The most recent directives continue to leaves Maui visitors unclear. That’s resulted in an 80% drop in arrivals.
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241 thoughts on “Updated: Baffling Maui Travel Advice Just Released By State of Hawaii”
The most recent directives continue to leaves Maui visitors unclear. That’s resulted in an 80% drop in arrivals.
Maui does not need tourist at this time. Their respective resources needs to be put behind the residents of Maui. Not catering to tourism. Too much loss of life and property has occurred and tourist need to respect that. Things will change and tourism can help with reenergizing Maui, but that time is not now.
Aloha 🌺
This is just one attempt in trying to explain why Kānaka Maoli displaced are so hurt and upset about the lack of resources support they are not receiving yet while a vast amount of people who live on mainland don’t seem to get it. Four days after 911…do you think American tourists with prepaid planned vacations to Manhattan would have been pushing to keep their iteneraries and tickets for Broadway musicals plays, empire state building statue of Liberty? Of course not. How insane would those questions have been received? This is the disconnect many of us are trying to get through to visitors still asking about traveling to Maui right now. The fact we are even having this discussion debate is kapu. Maui is not Disney land and there for the mere enjoyment of visitors. Yes Maui needs tourism to boost its economy. But for the love of God and ‘aina please consider yourself and your ohana if the tables were turned. If you insist in coming to Maui right now or next month or October… research how best you can bring urgently needed supplies vs your wardrobe and snorkel gear. Be Aloha 💞🌅 or wait until it’s more appropriate…
Mahalo
My husband & I are here on the mainland. And we are truly so sorry that people can be so extraordinarily self-centered, especially in a dire situation like this. We have visited your beautiful state (including Maui), & our hearts have been connected to the people of Hawaii. Over & over, we have experienced the graciousness of the Hawaiian people (I realize that just like in any place, you have the “good” along with the “not so good” & not everyone adheres to being gracious!😉). How some people can be so insensitive at a time like this is beyond comprehension. Your comparison of 911 is spot on!! May you all see hope again…maybe even in some unexpected ways or in people.
Your analogy is wrong. So is the 9/11 analogy. I believe your heart is in the right place though. Everyone will have an opinion, and that is for sure. As long as people stay away from West Maui and not interfere with operations over there, it is fine. If people are concerned about by them staying in a hotel room it would take away a place for a West Maui victim/survivor, then call the hotel and ask them. Many people here/there are spouting off about how people should stay away, don’t come here now, out of respect. Most people would understand. However, that is unenforceable. But, there is the other side of the coin to understand as well. By people not coming/canceling, that takes income away from the rest of the people here. Maybe even losing jobs. Lost jobs equal no income which could mean they can’t pay the rent which could mean homelessness. Plus alot more. Maui already has more of that than they can handle.
There are a lot of mixed messaging going on here. Some of you are saying, stay away, respect those who lost loved ones, etc. Others are saying, we need your tourist dollars to survive this, unemployment will sky-rocket if you don’t come, the rest of Maui is fine, etc.
Personally, we’re staying away just going by the more hateful remarks about not visiting. We love Maui but I’m not up for getting harassed for daring to come. Maybe it’s time for Maui’s Government to sponsor a poll and find out exactly what the residents want. Right now, no one seems to know.
If you are invoking 9/11 — Three weeks after 9/11 over 1,000 Oregonians boarded dozens of airline flights to New York City to promote tourism there. The “Freedom Flights” were a primer to restore faith in travel and jump-start badly needed recovery in tourism for the city. Three weeks. Healing comes in many ways. There are many who will come wanting to share Lahaina’s and it’s peoples burden. The pain for locals and visitors to West Maui will last for years. The new normal is not so appealing to anyone – but new bonds and memories can and will be formed.
We moved our September 8th West Maui accommodation to the Big Island thanks to Coldwell Banker’s great service. However, trying to change flights has proven difficult in that they are only recognizing a major change to August 31st. We are wondering when and if that date will advance to help augment changes in flights. Thank you and our hearts are with everyone. Know the world is connected to you with love.
Hi Joan.
It may be another week or so until airlines either move dates again or don’t. This isn’t clear right now.
Aloha.
The total focus should be on the people affected by this disaster. God bless them and give them encouragement, love and support.
So was it arson? Has there been many Katrina like scams? homeless claiming to have lost a house, fundraisers only profiting pockets? (mayne too early for this yet). I figured it would have burned off more of the older establishments to get rebuild funding or specific locations targeted (for either rebuilding or to send the tourist away or non locals packing)
Hello,
Question, we have a reservation at Royal Kahana Sept. 20, are we able to refund our money since we are not able to go because of the situation?
Aloha Susanna~
I have stayed at the Royal Kahana in years past with friends. IDK the situation right now of its staffing/condition. It was a beautiful hotel /great location prior to fires. It’s so close to the the fires I cannot imagine staying there now, with your balcony overlooking the sea and ashen remains of a tragedy still unfolding. Have you tried emailing them?
We had reservations for the west maui area for the first week of November which we canceled. However we did not change our flights. Should we try to reserve something in the Kihei area?. Maui is the last of the 4 Islands we are visiting. We want to support the Maui tourist economy to help the residents that need our support but respect those that are going through the hardship in West Maui.
Hi Elfie.
There is nothing that prevents your visiting and so it is simply up to you. Those who work in travel especially will be happy to see you, since otherwise they may be unemployed. Others feel differently.
Aloha.
No. Maui should be taken off your itinerary. If you wish to help the people of Maui to recover, look for a place to donate $$. When you loose everything it’s good to be able to purchase what you need.
CNY,
Everyone understands the tragedy of this situation. But you have no place to tell citizens to not come to the island. You do not own it. You are not in a position of authority. Leave that to the state and local gov’t. If someone visits other parts of Maui, that’s good. As long as they will not be interfering with the situation in West Maui. Other places around the US have had their own tragedies but those states didn’t tell people “Don’t come to this state now.” They had people to mourn and bury too. But, I also do recognize the uniqueness of Hawaii’s logistics more than any other state. I was planning on coming back to Maui this year to visit friends, but out of respect and me personally recognizing this would not be a great time to go, you will not have to worry about me going there. But, that’s just me. I hope you are well, Aloha!!
Our house burned down a few years ago and it was 10 days before we started to come out of the shock. It was a singular, remote site; no one died and we didn’t have thousands of friends and neighbors who also lost everything, so we know only a bit of the trauma being visited on the wonderful people of Lahaiina. What do they need: everything, the little things too.
One day, we will all be on the other side of a vale and our ‘things’ will be left here. Right now people are here and things are on the other side of that vale. These things can be replaced while some friends and family cannot. That parting is personal and I won’t try to speak to, but I know that my wife and I are stronger now and so will be the survivors. Give them hugs and tooth brushes, tents for now and help them rebuild; that’s our plan.
Jamie, where had you planned to stay in Maui and when?
We are October and both places Kaanapali and Kihei are saying they are safe and we can come. No refund. If I cancel I only get 50%. Insurance made it out like they won’t refund if places says it is OK😔
So devastating for the people tjere amd they are probably just trying to make a living, which I get.
Hi Cyndi,
We booked a condo at the Whaler on Kaanapali through VRBO. Our trip was from September 2nd-8th. We ended up not having to go through our travel insurance because the host, property management company Vacation-Maui, gave us a full refund. I’m so sorry to hear that other hosts are not being as understanding. I can see some hosts relying on these rentals to make a living, which is why I was going to go through insurance at first. To me this seems like a textbook scenario for what travel insurance is used for, but apparently I’m wrong.
Before you ask if it’s better to swap Māui for another island for your vacation perhaps you could at least spell it correctly. It’s Kauai not Kuai. And bring a duffle bag of supplies (check to see the needs to be most useful please) to leave behind…that’s the least everyone could do who are still planning to visit despite this horrific event while vacationing in a place that’s barely … barely in its earliest stages of mourning our dead and devastated by tragedy. Bring cellphones with 6 months unlimited data cell service to donate. There are 300+ Kānaka Maoli that’s indigenous Hawaiians for those unaware currently camping on beach south of Lahaina without bathrooms showers cooking supplies cell phones cars to reach evacuation centers. No nothing. Show your respect for Hawaii by being a solution not a taker please 🙏. Mahalo Nui Loa ~ kolohe
Kolohe,
I truly understand the pain that you are all dealing with, and for this I’m very sorry. We were part of Hurricane Ian and Irma and know the pure devastation. I do believe that you were quite harsh with your response to someone misspelling an island when they don’t live there and with spell check possibly happening. I’m sure this person spent a life saving for a very expensive trip to visit the island, as most of us don’t have the pleasure and blessings to Live in Hawaii. We can only all pray that we can some day visit.
Understanding your hurt and frustration that someone may just want to come and take pictures of the horror that happened, I don’t believe most would think that this is a route they would go, but to experience the beauty and pray for the lost and help where needed.
We will all be praying for you all in the days to come..and that the land will be restored to its beauty and those with lost loved ones will feel the love and prayers of all those sharing in their hurt with heavy hearts. Brenda
I don’t think it’s harsh to do a bit of education and history of where you plan to vacation while people are digging out the dead, and being sensitive to the devastation of other peoples needs behind my own. What makes you think I am a person who can afford to live on Maui just because Im Kānaka Maoli? I’m a former redcard Wildland FF and disaster mitigation recovery worker who assisted in the body recovery post Katrina .If I had been a local person who was living in similar situations of New Orleans 2005 I would never dream of trying to vacation in New Orleans days weeks after the catastrophic floods that nearly wiped NO off the map. That’s just basic bad juju 101 and lack of etiquette. Mahalo
Aloha Bob.
Perhaps tourists could wait until we at least find and identify and bury our ohana? Could vacations be postponed until we can take care of our own? Hundreds still missing. Kānaka Maoli displaced forced to sleep on beaches with lack of resources and bathrooms. While still Grieving. Luaus & hula not a priority yet for entertaining the tourists. At least I can promise you it would not be an evening of joyful mele. We are traumatized with grief as it has only been 7 days. Just a thought. Mahalo Nui Loa
Kolohe
My daughter and her husband were taking me to Hawaii the first week of October to celebrate my 72nd birthday. My heart goes out to all of the people whom have been affected by this terrible tragedy. My question is, should we wait until next year to plan our trip. We do want to make this a hardship on any of the people in Hawaii. Again, please accept my condolences and prayers. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We planned on going to the big island and another one. We don’t want to take away from the people that live there and need a place to stay. We will keep all of you in our prayers 🙏
Hi Pamela.
That’s purely a personal decision. You could also choose to go to the Big Island and an island other than Maui if you prefer. Those who work in travel on Maui would undoubtedly prefer it if you visit Maui, while others feel differently. There are so many comments and points of view expressed that may help.
Aloha.
Aloha Nui Pamela~
Your comment and question is exactly appropriate and appreciated 👍. Mahalo for your words of Aloha ..you certainly understand the spirit of it. Big Island Kauai Oahu still functional and your holiday plans would be honored and appreciated respected. You see the difference between your comment and others. Go to the Big Island especially since it will be your first time to experience Hawaii and culture by all means. Mahalo Nui Loa from this Kānaka Maoli to your ohana. Safe travels my friend.
Mahalo ~ kolohe 😉
Bless you Kimo!
I heard people comment that they would continue to their Maui destination and take their chances. This instead of putting The Devi station and lost lives that the island has endured this past week. Maybe we need to step back and think about what just happened to humans, animals and the lively hoods that have been lost and devastated by this tragedy. This world is caught up in their own needs and wants and disregarding any moral values set fourth. This is what wrong with our human dignity and the sad direction our lives are headed. Let Maui heal!
Perfectly said. Mahalo Nui Loa
Helping Maui heal doesn’t necessarily mean staying away.
Some of us are doing a ton of things right now to support them over there. and that may include an in person visit.
pick which messages you want to queue on, however there are a lot of Mauians asking for our/your help right now.
100% agree. I would say most people are extremely mindful of the events that have taken place over the last few days. Asking visitors to stay away is only going to make it more challenging. For e.g., the cruise ship industry just removed Maui from their itinerary. Emotions are high and rightfully so, but when cooler heads prevail Maui residents will realize that having a job with source of income is far better than being homeless, frustrated and hungry. We are only trying to help, not trying to be a burden on anyone.
Living in California dealing with forest fires.One thing stands out more than anything g else,now is not the time for over inflated ego’s to get in the way of progress.Sounds exactly what’s going on with the leadership in Hawaii now.
We are to travel to Honua Kai Resort & Spa, 130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, Maui, HI 9/8/2023 through 9/19/2023. Our travel agent won’t even talk with us at this time. What are the chances this reservation will need to be rescheduled? We feel it should be but can’t get help yet.
Why would you even post that question here? Do you think this site will be able to speak for the resort or your travel agent? C’mon people, are you serious?? And who uses “travel agents” anymore??
How long do the Maui residents want the visitors to stay away?
I get it let’s all do a Survey Monkey.
Sorry but everyone has opinions and not everyone will agree with others.
I’d say people need to use their own judgment from the information gathered knowing that all the information on the Internet may or may not be correct.
We are planning on coming to Wailea 8/28-9/2 and have reached out to the hotel we are staying at as well as several local business about whether or not it is appropriate to visit the state of Maui in this tragic time. Everyone we have spoken to has urged us to please not cancel our plans as being there will be contributing to staffing folks that otherwise could have lost out on hours. They mentioned locals are worried about their jobs currently given the wide spread news to not travel to Maui collectively. We are still torn as it is so tragic what happened and we want to pay the utmost respect to the locals and those that have lost everything. At this time we are leaning towards sticking with our plans, supporting the local businesses in Wailea as much as we can, tipping the employees generously, donating to local funds and bringing relief supplies with us.
Relief Supplies most asked for right now are clean, good condition clothing like pull on shorts, and island climate clothing. New of course would be amazing. These folks don’t have a home let alone a place to do laundry.
All of the jobs supporting Lahaina’s tourism are lost now for years. The ones supporting the other parts of West Maui are now on hold for at least several weeks. Their bills are going to keep coming in, as will the bills, and rent due for all islanders.
I realize this is an excrutiatingly difficult thing to navigate in one’s mind, heart and soul, but there is work to do to support the island Staying home is one option, coming to support islanders in any way you can is another. You choose.
Maui is not a state, however it is an island that is part of the state of Hawaii.
Will connecting flights coming through OGG be affected?
Hi Jayne.
No those will not be impacted.
Aloha.
We received an email this morning from the Hyatt Residence Club in Kaanapali stating the following: They would reschedule all August weeks, but are honoring all September weeks.
Hi Gloria.
Thanks for sharing that.
Aloha.
Absolutely agree about lack of clarity for post August 31. We have return flights booked Sept 2 from OGG but Air Canada and Westjet both refuse to refund as it falls outside of current ‘flexible waiver from Aug 9 to 31. We hope the HTA updates their policy and the Governor’s proclamation goes beyond 31st as the emergency and disaster is not going to end anytime soon! Our hearts go out to all those suffering🙏
I have reservations in Maui, Kannapolis, in October. Looking to switch islands. Is Kuai a good alternative?
Hi Christine.
You may or may not need to switch in October, based on the latest guidance and input in comments just received. If you choose to go elsewhere Kauai is fine, as would be any other place in Hawaii.
Aloha.
Carol.S
Possibly a thousand people are missing in Lahaina and you worry about your holiday plans in a week to Lāhaina? These people died a horrific death. Where is your humanity? Would you like a bunch excited tourists to arrive at your family’s funeral and enjoy umbrella drinks while recovery workers dig in the carnage? Show some decency and respect for the dead and for Māui. It’s not Disney land for Gods sakes. It’s our homeland. People are grieving and homeless and you post your inconvenience of travel plans?
That is where we are heading in October for 2 night’s other 5 are in South Maui. Unfortunately since we can’t get our money back we will be going. Have donated but I am sure we will buy stuff to donate.
Such a tragedy for all tnere. I know people have lost their homes and loves ones and I pray for all of you. If I could afford the loss the I would take it but can’t afford losing my money. Tough decision. Stay strong Maui.