The explosion at a nearly 50-year-old Maui resort, which left multiple people injured, raises urgent concerns about the safety risks posed by Hawaii’s aging resorts and infrastructure. The incident at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, believed to have originated from a propane-fed BBQ area, highlights systemic challenges in Hawaii’s hospitality sector, from outdated infrastructure to limited regulatory oversight.
What happened at The Whaler on Maui.
The explosion occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday near the outdoor BBQ area at The Whaler, a condominium resort built in 1976. Emergency responders, including the Maui Fire Department, Maui Police Department, and federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed that multiple guests and residents were injured, with at least three in critical condition.
Early reports suggest a malfunction in the resort’s propane system, which may supply multiple grills from a single large fuel source. Witnesses reported that a grill may have been turned on before the explosion, but whether a gas leak or another issue triggered the blast remains unclear. Some reports indicated that people heard strange noises from it in the days before the incident.
As authorities investigate, concerns emerge over whether this was an isolated incident or a symptom of deeper infrastructure challenges affecting Hawaii’s aging resorts.
The reality of aging Hawaii resorts.
Hawaii’s hospitality industry is largely built on properties constructed decades ago. According to data from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO), the median age of the state’s housing stock is 47 years, with many hotels and condo resorts far older. Some of Hawaii’s most iconic properties in Kaanapali, Waikiki, and other resort areas now exceed a half-century in age.
The tropical climate further accelerates deterioration. Salt air corrodes metal fixtures, humidity weakens plumbing and electrical systems, and storms leave roofs and foundations needing constant repair. Keeping up with maintenance requires continuous reinvestment, but soaring insurance premiums and rising operational costs are forcing condo associations and hotel operators to make difficult financial decisions about whether to fund essential repairs or defer them.
Neglect complaints and maintenance concerns.
These broader maintenance challenges are reflected in guest experiences, as seen in recent complaints about The Whaler.
Recent guest reviews cite malfunctioning air conditioning, mold, inconsistent housekeeping, and poor maintenance. Some condo-style resorts in Hawaii operate with fragmented management structures, where individual owners, rental management companies, and homeowner associations share responsibilities. Unlike traditional hotels, this setup often results in inconsistent upkeep, leaving some units far worse.
Outdated safety standards and the lack of oversight.
Hawaii is the only state in the country without a state fire marshal. While county fire departments oversee regulations, this absence creates inconsistencies in enforcement, leading to gaps in safety inspections, outdated protocols, and limited statewide coordination.
A report from the Hawaii attorney general following the Lahaina wildfires identified the lack of a fire marshal as a key weakness in the state’s emergency preparedness. The investigation into The Whaler explosion raises questions about whether stronger oversight and stricter enforcement of fire codes might have prevented this incident.
Are resort BBQ areas safe for guests?
Grilling at a beachfront BBQ station is a common part of a Hawaii vacation, but many resort grilling areas lack clear instructions, gas leak detectors, or visible safety guidelines. We are not always aware of this because we trust the management to make sure everything is safe.
Older properties may still be using original propane delivery systems, which are more prone to leaks due to wear and tear. Many resorts have outdated gas line connections that could pose hazards.
While some resorts have taken steps to upgrade their BBQ areas with safety features like automatic shutoff valves and gas leak detection systems, not all properties follow modern best practices. Visitors should be aware of potential risks when using communal grilling areas.
What’s next for Hawaii’s aging resorts.
As officials investigate the cause of the explosion, the incident may prompt discussions about stricter oversight of aging resorts and condominiums in Hawaii. Whether property owners will invest in necessary safety upgrades—or continue to delay them due to financial pressures—remains to be seen.
This serves as a reminder to visitors to research accommodations carefully, paying attention to recent guest reviews and maintenance concerns. With many resorts operating beyond their original design lifespan, ensuring basic safety should be a top priority across Hawaii’s tourism industry.
Our thoughts are with those injured and their families. We welcome your comments.
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I’m sorry but I think your disposition is wrong in regard to the Whaler BBQ incident. I was there that week and I view it as an unfortunate event. The place was immaculate; I can’t see that they would be negligent about repairs. Personally, I don’t think gas BBQs should be on any public property, but I see them a lot. I’m pretty sure the BBQ isn’t 50 years old as your article kind of implies. Do better next time please. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!
NG or LP gas grills are inherently dangerous by nature. Without the use of a thermal coupling gas flows freely with the turn of a knob. Gas will build to dangerous explosive levels in an enclosed area leaving only luck it doesn’t burn the hair off your head when it gets ignition. Another danger is the use of wire brushes not intended for BBQ grills. These brushes can shed wires that can imbed in your burger with catastrophic results when consumed. These are common sense end user best practices, followed by regular maintenance for safe and enjoyable grilling.
As a long time owner of a unit at The Whaler, I take umbrage of your characterization of The Whaler regarding neglect and poor maintenance. The property is in excellent condition and for you to paint the whole resort with a wide brush of neglect (possibly due to a few guest complaints) is not giving a true snapshot. In the hospitality industry, minor issues will occur, and guests are quick to complain. But that doesn’t reflect the overall condition of the property as a whole. The Whaler is a fantastic resort with management making sure that it is run properly for all guests to enjoy.
Larry is correct. Our building has similar grills and I’ve personally seen guests that aren’t careful, distracted or too inebriated or inexperienced to safely operate a simple gas grill. It’s absolutely not appropriate to blame this on the age of the building unless a third party professional investigates and determines the root cause. Anything written without that determination is irrelevant and u professional.
I have stayed at the Whaler dozens of times, first time in the early 80’s. This is our unquestioned go to spot on the World’s most spectacular beach….For this “guessing” from the basement on what led up to the incident is third grade material. And I apologize to all third graders….And by the way if Larry rents out his property I would be more than happy to consider staying there we are in the process of picking our next stay as we speak.
I like to deal with common sense thinkers such as him.
Finally Larry and JA are spot on.
We have stayed at The Whaler off and on for 30 years, the most recent time last October. The units are large and an great value for the location but agree there is a large variation in the condition of the units.
Over the years we have observed a lot of construction projects from ones like the spalling currently happening to the gutting of the courtyard area to reinforce the ceiling of the parking garage underneath. (Note – it looks like the latter may need to happen again given the leakage from the garage ceiling that we observed during our last visit.)
We’ve also watched them clean the grill areas every day but do not know if there is any maintenance that happens daily. I am sure that those investigating this horrible accident will determine the cause. I’ve read a lot of the reports from news agencies and FB groups which included videos that I can’t unsee of the two men cooking at the grill just before the blast. Prayers for those injured and their families.
Without a state Fire Marshal, it is self regulated by the local business who employ a county Fire Marshal. That individual may be just a token figurehead for fire safety on the the county’s “protection of the people” resume with no real teeth to enforce. It would upset the business economics of the very council who installs him. Just a paper tiger! Real Fire Safety.comes from a Fire Marshal who is independent from city hall, county hall government policy makers. Left to their own designs, these events become more common where enforcement is removed from the person with the most institutional knowledge & charged with oversight. Uniform codes, inspections, protocols, coordination & enforcement should be instituted statewide. This looks like another case where casual management has overruled good engineering! It should have never happened!
Just seems like a tragic accident. Sadly, the majority of the general population aren’t very bright. So, who knows what caused the explosion. But my bet is it had more to do with the people there as opposed to the re
Age of a building may be relevant only if used as an excuse for poor quality build, poor upkeep or both. In Europe I’ve stayed at properties a few hundred years old, still in perfect condition.
I’ve always been leery of propane fired grills used for public grilling areas. As a firefighter in an area where Propane is a primary heating and cooking fuel we respond to many incidents involving unintentional releases of this gas. While Propane has a strong odorant added to ensure leaks are readily detected, underground piping which is aesteically desirable can lead to leaks where the odor ant is “stripped” away from the colorless, odorless, tasteless flammable gas allowing fir deadly concentrations to build in low areas ( it’s heavier than air). Extra precautions must be required where used in public areas.
Our family has owned a condo at The Whalers for 20+ years. The homeowners association works hard to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs. I have never felt unsafe or in danger. My heart goes out to those injured in the bbq explosion but I do think this was an isolated incident.
As a 40 year STR owner and a general contractor no one gets permits on Maui, inspectors aren’t around like they are in other states and owner just do what they want, no building code enforcement.
J-
I’m wondering if you an owner at The Whaler? Because your comment makes it seem that the issues you mention are meant for The Whaler, which are not the case. I suspect it’s a generalization of Maui in general.
My sympathies to those affected… Awful thing to happen on what should be a happy vacation…
Like any well used older item, these buildings take constant attention. They perform safely when that attention is provided. And…we’ve l all stayed in newer buildings that are not well maintained as well. It’s completely wrong to imply that older buildings are unsafe just because of their age. In fact, most are built to commercial standards and are therefore zoned as hotels. This means that in severe weather like a hurricane or earthquake, they are much safer than many STR’s built recently. If potential customers read reviews and ask friends for recommendations. You’ll be just fine.
The State has “no Fire Marshall”, this while but, 19 months ago the entire town of Lahaina, a mile south of Kaanapali burned to the ground, save for the Banyon Tree. This while, both Governor Green and the County Fire Marshall were both out of State, and Studies of 7-10 years on brushfires, the winds coming down the mountains as with Santa Ana’s in California were ignored!