Originally Posted by
mfirst
I have been telling friends, who are not familiar with the island, that Lahaina is the Pacific's version of Key West.... rebuilding that (up to code.. which probably needs to be written) and culture is not going to be easy
Apples and Oranges my friend. I know them both very well, Lahaina never came close to KW in regard to cuisine, party environment and alternative lifestyles. Even in its hayday, Halloween in Lahaina could not compare to Key West (Fantasy Fest) or even West Hollywood (Los Angeles) - same for New Years Eve, other festivals.
Maui residents do not want that kind of activity or reputation on their island, same can be said for the entire State of Hawaii, happy to leave that honor Florida.