Hawaiian Council opens vendor applications for ʻUlu O Lele Marketplace in Lahaina

Hawaiian Council announced today that the website and vendor application portal are now live for ʻUlu o Lele, the interim marketplace and community gathering space being developed at the former Outlets of Maui site in Lahaina. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

“Nothing can replace what Lahaina lost but recovery must create real opportunities for families and businesses to move forward,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of Hawaiian Council. “This project is about bringing jobs back, helping local businesses serve their community again and restoring a place for people to gather while the long work of rebuilding continues. With applications now open, we are one important step closer.” 

Businesses, nonprofits, cultural practitioners, farmers, food vendors and other prospective participants may review application information and submit an application at www.uluolele.com. Priority will be given to businesses directly impacted by the Aug. 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, or those with a connection to Lahaina. This may include businesses whose storefronts or commercial spaces were damaged or destroyed, as well as business owners whose homes were damaged or lost in the wildfires.

At the same time, all Maui-based businesses are encouraged to apply. The goal is to select the right mix of businesses to serve the community, support Lahaina’s recovery, and help make ʻUlu o Lele a place people want to return.

The application period follows the Vendor Interest Form launched in July to better understand community interest, business readiness, operational needs and the types of vendors seeking to participate. Information gathered through that process, together with guidance from the ʻUlu o Lele Advisory Committee, helped inform the application and vendor selection process.

“It is important that ʻUlu o Lele reflects the people, businesses and culture of Lahaina,” said Mikey Burke, chair of the ʻUlu o Lele Advisory Committee.“The interest form drew responses from 93 businesses and helped us better understand who wants to participate and what they may need. Now, we are inviting prospective vendors to take the next step and apply so we can build a marketplace that supports local businesses and feels true to this community.”

The marketplace will span approximately 3 acres and is expected to accommodate 25 to 50 local vendors and help sustain an estimated 90 jobs during the interim recovery period. Modular retail spaces and supporting infrastructure will provide an interim home for businesses and organizations as Lahaina’s long-term rebuilding continues.

In addition to retail vendors, ʻUlu o Lele is envisioned as a gathering place featuring cultural demonstrations, farmers markets, nonprofit and community pop-ups, local food vendors, music, entertainment and family-friendly activities for residents and visitors.

Vendor applications are now available at www.uluolele.com and must be submitted by Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

For more information or to apply, visit www.uluolele.com.