Cherished Maui, on the first anniversary of the tragic Lahaina fire, is experiencing the report of significant safety concerns due to the discovery of potential explosive devices just reported by the FBI. There have been other suspected incidents reported on Maui since last year.
Thursday night at 11:40 p.m., there was an explosion in Pukalani. On Friday night, Maui Police discovered a stolen vehicle that may be connected to the Pukalani IED incident reported the previous evening.
The FBI and Maui Police Department are together investigating several incidents involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) found in public areas, and the Kahului and Pukalani regions were specifically mentioned. Although no injuries have occurred, this situation led to a public safety warning being issued this afternoon, which is important to both residents and visitors.
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are homemade bombs that can, by intention, cause harm, disrupt safety, and instill fear. The devices can be made using a wide range of materials, from simple household items to more sophisticated elements. IEDs can vary greatly in appearance, which can be a source of confusion. They might resemble common objects, including baskets or bags, making them difficult to recognize.
Authorities reported that the devices found in Maui appear as small, makeshift baskets, though their appearance can vary.
Safety precautions for Maui visitors.
While these incidents are concerning, visitors to Maui can take several steps to ensure their safety:
Always be aware of your surroundings. If you spot an object that seems out of place or suspicious, use caution and alert authorities.
While Maui is generally safe, these unexpected and suspicious devices have been found. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed.
The FBI asks that a report be made immediately to tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324).
No anticipated impact on travel plans.
Despite the discovery of these suspected devices, visitors to Maui will not need to be unduly concerned or alter any travel plans based on what has been said thus far. The FBI and Maui Police are working rapidly to investigate and mitigate any further risks. We suggest just staying aware and using good sense while continuing to enjoy the beauty and hospitality that Maui offers.
There has been no further information provided, and we will update you as soon as we learn more from the FBI and the Maui Police Department.
While these incidents underscore the importance of safety and that such things can happen, they should not overshadow the beautiful experiences awaiting you on Maui.
HNN has more details. A gal in a Kia ran over an IED in Pukalani and it blew. Audio of it is a pretty loud explosion. She was shaken up but OK. Car dented with shrapnel type hits. Four reportedly found in Pukalani, more previously in different locations looking like baskets. Really makes you wonder who is doing this. This is crazy.
Aloha BOH,
You might do a little digging. A few weeks ago, there was another device found on Maui. I believe it was by a school (don’t quote me on that). Not sure what is going on over there recently, but it is disturbing.
I heard the boom the other night. Not sure what the heck this person is thinking…
Not sure who you’re referring to, but I’m not saying there weren’t explosions, I’m suggesting who’s possibly responsible. Come to your own conclusions.
Wouldn’t be surprised that this is a FF and that killing the tourist industry is by design.
Unemployment due to declining tourism accomplishes nothing that is good for anyone.
It accomplishes a lot for rich billionaires that don’t want any other people here.
But the devices have been found upcountry and in town. Where locals live, so tourists not being targeted so far.
BOH…on the ONE year Anniversary of the Lahaina Fires this is what you report?!? How about waiting a day and instead reporting on the progress that has been made in Lahaina…27 structures have currently begun construction I understand hearing today from Tulsi Gabbard with pro-surfer Kai Lenny reporting. Businesses lost in Lahaina fires are still actively looking for new spots to open temporarily…Meanwhile tourism in Maui is in the tank. I recently spent a nite Southside (I live in Lahaina) at the Grand Wailea and was told they are down significantly….Please report we are recovering….we are welcoming tourists and we need tourists or people cannot make a living and the suffering will continue….
We have to produce unified messaging that Maui is welcoming tourists. Right now, we’re sending very mixed and confusing messaging:
1. We want tourists
2. Stay away, we’re still healing
3. You may or may not be able to stay in a STR
At the same time, we’ve priced Maui out of many travel budgets. Rental car prices are insane, hotel rates are stratospheric and uncompetitive when compared to other travel destinations and we’re trying to eliminate lower cost options (STRs).
This confusion and greed has resulted in tourism declines of 22% year over year. We’ve been trying to kill the golden goose of tourism for years now and I fear we may be successful.
Its time to pull our heads out of the sand and admit that Maui is a service economy almost entirely dependent on tourism. Its good to attempt to diversify the economy, but in the short term tourism is nearly all we have.
Agreed ! I go to North Kaanapali beach Daily and it is near empty looking down or north towards Airport Beach. My one nite stay at the Grand Wailea was $450 on Hotwire plus and added $170 in TAXES alone !!! plus add the parking of $65 for ONE night…plus add the $55 Resort Fee…Holy COW !! …Maui is trying to recover from their Covid chaos lock-down madness where unlike Sweden & other sane countries, they tanked their economy which is tourism…So, they increased hotel/lodging taxes to further decrease tourism- who are these fools of commerce ?!?….Ps because tourism is the the tank, you can get into world famous Mama’s Fish House in Paia by walk-in or cancellation..
That’s crazy expensive. Used to stay at the Pioneer Inn for 50 to 60 bucks a night back in the day. Now that’s gone too.
The county made it extra hard on str owners to offer more affordable options by (1) raising assess values by 40-60% in one year, and (2) raising the tax rate to the highest category. So a mom-and-pop owner of 1 STR pays $12.50/$1K of assessed value, but the mega resort owned by a multi-national conglomerate pays $11.75??
And, oh yeah, the mayor introducing the bill before bothering to study its effects, which has now dropped occupancy rates 30%. That too.
Probably those pesky mainland tourists.
Wait, what! We need more details? Why? Who? Where, specifically? This is very disturbing!
I agree. Not enough information!! We are planning a trip in September. This may change things!! Extremely disturbing!!
One IED exploded and damaged a car in Pukulani. Another device was found on the border of Wailuku/Kahului. Visitors tend to hang out near the beaches on the west or south side. So, I wouldn’t worry about it, other than to not run over any unknown devices laying on the road, which we avoid doing anyway. But I understand your hesitation, for sure!