When the wildfires tore through Lahaina, Hawaii, in 2023, countless local businesses vanished overnight, leaving the town’s future uncertain. Now, after nearly two years of rebuilding, one beloved restaurant is approaching its first anniversary of reopening — marking a major milestone in the community’s recovery.
Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina – destroyed and rebuilt
After being destroyed in the 2023 wildfires that devastated much of Lahaina, Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina (Italian, translating to “Salt and Pepper Pizza and Kitchen) has become a symbol of resilience for the island’s restaurant community. The beloved Italian restaurant reopened in March 2025 at a new location in Emerald Plaza, making it the first restaurant lost in the wildfires to fully rebuild and return to Lahaina town.
Owners Michele and Qiana Di Bari, who opened Sale Pepe in Lahaina in 2014, saw their original restaurant and home destroyed in the fire. Despite that loss, the couple remained determined to bring their business back to the community that had supported them for more than a decade.
“We lost so much, but Lahaina is our home,” said the Di Baris in a statement. Their new space at 157 Kupuohi Street, Suite J1, offers the same handmade pastas, artisanal pizzas, and warm, welcoming atmosphere that made Sale Pepe a favorite among locals and visitors.
Challenges along the way
Rebuilding the restaurant was not without its challenges. The couple worked through permitting hurdles and renovations, adapting a former sandwich shop space with new kitchen infrastructure to meet their needs. The reopening represents not just a business recovery, but a personal milestone for the Di Baris and the Lahaina community.
Giving back and looking forward
Since reopening, Sale Pepe has also looked for ways to give back. In August 2025, the restaurant pledged proceeds from its beloved margherita pizza to the Maui Pono Foundation, supporting wildfire recovery efforts.
The return of Sale Pepe signals a broader revival in Lahaina, where restaurants and businesses are gradually rebuilding. For many residents and visitors, the reopening brings both comfort and hope — a reminder of the town’s enduring spirit.
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