California Family Alleges Racially Motivated Attack at Luxury Maui Resort

Maui police arrested a 20-year-old Makawao man on suspicion of second-degree assault following a July 17 brawl at the Kaanapali Alii resort in Lahaina. The incident involved approximately 30 people and left seven members of a California family, ranging in age from 17 to 62, with injuries after a group of juveniles allegedly assaulted them near the resort pool, according to reports from Fox News Digital and Hawaii News Now.

Details of the July 17 Kaanapali Alii Resort Assault

Officers responded to the luxury resort around 10 p.m. on July 17 for a disorderly incident. Upon arrival, police found 10 to 15 people gathered near the pool, several of whom had visible injuries, according to Maui police told Fox News Digital.

The preliminary police investigation indicates that seven victims from California were targeted by a large group of juveniles. One victim reported to investigators that he and his family were by the pool when an unknown male approached them asking for help. Moments later, several juvenile males chased that individual into the area and then began attacking other nearby guests, according to Maui police.

The violence included the indiscriminate throwing of chairs and physical assaults on individuals of all ages. Family members told Hawaii News Now that the attackers specifically threatened to beat up the haole boys before the attack began. The term haole is defined by Merriam-Webster as a Hawaiian term for a foreigner or person of non-Hawaiian descent.

One relative suffered a severe head wound that required 13 staples after being struck in the head with a chair while attempting to protect other family members, the family stated.

Police Investigation and Hate Crime Allegations

The California family has requested that the assault be investigated as a hate crime. However, Maui police have not classified the incident as such. The case is currently categorized by law enforcement as an assault/riot.

Detectives have interviewed those involved and continue to gather evidence. The 20-year-old man from Makawao who was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault has since been released while the investigation remains active, according to Maui police.

Kaanapali Alii Resort Response

The Kaanapali Alii resort issued a statement to Fox News Digital stating that its security team responded promptly, contacted emergency medical services, and notified the Maui Police Department. The resort confirmed it has provided surveillance footage to law enforcement and is conducting an internal review.

Regarding the allegations of racial bias, the resort stated that it takes such claims seriously but noted that allegations regarding motive have not yet been substantiated. The resort cautioned that it would be inappropriate to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.

The property also acknowledged that staff had received reports of harassment, threats, and disruptive behavior involving individuals connected to the incident before the physical violence erupted. The resort declined to provide further details on those specific complaints, citing the active criminal investigation.

The Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is asking anyone with information or video of the incident to contact them at (808) 244-6425.