A California family is seeking answers after alleging they were victims of a racially motivated assault at the Kaanapali Alii resort in Lahaina, Maui. The family claims a group of juveniles hurled chairs and physically attacked relatives, ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, during a chaotic incident on July 17.
Maui police confirmed they responded to the resort around 10 p.m. that night for a disorderly incident involving approximately 30 people. Upon arrival, officers found 10 to 15 individuals remaining near the pool, with several reporting visible injuries. Preliminary investigations identified seven victims from California, aged 17 to 62, who reported being assaulted by a large group of juveniles before the perpetrators fled.
According to police, one victim stated that as he and his family were near the pool, an unknown male approached them seeking assistance. Shortly after, several juvenile males allegedly pursued this individual into the area and then turned their attention to others present.
The family members told Hawaii News Now that the alleged attackers repeatedly used the phrase "beat up the haole boys" before the violence escalated. "Haole" is a Hawaiian term for a foreigner or a person of non-Hawaiian descent.
One of the most severely injured victims sustained a significant head wound requiring 13 staples after being struck with a chair while attempting to protect family members. The family has requested that the assault be investigated as a hate crime, though Maui police have not yet classified it as such.
Police reported the arrest of a 20-year-old Makawao man on suspicion of second-degree assault in connection with the incident. He was released as the investigation continues. The case is currently classified as an assault/riot, and detectives are actively gathering evidence and interviewing those involved.
The Kaanapali Alii resort issued a statement affirming that the safety and well-being of its guests and staff are its highest priority. Resort security reportedly responded immediately, contacted the Maui Police Department and emergency medical services, and cooperated fully by providing surveillance footage. The resort is also conducting its own internal review.
While acknowledging that staff received reports of threats, harassment, and disruptive behavior prior to the altercation, the resort declined to comment on specific security actions due to the active investigation. The resort stated that allegations regarding the motive or circumstances of the incident have not yet been substantiated and cautioned against speculation.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Maui Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division.