Our Story
CHIARA LA PIANA
CEO LAHAINA TAXI
THE FATHER OF LAHAINA TAXI
Our family business began decades ago with my grandfather, Bienvenido Gazmen, a man whose warm smile and hard-working hands became well-known in Lahaina. He built his life on Maui with dedication, kindness, and a deep love for the community. Over time, his values, service, and perseverance became the heart of our family and the foundation for Lahaina Taxi.
CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD
My mother, Sylvia Gazmen, inherited my grandfather’s determination and his care for people. She works tirelessly to provide for our family, and when she stepped into the taxi business, it was about connecting with people, sharing stories, and helping both locals and visitors feel at home on our island.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES...
I am Chiara La Piana, the next generation of our family to lead Lahaina Taxi. I carry not only my grandfather’s and mother’s work ethic and resilience, but also their passion for serving people with care and respect. The memory of those mornings in the back seat, watching my grandpa work with quiet dignity, stays with me.
While I am also a musician, composer, and sound engineer, Lahaina Taxi is part of who I am, it’s my roots, my family’s heart, and our shared future. I am committed to carrying this business forward, blending tradition with innovation, and making sure it continues to serve both our local community and visitors for years to come.
August 8, 2023 – The Day Everything Changed
On August 8, 2023, the Lahaina fire swept through our town, leaving devastation in its path. Our home was lost. We had to evacuate quickly, with little more than the clothes we were wearing. In the chaos, we also lost two beloved members of our family, our bunny, Bonbon, and our cat, Bello.
The weeks and months that followed were filled with grief, displacement, and uncertainty. We moved from place to place, each step trying to find stability. My mother’s health suffered, and she was hospitalized due to stress, but even in the hardest moments, we held onto each other.
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​Today, I am living in a long-term home, thanks to my dearest friends, while rebuilding our lives and our business. My mother is back on her land. We are running Lahaina Taxi with a renewed sense of purpose. We’ve rebuilt our website, created new services like airport pickups and easy tours, and are working to bring visitors closer to the beauty and culture of Maui.
