With any meaningful level of tourism delayed until September at the earliest, what can be done to draw locals to Lahaina and improve business?

Under the leadership of Lahaina Restoration Foundation, a group of businesses is creating ways to promote historic Lahaina Town.

First on the list was a banner at both ends of the commercial district saying: “Historic Lahaina Welcomes You Back!” The foundation received special permission from the county to leave these banners up for two months.

The second project was to create a digital list of all open businesses in Lahaina. The list is now online at lahainarestoration.org/whats-open/.

For this project, Lahaina is defined as the area from the ocean to Wainee Street, and from Shaw to Kapunakea streets.

The listing is free and includes the business name, address, phone, hours and link to webpage or Facebook. Shopping centers are listed with a link to their business directories.

On the upper right side of the page is a link to update information or add a business that is open. “Brick and mortar” businesses within this geographic area are encouraged to submit their information.

“The COVID-19 restrictions are ever-changing, which calls for creative and fluid planning while promoting the historic town of Lahaina,” said Theo Morrison, LRF executive director.

“A vibrant commercial sector supports the culture and history that LRF protects, and we are here to help the businesses through this crisis.”

Have any ideas to help promote Lahaina or its merchants? Contact Lahaina Restoration Foundation at 661-3262.