We received new messaging from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and its Hawaii Visitor and Convention Bureau late Monday. The messaging from the governor and the state agencies regarding Maui travel has started becoming well unified. That is relieving for all concerned and moves us at least one step further along the road to healing after the devastating Maui wildfires.
West Maui will be closed to visitors through October 17.
The latest update came after President Biden and Governor Green toured Lahaina earlier today and held a press conference. The governor urges “visitors to refrain from visiting West Maui (including Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua) and shared the rest of Maui is safe.”
“Visitors Should Avoid West Maui For Now, Travelers Welcome Elsewhere On Maui and Other Hawaiian Islands”
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Governor Josh Green is continuing to state emphatically the “need to avoid West Maui at this time, as well as the importance of travel to the rest of Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands and the economic impact it has on the well-being of Maui and its recovery.” We’re relieved to hear a more unified message emanating from the state.
HTA also comes into alignment with Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is concurring in its statement requesting “visitors to refrain from going to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) as a means of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off-limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue.
“No one can travel to West Maui right now.”
That means that all of West Maui is off-limits, period. Governor Green said, “We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers should come here (West Maui) now. But all of the other areas of Maui… and the rest of Hawaii are safe.
“When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”
As part of the governor’s proclamation today, “Governor Green’s sixth emergency proclamation, issued on August 19, remains in place, with “All nonessential travel to West Maui being strongly discouraged for the duration of the proclamation (through October 17, 2023).”
Hawaii’s mixed and confusing messages appear to be over.
Daniel said in a comment late Monday, “We were scheduled (and planning to go to Maui .. Kihei on the 18th from Kauai ). Meanwhile on the 17th Hawaiian Air texts us an urgent message stating that nonurgent travel to Maui is discouraged so we end up changing our plans. By the 19th the message changes and it seems only travel to West Maui is discouraged. Between the government advisories, local communities and other “advice” ( including the Canadian gvt advising travellers not to go) it’s not clear for a visitor who wants to respect the tragic losses what to do. We now regret not going and supporting local business.”
Please let us know your thoughts on the state’s plans.
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I’m sure Rob and Jeff will be posting this but the Governor announced that West Maui will be open October 8th. His press conference today was quite clear as to the reasons for when and why and certainly put into perspective how difficult the situation is. All and all I thought is was a very good response.
Unprecedented tragedy that has been made worse by speculators and conspiracy theorist’s. The Governors plan for rebuilding, using local business’s whenever possible and rebuilding with the people of Maui at the forefront and respect for the land and Hawaiian traditions the key component. Outside speculators will be combated in every way possible. You folks trying to say you don’t feel welcome are listening to a very small majority of disgruntled people. West Maui will a very welcoming place to visit after Oct 8th, the rest of the island is now.
As tragic as the fires have been and as much as I want to respect those that have, and will continue to suffer, there seems to be an overtone of anti-tourism in Hawaii these days that is getting louder and making it less desirable to visit. The instant message to “stay away” following the devastating aftermath of the Lahaina fire now seems like more of a short-sighted excuse to turn tourists away than anything else. Then, just a few weeks later, begging for people to come spend their money in spite of really not wanting them there is ridiculous. Many tourists plan for years to visit Hawaii. They save and plan for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation to a place they’ve dreamed of visiting only to be told they aren’t wanted, but we need your money so come on over, just don’t act like you are enjoying your stay. I wish I could see this differently as I really was a supporter of giving those affected time to grapple with the tragedy and I felt I understood the sentiment having been to the islands many times, including a day in Lahaina in May of this year, but I now feel like I may have been wrong.
My husband and I along with another couple are scheduled to fly into Kahului on Nov.19th; our flight and rental condo have been booked since April. Though we are saddened by the Lahaina fire, we still are hoping for an enjoyable vacation. If as tourists traveling from Canada and we are not welcomed, we will certainly not return and will spend our travel dollars elsewhere.
I hope things will have improved by November 19, but expecting people who lost their home to welcome you is a little much …as they say, money can’t buy love. Also, your condo is very likely owned by an off island owner and if you shop at Costco. Safeway etc., that’s not local, so if you do want your money to go to the “local” economy, be mindful and grateful that you can enjoy a vacation while others are mourning their friends and family.
My family of 7 is traveling to Kihei December! I am now reading that prices will be increased soon on activities and everything in general! The prices were already doubled since my last visit shortly before covid! If this is true, we will be very limited on the activities and many things we were hoping to do on our visit!
Could you please advise me what the situation is regarding activities and food and restaurants!
Thank you!
Hi Judy.
We don’t know that too be true and it is too soon to know. If you’re coming at the holidays, however, yes of course you can expect very high prices as has been the case for decades.
Aloha.
Thank you for clarifying. Myself ,wife, daughter and grandson will be visiting Kihei soon and will respect the guidelines.
Our hearts are with all of you in your grief.
Hawaii used to be the favorite destination for my wife and myself. But the government from the state to the local level made us feel unwelcome and unwanted on our last trip. Therefore it was probably our Last trip. Which is very sad, because we used to love to come.
We have a 2 week trip to Papekea condos in West Maui 10/20-11/03. Will this still be a good idea or should we cancel.
Why is Kaanapali, Napili, Kahana and Kapalua closed? And is it discouraged or closed?
West Maui hotels are closed to tourists because they are housing those who lost their homes. You might not be able to get through because many don’t have phone and internet connection yet. The government is reaching out to local peoples by text messages and word of mouth …also, only Times Supermarket opened (closed Saturdays) As far as I know, everything else is still closed on the West side …as it was said many times before, tourists would only make it more difficult for locals to get food, water, getting to places ….
Correction: Napili Market is now open as well. Just spoke to my friend at Kaanapali Hillside (there was another fire, but contained quickly) and she wants to remind people that everything (batteries, medicine etc.) is very limited on the West side of Maui. Also, the beaches in Kahana are taken over by tents with locals who did not get rooms in hotels etc. Don’t expect Kaanapali, Kahana and Napili to be the same than the last time you may have visited those areas. By friend describes the entire area as a “war zone” although I think she meant that it resembles the “after war” era ..she lost her home in Norther California twice in the fires which is why she moved to Maui.
I sure hope Governor Green and the HTA plan to support all the businesses in West Maui that are suffering financially from being closed until 10/17/23. Those businesses barely survived the much too long closure for the pandemic. And now being closed again. Wow….
It seems that some people don’t read all the information in detail …business in Lahaina burnt down to the ground. The rest of Maui is struggling with housing people who lost their homes plus volonteers etc. There is still no internet in parts of West Maui etc. How do you think they can conduct busines for tourists? If they want to fly to Maui, they can do so and stay in Kihei, Wailea etc.
October 17th does seem like a long time to keep Kaanapali and other areas of the west side closed to visitors.
Many hotels have pushed it to November 1 and there is no guarantee that this will not be delayed further …it’s an “ongoing” development that can’t be rushed.
I’m planning to visit Kihei Oct 3rd through the 18th and stay at an Airbnb. Is this still advisable?
They are encouraging visitors to go to Maui, just not West Maui. The rest of the Island is in need of your $ to help with the recovery and support to just live life. On top of all that, Maui is more than the Westside it is Hana, Paia, Makawao, Kula, Hookipa, Wainapanapa(Swim the Secret Cave), Makena, Kihei, etc… etc… The People of Maui want you to come and have a good time just respectful and show Kokua! BTW when you get there be sure to know your limits and safety first when it comes to the ocean. I can’t emphasize this enough I just wish the people I have had to save over the years had heeded this.
This is good. We can now encourage visitors to retrun to the rest of Maui.
What ? Where is this coming from?
My name is Brad. We have vacation plans for Kaanapali Beach Club for Dec 3 through the 10th. At this time we are strongly considering canceling that trip out of respect for all of Lahaina and West Maui. Even if restrictions are lifted I don’t know what to expect. We have vacationed there for many years.
Would it be smart to cancel now ? Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Brad.
This is still evolving in terms of relocation of fire victims to visitor accommodations. We will be updating this as we learn more but have heard nothing about it extending that far into the future.
Aloha.
Go don’t cancel you’re tripped the businesses that are there need the money and so did the people
Very confusing directives. Fed up so cancelled our 17 day West Maui vacation.
Probably a good idea, tho you don’t say where in west Maui. Lahaina and
Kaanapali are not in good shape and many whose homes burned are in local hotels. Check w the location you were planning to stay and try. It to be mad because your vac changed. Consider that Many people have died and lost their homes on the west side. It certainly wasn’t our idea. This is a very devastating chain of events and things are changing daily here for residents and visitors. That’s what happens in a disaster, the unexpected! Try to understand
We’re honouring our commitment to come to Kihei. We’re bringing a suitcase full of items requested on the website of a local church and we’re volunteering for one of the sessions they have on offer for sorting food and other donated supplies. Visitors need to keep their commitment wherever possible to stop the wave of layoffs and furloughs that are picking up speed 😳
What is decisive about “travel to west Maui should be avoided” that sound like it’s OK to respond to the West Maui business appeals that they are open and could go out of business if visitors don’t come
because he is not a “dictator” and I am not aware of any West Maui business asking for tourists to come …the other areas of Maui are open, so people can vacation in Kihei and Wailea.
Hi again,
Everyone is still basically confused but information is fluid and I’m keeping an eye on these replies from travelers as well as residents. My sis owns 2 weeks at the Whaler and no one has mentioned that. They keep emailing her and changing yes come, dont come, if you must come, come, but she will lose a lot of $ just to not come. Like the Marriott , they wont refund her fees , etc she pays so we will wait and see. Has anyone visited the Whaler condos , & timeshares or planning to? She will ofc be respectful and concientious as a guest of Maui and not complain and visit new areas to dine and probably volunteer some. Anyway, God Bless Maui
Thanks Eva B. Great idea. I will do that. I agree not way to spend in West Maui, praying travel insurance will honor and returm our money. Only asking for 2 nights to be reimbursed not entire trip.
Not that I mind if you get reimbursed for the entire trip. That money would probably not go to locals anyway.
Eric B- thanks for that information. So many mix messages 😔 Hopefully things will be a little better in the coming weeks with more information.
Obviously the affected area needs to be cleaned up, which will be an extensive undertaking, to say the least. Having, or allowing thousands of inquisitive visitors into the area will only make this undertaking take longer, be more dangerous and more daunting. The road infrastructure is ill suited for repair crews, demolition crews, contracting and municipal planning crews to get around effectively as it is. The people who will be called in there to repair and rebuild certainly don’t need the burden of rubbernecking vultures, because everyone knows they will be there.
As for those temporarily out of work, I find that interesting. Personally, I saved money through the days that I worked to prepare for lean days when there were slower times. Making hay while the sun shines.
My heart really goes out to all of those so drastically affected and have done my part by sending a relief donation. Maybe those that are so bummed out about not being able to go to West Maui at this stressful and difficult time could do the same, and just happily stay away and be grateful it’s not their homes and businesses that have turned to ash.
I know all those tasked with the cleanup would appreciate a few less crowds, at least for awhile.
Mahalo! I could not have said it better. Totally agree, I personally have 3 friends who lost their homes and the last thing they want to do is work for tourists who want to sip their cocktails at the pool …mind you, all is still closed. Just like you, I am helping friends with direct donations and many also receive help from the Red Cross and other organizations. My friend said that the Outrigger (ex Kaanapali Beach Hotel) is now sheltering locals, providing food etc. Many restaurants are closed to send food to those in need.
Don’t think anyone expects people to work if they don’t want to or can’t. However there are many people that do, the local news has had extensive coverage of people hoping and praying Maui doesn’t suffer a huge drop in tourism. They are worried about losing their jobs and need tourism to return as quickly and respectfully as possible given the circumstances. A lot of misinformation and opposing opinions floating around but the simple fact remains the people of Maui deserve having as many employment options as possible to recover from this. The choice should be theirs to make, their emotional as well as fiscal well being depends on it.
OK still prayers to all effected by fires. Now they say do not but also say refrain from coming to West Maui including Kaanapali. If that is the case why won’t AirbNB give a full refund? Still doesn’t appear insurance will either. Schedule to go in October. Staying 5 nights in South Maui and 2 in Kaanapali. So confused what to do😞. Can’t afford to lose money on the 2 nights.
Now hearing food places are now charging double at restaurant. Is that true? So conflicted right now.
Thanks
I hope that anyone who actually comes to Kaanapili in the next few weeks reports their experience here. I left Maui 2 weeks ago, but I am in contact with my neighbors and friends there until I return. As of today, they still did not have internet, hotels and restaurants were closed and there is only 1 supermarket (Times) open with limited hours. Closed on Saturdays. Things could change in the next few weeks. I am returning 1st week of October (returning resident).
hello, I am an owner at the Westin Ocean North Villas in Kaanapali, owned by Marriott Vacation Club. I have had a reservation for 6 months to arrive Sept 1. I would like to honor the wishes of the residents of West Maui and not be in the area, but Marriott does not consider the governors emergency proclamation that West Maui is closed as a valid legal requirement and will penalize me and all others if we cancel our Reservations starting Sept 1. i have tried since the fire to get them to permit us to cancel without a penalty. What can we do? are there local news, others that can support our wishes to not go to West Maui and convince Marriott to honor the residents and governor wishes?
It was pretty clear that “only returning residents” can travel to West Maui and I just spoke to my friend in Kaanapali who said that the Westin Villas is closed and so are the restaurants. The beach park is currently for residents who need essentials and the police is monitoring the situation. That is no way to spend a vacation. You should contact local government (Maui County)
In fact undamaged areas further north are not closed, regardless of what the governor and some other people with questionable motives may imply. The Governor’s latest proclamation says that travel to all parts of west Maui is “discouraged” through October 17, but before that date the Governor himself reopened the road to west Maui on August 16, there is no checkpoint between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. (road open with no checkpoints or restrictions to all motorists), and I fully expect that full 24 hour access to all motorists will be given soon. The Governor seems to be appeasing some people who seem to think that gawkers might try to enter the 3 square miles of fenced off impact area in Lahaina and act disrespectfully but I sincerely believe any such concerns are unfounded. The Ka’anapali, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua areas are untouched by the fire and the people who work and do business there need returning guests as much as the rest of Hawaii does.
I understand that Lahaina Town is the damaged area and should be avoided. It is also my understanding that Kaanapali and Kapalua are not damaged. If that is true, why are tourists not allowed to drive on the road past Lahaina to the resorts which are still open? This will hurt the Maui economy.
Aloha, they are allowed. There is no checkpoint except 10pm to 6am as they are trying to keep the burn area secure.
I just spoke to people who live in Kaanapali. Actually, the resorts are closed, housing locals. All supermarkets on the West side of Maui are still closed (except for Times that just opened with limited hours, ) Whalers Village is closed. Parking lots are being used to distribute water etc. There is police on parking lots and resorts. Now, go and take your vacation and enjoy!
Napili Market and Times are open. There are no police at the resorts. This is such a media induced “closure” as well as poor messaging by the exact same Leaders that kept Hawaii shut down unnecessarily during Covid. People have no money! There is no government money for this. This is such a disaster on top of a disaster. We have to stop this messaging to not come to Maui. You should see how beautiful the entire island is and how empty it is. Lahaina town is 3 square miles. It’s an unfathomable tragedy but now financial devastation layered on top…all because of poor communication, mis-understanding, awful leadership and the internet. Come to Maui. Our US Constitution prevents the government from inhibiting commerce and travel. The entire island is open except for the town of Lahaina. God Bless Maui. We are on our own.
Neil, my understanding is there is a bypass road that goes around the fire damages and drops you closer to the other cities. Trying to see if option. Husband has anxiety and to have to see fire area to get to destination won’t help. 😞 Seeing if other roads to take.
We have travel plans for Maui, staying in Kehei 9/5-9/12. Is it still ok to go?
Hi Vivian.
Yes it is.
Aloha.
I have reservations for September 27th in Kapalua. Still wondering if we’ll be able to go.
You will absolutely. The road is open now. Things are opening up now. Services restored now. Lots already reopened.
Call the place you made a reservation with, if you can reach them. Most places still don’t have internet connection on the West side of Maui and all resorts are closed according to a friend of mine who lives there.
Thank You for this update
It is obvious this decision is a knee jerk reaction. The governor did not talk with the business owners or employees who lively hoods depend on the tourists coming back. If this edict holds how many business and employees will be left to wait on the tourists. The legislators need to step in and override the governor and stand for the people and stop one disaster from turning into two and residents having to leave the island to rebuild their lives. Thank you
The tourists are encouraged go to Maui just not West Maui for now because they got so much work to do that the tourists would be in the way there’s toxic stuff going on there I mean come on think about it use your brain for once the whole area of Lahaina is in turmoil and distress imagine there’s a rescue or search operation or recovery mission going on and you’re like you know what I’d like to come in there and browse around and do some sightseeing be like saying hey let’s go to a war zone that just got bombed all up and do some shopping.
Have you been to the West Side? clearly you haven’t. The town of Lahaina is surrounded by a dust/privacy fence. The road is open and drops you on the north side of the burn area and then you travel into the resort areas which are untouched. Please please think about the thousands of people furloughed because of the poor messaging and the fueling of this media misinformation by people like you.
This is still confusing, my family was suppose to be on Maui right now. We still want to come. Can anyone please tell me if you can travel to Maui?
Thank you
Hi Janet.
Yes you can. West Maui is the only area that is currently “closed” to visitors.
Aloha.
The town of Lahaina, 3 square miles, is closed. The road to the resort areas of Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua etc is open for all. We have to change this narrative that it’s closed. Services have been restored with the exception of internet in some resort areas and Spectrum reports that will be restored 8/31.
We have reservations for Westin Kaanapali for Oct 1-15, 2023. We have not been given option of cancelling this with full refund. Only option is to rebook before Dec 31, 2023.
We want to stay away and give Maui time to find their lost people and help rebuild. They don’t need two 76 year old people there this year. We will definitely go back again. We love the people there.
Aloha, you are welcomed to come. Please come! Services have been restored in resort areas and it is safe. Some restaurants have already reopened with more following each day. The grocery stores Times and Napili markets are open. Certainly by October things will be back in full swing in the resorts because financial ruin would occur otherwise. Thousands are employed by the West Side resorts and cannot afford to lose their jobs on top of the loss of loved ones, homes and town. Our community wants to work alongside their coworkers and visitors as this is a form of coping and moving forward. God Bless Maui!