Our Story
On August 8, 2023, a devastating wildfire swept through Lahaina, destroying much of our historic town, including the sanctuary of Lahaina United Methodist Church. For generations, our church has been a place of worship, service, and community gathering. Although the fire consumed our church building and several structures on our property, it did not extinguish our faith, our hope, our congregation, or our mission.
For two and a half years after the fire, we worshipped at Lāhuiokalani Kaʻanapali United Church of Christ in Honokōwai. Their generous hospitality allowed our community of faith to remain united during this time of profound loss.
On March 1, 2026, we returned to worship on our own property in Lahaina for the first time since the fire. Today, we gather in a newly created Garden Sanctuary Pavilion, an outdoor worship space located on the back portion of our church property. This space serves as our temporary sanctuary while we rebuild the historic church.
Church and Preschool Rebuild
With the support of FEMA and many generous partners like you, we expect construction of the new sanctuary to take approximately two years.
While we rebuild the sanctuary, we are transforming the rest of our property into a center for ministry, community gathering, and disaster recovery.
Our Property and Vision
Lahaina United Methodist Church owns 3.2 acres in Lahaina Town.
This property gives us the opportunity not only to rebuild our sanctuary but also to serve our community in new ways during the long recovery ahead.
Our vision includes:
Rebuilding our historic church sanctuary
Rebuilding our preschool.
Developing our Garden Sanctuary as a permanent outdoor worship and gathering space
Creating volunteer housing and a kitchen to support rebuilding efforts
Expanding children’s and youth ministries
Restoring our homeless outreach ministry
Providing space for disaster recovery organizations
Developing affordable senior housing and a community center in the future
Our campus will become a place where worship, service, and community recovery come together.
Current Ministry
Even during the rebuilding process, our ministries continue to thrive.
Worship in New Garden Sanctuary
We now hold weekly worship services in the Garden Sanctuary. This outdoor space allows us to gather again in Lahaina while construction moves forward on the sanctuary.
Bible Studies
Our church is currently conducting a year-long study of the Bible. We are hosting a weekly hybrid study, available both in person and via Zoom, every Wednesday at 10 AM. This takes place at the Royal Kahana condominium complex, which is home to some of our members who are unable to attend Sunday services.
This month, we have returned to our church campus. Now that we have a place to meet, we plan to start Sunday school as well as weekly evening studies in our church office.
Children’s Ministry
Our Friday children’s program currently serves about twenty children, including both church families and children from the surrounding community.
The program is led by Vanessa Malamala and Promise Olivetti and has grown steadily with support from a grant from the Foundation for Evangelism.
Community Outreach
Before the fire, our church hosted a weekly Friday brunch and Bible study for individuals experiencing homelessness. Guests could also access showers and a mobile laundry trailer.
We plan to restore and expand this ministry as our facilities are rebuilt.
Volunteer Rebuilding Efforts
We are partnering with UMCOR and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission to bring skilled volunteers to Lahaina to help residents rebuild homes.
To support these efforts, we plan to build a volunteer dormitory and kitchen on our property.
How Your Gift Helps:
Developing the Garden Sanctuary Campus
While the sanctuary is being rebuilt, the Garden Sanctuary area is becoming the center of our ministry.
Several improvements are needed to make the space accessible, welcoming, and functional.
Improvements to our Worship Space
Awning around the Garden Sanctuary
Initial signage and painting projects
Church banners
Accessible restroom improvements
Repair and renovate the surviving preschool ministry for children and your ministry.
Covered patio for outdoor gathering space.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
• Bring power to the garden sanctuary and the surviving preschool building. (We are looking into solar)
• Accessible restroom facilities
• Pathways and clear accessibility signage
Comfort and Safety
• Shade structures and awnings
• Improved lighting for evening events
• Outdoor gathering spaces for children and youth
Campus Improvements
• Clear signage directing visitors to the sanctuary
• Painting the parsonage, duplex, and surviving preschool building
• Aesthetic improvements to create a cohesive and welcoming campus
These improvements will ensure that the Garden Sanctuary can serve the congregation and the wider community throughout the rebuilding process.
Improvements as we rebuild our church and preschool
As we work on rebuilding, we want to focus on the following improvements:
Reconstruct the church to preserve much of the beauty of the original building while ensuring comfort for current visitors.
Make the church accessible and welcoming to all attendees by installing an elevator, accessible bathrooms, parking, clear signage, visual aids, and hearing assistance devices.
Replace some of the beautiful stained glass windows that were lost in the fire.
Volunteer Dormitory and Kitchen
One of the most important projects for the next phase of rebuilding is the creation of a volunteer dormitory and kitchen.
This facility will support:
Volunteer teams of up to 24 volunteers to help residents rebuild homes and the community.
Volunteer resources for the Maui Long Term Recovery Group.
Outreach ministries in the local community
Community gatherings and meals
Accessible bathrooms and showers for use by our volunteer and houseless ministries.
The estimated cost for this project is approximately $300,000 - $600,000.
A significant portion of this funding will come from UMCOR
The Housing Crisis in Lahaina
The wildfire created an unprecedented housing crisis in West Maui.
Many residents lost homes that housed multiple generations of families, and rebuilding costs remain extremely high.
FEMA is currently providing temporary housing for hundreds of families, but these arrangements will eventually end.
Some families have the resources to rebuild. Many do not.
Our church hopes to be part of the long-term solution by supporting rebuilding efforts now and exploring affordable senior housing and community support services in the future.
A Sign of Hope
The Garden Sanctuary is more than a temporary worship space.
It is a visible sign that Lahaina is rebuilding.
With the help of partners and supporters, Lahaina United Methodist Church will continue to serve as a place where:
neighbors gather
children grow in faith
Kupuna have an affordable place to live and a community that supports them
volunteers serve
and a wounded community finds hope.
Your partnership helps Lahaina United Methodist Church remain a place of worship, service, and hope during this long recovery.
Together, we can ensure that this sacred space continues to serve Lahaina for generations to come.
We are deeply greatful for the support you have given our church over these past two and a half years. We would not be here today without you. If you would like to continue to support us as we prepare this hopeful, beautiful campus to serve our neighbors, plese click the button below.
May God richly bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John