them on the project.

“We’re committed to helping bring back a place that contributes to the energy, vitality and long-term future of Front Street, ” Untermann said. “Kimo’s is part of Lahaina’s identity and a place that generations of residents and visitors have visited.”

Hassan agreed.

“I hope it becomes another step toward restoring the heart of Lahaina,” Hassan said. “Kimo’s is part of Lahaina’s identity and a place that generations of residents and visitors have visited.”

TS Restaurants is a family-owned company known for its restaurants on spectacular waterfront sites in Hawaii and California.

California locations include Jake’s Del Mar, Duke’s La Jolla, Duke’s Huntington Beach, Duke’s Malibu and Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge in Lake Tahoe.

The Hawaii locations include Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki on Oahu; Kimo’s, Leilani’s on the Beach, Hula Grill Kaanapali and Duke’s Beach House on Maui; and Duke’s Kauai and Keoki’s Paradise on Kauai.

Duke’s Kona on Hawai’i Island will open in late 2026, and Duke’s at The Cove in West Oahu will open in 2028.

For more information, visit tsrestaurants.com.