Rebuilding Hope in Lahaina

I recently got back from a family vacation to Maui—a place that holds a special place in our hearts. Whenever we visit Maui, we stay near Lahaina. It’s more than just a destination for us—it’s the place. We measure the amount of poke we eat by the pound, we watch every sunset in awe- every time, we photograph every rainbow as if it’s the last one we’ll see- several times a week, we hike in the amazing ‘Iao Valley- every time. The streets, the beaches, the people—it’s where so many of our favorite family memories were/are made. Returning this time, in the wake of the devastating wildfire, was emotional. Lahaina wasn’t just affected by these fires, it was almost completely destroyed. Homes were lost. Lives were uprooted. And a town that means so much to so many had been deeply wounded.

A Community Hit Hard, But Not Broken

The people of Hawaii are some of the kindest, most community-minded folks you’ll ever meet. There’s a strength in the way they take care of one another, a quiet kind of resilience that’s easy to admire. That wildfire in Lahaina shattered the lives of so many families who had built their lives there over generations. And yet, walking through the area, you can still feel that deep sense of community. It hasn’t disappeared—it’s just been bruised. But if there’s one thing Hawaiians don’t do, it’s give up.

Modular Construction Steps In

After a lot of back-and-forth, FEMA and the State of Hawaii finally came together to start the long process of rebuilding. And while many traditional homes are in the works, modular construction was also able to step in to play a major role in the recovery.

During my visit, I had the chance to see one of the areas where modular companies like Fading West, Mandeville Modular, Nanonest, and Guerdon have delivered much-needed homes. Even Wind River Built sent homes all the way from Tennesee in this effort. It was incredible to see—not just boxes dropped onto foundations, but real homes. Spaces where families could begin again, surrounded by a supportive community, with a sense of stability most of us take for granted.

Modular homes aren’t just temporary fixes—they’re real, livable homes built off-site and delivered where they’re needed most. In situations like this, where speed and quality are both critical, modular construction makes an incredible amount of sense. These homes can be deployed quickly, meet building codes, and offer families a comfortable space to call their own while they work to put their lives back together.

Temporary shelters are important in a pinch, but they’re not a long-term solution. When disaster strikes—whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or tornadoes—modular building should be a go-to resource for federal, state, and local agencies to help rebuild quickly and responsibly.

What Lahaina Teaches Us

What’s happening in Lahaina is a reminder of what our industry is capable of when it’s used the right way, at the right time. It’s about more than construction—it’s about giving people their lives back, with dignity and a roof over their heads. And hopefully, it’s a model that other disaster-prone regions can learn from.

Why You Should Still Visit Maui

Now, stepping away from modular for a second—here’s something that matters just as much: Maui needs you to visit. Tourism is a huge part of the island’s economy, and it’s taken a serious hit since the fire. The best way we can support the people of Lahaina and the surrounding communities is by showing up.

Eat at the local restaurants. Shop at the local stores. Buy gifts made by local artists. And please- tip well. Tip more than usual, if you can. So many people working in the service industry have lost everything—homes, loved ones, treasured memories. We can’t replace what they’ve lost, but we can offer something meaningful: financial support, compassion, and the kind of generosity that helps someone stand back up after being knocked down.

Maui is still the beautiful, welcoming place it’s always been. And Lahaina, even in its quiet, healing state, is a symbol of what it means to be strong together. Whether you’re in construction, disaster recovery, or just someone looking for your next vacation—you can play a part in the recovery. And you’ll be better for it, too.