Kimo’s Restaurant Announces Plans to Return to Lahaina

Approaching three years since the devastating wildfires destroyed many beloved restaurants and businesses in West Maui, Kimo’s Restaurant announced plans to return and rebuild in Lahaina.

T S Restaurants, the parent company, signed a letter of intent to develop a new Kimo’s Restaurant on Front Street. It marks a major milestone in the company’s commitment to return to Lahaina and contribute to the town’s revitalization.

The company is exploring opportunities to rebuild at Kimo’s original site. However, it is moving forward with a new Front Street location to ensure Kimo’s returns to the community as quickly as possible. T S Restaurants is partnering with longtime Hawaiʻi business leaders Kent Untermann and Mousa Hassan, who are restoring the Chan Wa Building, the future home of Kimo’s.

“We knew bringing Kimo’s back would require not only the right location but also the right partners,” T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed said in a news release. “Kent and Mousa are longtime Hawaiʻi business leaders, trusted friends and people who care deeply about Lahaina. They were among the first to reach out after the firest asking how they could help. This partnership is built on trust, shared values and a common commitment to Lahaina’s future.”

This announcement marks a homecoming for T S Restaurants. Founded in 1977, Kimo’s was the restaurant group’s first venture.  It opened at  845 Front Street on the last available waterfront parcel in Lahaina, laying the foundation for what would become T S Restaurants.

Today, the family-owned company owns and operates 13 restaurants in Hawaiʻi and California. In the Islands, many know the business’s iconic restaurants including Duke’s, Hula Grill, Leilani’s and Keoki’s Paradise.

“We’re honored that T S Restaurants chose to partner with us on this project, and we’re committed to helping bring back a place that contributes to the energy, vitality and long-term future of Front Street,” Kent Untermann said. “Kimo’s is part of Lahaina’s identity and a place that generations of residents and visitors have visited.”

For nearly 50 years, Kimo’s welcomed generations residents and visitors, becoming a pillar of Lahaina. Known for its warm hospitality, fresh local cuisine and the Original Hula Pie, the restaurant became a place where families and friends gathered to celebrate milestones.

Rather than recreate the original business, T S Restaurant said the new Kimo’s will honor its legacy while embracing a new chapter. Guests can still expect the same welcoming atmosphere, familiar menu and signature hospitality that made Kimo’s an institution in Lahaina.

T S Restaurants said details about the restaurant’s design, construction timeline and opening plans will be announced as they become available.