Ask the Mayor: What Are the Open Container Laws on Maui?

Oneloa or Big Beach in Mākena, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor Arakawa:

Q: Just wondering about the open container laws on Maui and how they work? Is there a specific area like Las Vegas, Neveda, (The Strip) or like New Orleans, Louisiana, (Bourbon Street) or few other states on the Mainland that let adults enjoy an adult beverage out in an area designated for public consumption of alcohol? 

I have traveled a lot and Maui seems to not want to have a policy like that. Could you please advise me on this matter?

A: There are no areas like that here in Maui County and I have never heard anyone from the community wanting to designate an area like that here. There are some events that obtain special licenses for outdoor consumption of alcohol, such as the beer garden at the Friday Town Party in Wailuku or the Taste of Kapalua. The boundaries set for those events are clearly defined and liquor may not be removed from that area.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.