Uncle Wilmont Kahaialii leads a blessing during the grand opening celebration for West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply’s new flagship store at Lahaina Cannery on Saturday. The opening marked the business’s return to Lahaina nearly three years after its previous location was destroyed in the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire. Photo courtesy West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply

West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply officially celebrated the grand opening of its new flagship store at the Lahaina Cannery on Saturday, welcoming hundreds of friends, family members, customers and community supporters in a heartfelt homecoming.

Located at Lahaina Cannery, 1191 Honoapiilani Highway, Suite 101, the new flagship store marks the business’s return to Lahaina nearly three years after its previous location was destroyed in the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire.

The grand opening began with a morning cast at Mala Wharf, where longtime customers, local fishermen and community members gathered to fish and talk story before making their way to the new storefront.

Uncle Wilmont Kahaialii led a blessing surrounded by the store’s supporters. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed live performances by Noa Peppa, Lahaina Grown and special guest John Cruz, along with giveaways, family activities and opportunities to reconnect with friends and neighbors.

Uncle Wilmont Kahaialii leads a blessing during the grand opening celebration for West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply’s new flagship store at Lahaina Cannery on Saturday. The opening marked the business’s return to Lahaina nearly three years after its previous location was destroyed in the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire. Courtesy photo

The grand opening marked the culmination of nearly three years of hard work for co-owners Katie and Lopaka Wilson, who purchased West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply just 18 months before the fire.

​​After the fire took the building, the couple continued serving customers through their Kaʻanapali Shores store and pop-up events to keep the business active and their team employed. In recognition of those efforts, they were honored with the 2024 Mayor’s Small Business Award for Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or Fewer Employees).

“We are overwhelmed by the love and support our community showed us this weekend,” Lopaka said. “Looking out and seeing so many familiar faces celebrating with us reminded us why we never gave up on coming back to Lahaina. Mahalo to everyone who stood by us, encouraged us, and helped make this day possible. Opening our doors in Lahaina again is something we’ll never forget, and we’re excited to welcome everyone into our new home.”

The Wilsons gather outside West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply’s new flagship store at Lahaina Cannery during Saturday’s grand opening celebration. Courtesy photo

For Katie, seeing the community together again on Saturday was a special moment.

“Every hug, every story, every smile reminded us why we wanted to come back to Lahaina,” Katie said. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, to Uncle Wilmont for such a beautiful blessing, to Noa Peppa, Lahaina Grown, and John Cruz for sharing their incredible talents, and to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. Mahalo for welcoming us home.”

West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply co-owner Lopaka Wilson receives a hug during Saturday’s grand opening celebration at Lahaina Cannery. Courtesy photo

The Wilson family also extended their appreciation to the many volunteers, local businesses, community partners, and friends who contributed their time, talents, and encouragement in helping prepare the new store for opening day.

West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Lahaina Cannery. The business will also continue operating its Kaʻanapali Shores location from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily .

“We’re excited for what comes next,” Lopaka added. “Reopening our doors in Lahaina is just the beginning. We look forward to serving our community, helping families make memories on the water, and welcoming everyone into our new home for many years to come.”

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

West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply co-owner Katie Wilson helps during Saturday’s grand opening celebration at the business’s new flagship store at Lahaina Cannery. Photo courtesy West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply