Welcome to ʻUlu o Lele
Supporting Lahaina’s local businesses
A marketplace for Lahaina
ʻUlu o Lele is being created to support Lahaina’s continued recovery by bringing local businesses, entrepreneurs, artisans, and community services back into the heart of Lahaina.
A place to shop, eat, gather, and connect—supporting local jobs and businesses while reflecting the people, culture, and character of Lahaina.
Available spaces
ʻUlu o Lele will have a limited number of spaces, including:
144-square-foot storefronts
240-square-foot storefronts
Space for up to eight food trucks
Estimated monthly rent: Up to $1,500, depending on the space and business type.
Lease terms: Flexible lease terms will be available and negotiated with selected businesses, based on their needs and the needs of the marketplace.
Who should apply
All Maui-based businesses are encouraged to apply.
Priority will be given to businesses directly impacted by the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires and/or those with a connection to Lahaina. This includes businesses that lost or had damage to a storefront or commercial space, as well as business owners whose homes were damaged or lost.
Tell us about your business, your story, your connection to Lahaina, and what you hope to bring to ʻUlu o Lele.
Allow approximately 30 minutes to complete the application.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a diverse mix of businesses to serve the community and help bring ʻUlu o Lele to life.
Retail: Apparel, gifts, books, lifestyle products, lei, and more.
Local artisans and makers.
Food storefronts: Grab-and-go food, bakeries, coffee, specialty foods, and similar concepts.
Community services and everyday needs.
Hawaiian culture and education.
Health and wellness.
Flexible or incubator space: Emerging businesses and new concepts.
How selection works
We expect the selection process to be competitive. Not every applicant will be selected, and we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s preferred space.
Use your application to share what makes your business special and how it could contribute to the marketplace and community.
Vendor applications are now closed.
Proposed timeline
September 14: Applications open.
September 27: Applications close.
Week of September 28: Advisory Committee reviews applications.
Weeks of October 5 and 12: Follow up with applicants as needed and begin selections.
By October 12: Storefronts are expected to arrive on Maui; walkthroughs with selected businesses begin.
Mid-to-late October: Begin leases and preparations for opening.
November: Target opening of ʻUlu o Lele.
This is the current target timeline and may shift depending on construction, site readiness, permitting, and other factors.
Be part of ʻUlu o Lele
We look forward to learning more about you, your business, and how you hope to be part of a marketplace that supports local businesses and creates opportunity in Lahaina.
Have questions?
Stop by the Lahaina Recovery Center at the Lahaina Gateway or Kākoʻo Maui Resource Center at Maui Mall Marketplace.
Email us at kakoomaui@hawaiiancouncil.org
Mahalo to our supporters
