While i appreciate the updates, you should include same for Canadian travelers which makes up a huge portion of visitors to this part of Paradise. I dont see any mention of WestJet or Air Canada
American airlines told me they would refund our upcoming tickets but were charging a 300 dollar cancellation fee per person because quote “there is no problem with their flight to and from” I will never fly with them again!!
I came back to check on my post about “local” property management companies but it’s gone. I have a August 25 reservation with KBM Maui in Kapalua. I have reached out a number of times, via different formats with no response. From their Facebook page it seems as though others are experiencing the same thing. Anyone else having issues with them? Thanks.
I have a reservation with the same KBM resort company and I have not been able to get in contact with them. Pretty annoying since you spend so much money and they can’t even provide an update via their automated phone system recordings.
If you booked through Expedia and your reservation is before August 31st, they have a special policy in place to allow for cancellations without a fee. My reservation in in October so I have to wait to see what happens. Good luck with your trip!
Hi Elyse, my family was at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resorts Villa this week, which is the same area as the Westin Nanea and we just arrived back home. As far as we could see, none of the Westin properties, WKORV, South, North or Nanea were damaged by the fire. That being said, the area around the properties and infrastructures damaged, not to mention the people affected who live and work in the area will take in my opinion will take many months just to get some of the basics, like electrical power back up and running. It will probably be best to speak to Westin Owner Services in about a month from now for the latest update and see what updates they can provide. I don’t think you will be able to contact the resorts directly for at least 3 to 4 weeks at the earliest, because just before we left, they said it would be at least that amount of time before they could get electrical power to the area working again. I suspect the area might not be ready for visitors in December.
So sadden to the devastation at Maui. We were excited to visit for the first time in September 19. We were trying to cancel our trio since we feel that the island wouldn’t need more people on the island especially if they need accommodation that might take away fro the locals. Contact Priceline but said their policy doesn’t let us cancel the flight since payment has been sent to United Airlines. Untied Airlines will only help you if your trip is between 19-31 of August. How can the island recope in 40+days
Expedia will not refund my Alaska ticket. I had one going to Maui with American & they gave me a credit, But Alaska said I had to go through Expedia, and they won’t refund my ticket.
What can I do?
Alaska updated their policy to state: “Tickets must be changed or canceled prior to the departure of your original flight. If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency, or another airline, contact them directly for assistance. If you purchased a nonrefundable First Class, main, Saver, or award ticket, you may:Change your trip without a fee. No difference in fare will apply for new travel to/from Maui (OGG), Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), Lihue (LIH) through August 31, 2023 in the same cabin. Cancel your trip without a fee and choose to deposit the funds into your Account wallet, receive a credit certificate for future travel, or a refund to the original form of payment.”
I’m booked September 2-9 to OGG but Hawaiian Airlines only offering “credit”? Do they really think the island will be able to sustain tourists at that time? Rebuild will be many months, more probably years and I don’t want to make their pain worse. Refund my flight $, I’ll be back in a year (or two) to Maui. Just got full refund from Alaska for my son’s flight – guess who I’ll fly next time?
I am disgusted with American Airlines. I have family on the Island that are in trouble and I was just told by American Airlines that I cannot cancel and get a refund for my flight that is scheduled for 8/23/2023.
American is only giving refunds if your travel was planned through 8/13/23. What a joke. Clearly, we shouldn’t be sending tourists into Maui starting 8/14/23. Kudos to Airlines that are doing the right thing and not worried about making money in these dire times.
We are traveling Aug 18-25.. No response from our VROB since 2 days ago.. Called southwest and they won’t change our flights yet… I understand the devastation and loss of life… This is a tragedy!! But let us know so we can go to a different island!
Have you check with the owner? Mine was gracious enough to offer a full refund, despite us not having trip insurance. She even contacted VRBO for us and said that she didn’t want them to charge us a fee either, so we are getting refunded in full. We had planned to be there 8/22-8/30.
My husband and I are in our 70s with a few medical issues and are scheduled to come to Westin Nanea for the first two weeks of December. Would that be a bad idea?
The power is out at the resort, so I don’t know how to reach anyone by phone
Aloha everyone…
Utter devastation and so, so sad for Maui. Thoughts and prayers to all those people and businesses affected. We hear of deaths and many casualties…God, be kind to them.
Since I feel like an honorary Hawaiian, I extend deepest sympathy and hopes for recovery and better days.
A hui hou!
Mahalo Rob and Jeff for all of your valuable information.
Anyone believing that they are coming to the state of Hawaii in the near future, had better think a bit clearer.
My heart, soul and emotions are directed to all the marvelous people of the Island of Hawaii and Maui.
Me ke aloha.
Thank you. Those traveling to Oahu and Kauai should have no problems from every indication we have today. The Big Island is less clear while Maui is off-limits for now.
Thank you for publishing this helpful to-the-point information.
Dramatic changes and a long, difficult recovery ahead for Maui, especially Lahaina. The speed of this sudden disaster is so shocking. There is hope for a new and even better Maui ahead, but first things first. My thoughts are with those who are affected.
For those travelers who booked accommodations with Airbnb, the company has activated its
“extenuating circumstances policy” for parts of Maui. Eligible guests with reservations will receive a full refund, and both hosts and guests can cancel bookings penalty-free, the company said on Wednesday.
Vrbo, on the other hand, is being much less accommodating.
According to Vrbo, wildfires and other natural disasters do not override typical cancellation policies. However, for bookings on Maui and parts of the Big Island between Aug. 9 and 16, the company said, “Vrbo has already waived host penalties for cancellations, which means hosts can cancel and refund their guests without worrying about how it will affect their listing performance in future guest’s searches.
My heart is broken for Maui and all her people and also for the situation on the Big Island. As charitable efforts ramp up to assist everyone affected by this tragedy, please share any recommendations on how we on the mainland can help. I went through the horrific wildfires of Napa and Sonoma in 2017. This brings back those memories but also the memories of those who came rushing in to help.
This is devastating, having lived on Maui 2015-2016, I saw a few bad fires but nothing like this. Lahaina looks like a bomb went off. I hope my friends and all Maui residents are safe. I had plans to travel there 1 month from today, but not sure how that will work out. I have reservations in Kihei, and seems to be no damage there so far. Will look for that future article on BOH on how we can help out from here on the mainland.
Sending our love and prayers to our Maui friends.Stay strong and be safe.We are deeply saddened for your losses.From California we know first hand how devastating fires are.Together you will get through this.God Bless
Those of us in California really do feel your pain as every year we get dry grass fires coupled with the high winds. Our hearts go out to you and you will survive, I promise.
Owning a business in Oroville Ca we’ve witnessed what wildfire does to a community.
Several years ago the city of Paradise, just 15 minutes from our location, was wiped off the map by wildfire. Just under 100 individuals perished in the flames.
I have several Paradise fire survivors as our customers the advise they gave me is if you currently know someone effected by fire on Maui they will need cash and gift cards for Costco, Walmart, Target etc. to take care of the immediate needs.
If you don’t know an individual, but wish to help by sending money or gift cards you need to find an organization that will hand your donation directly to the victims.
Maybe BOH can help identify a reliable individual or organization that you can send your donated cash or gift cards too.
Heard from some friends who used to run Maui Divers. The scope, boats, and their former houses are gone. On the “bright side” Maui gets to try lots fewer tourists once folks can get home.
We visit kaanapali every year for the last 30 years. We love Lahaina and are so sad for the people of Maui and this horrible tragedy. Hawaiians are strong hard working people who love their state and will survive this and be stronger.
Prayers and love to everyone in maui.
I cannot find anywhere in the news of what caused the fires on both Maui and the Big Island. I am from Oregon and usually our fires are from lightning strikes or human caused.
A sad, sad Aloha to all with our many prayers to our favorite vacation spot. We woke to scenes of the devastating destruction, our favorite Lahaina Town just simply… gone. Fighting back tears, we are trying to see what can be done from the mainland, obviously help is needed for the many residents. Kaumaha. Our hearts are broken, for everyone there and ourselves who found Lahaina enchanting. We’re afraid to look for “after” pictures, to think the places we loved and the people we loved to be devastated so.
I have precious family there. Prayers for all that are under way to protect & the threats of any kind of human harm. Flight’s out will open up soon! God will make a way out! Trust god’s promises and wisdom. Blessings of guidance.
I work in the ER of Maui’s only hospital. I was there from 3 PM yesterday until 7 AM today. I’m going back this afternoon.
It was horrific.
I plead to anyone with a trip planned to Maui in the coming months to please cancel their trip. Our infrastructure, usually at maximum capacity, has been pushed over the brink. We will have thousands of newly homeless individuals, entire families, to care for. Our hospital will be over capacity caring for burn victims. There will be shortages of many essential items and services for many weeks if not months.
Please help us by staying home and allowing us the chance to help those who need help the most.
OMG! Pray for Maui, Big Island and everyone else impacted. Am planning a trip to Maui and Big Island in October. Let us know what is needed, so we can bring for the residents.
–Linda
San Diego
Unless, it is essential and beneficial to being there and physically lending a helping hand as a priority stay away. Send financial aid and resources instead and just get out of the way of the people that are there for the right reasons / not vacationing. It is not the time to get in the way unless you are going to physically lend a helping hand.
Mauinow.com has video from a helicopter, and an interview with the pilot, from the morning of August 9 showing what little is left in downtown Lahaina. Such a tragedy for the people, homes, businesses, and history.
We cancelled with United Airlines and they refused to give a refund.
While i appreciate the updates, you should include same for Canadian travelers which makes up a huge portion of visitors to this part of Paradise. I dont see any mention of WestJet or Air Canada
American airlines told me they would refund our upcoming tickets but were charging a 300 dollar cancellation fee per person because quote “there is no problem with their flight to and from” I will never fly with them again!!
I came back to check on my post about “local” property management companies but it’s gone. I have a August 25 reservation with KBM Maui in Kapalua. I have reached out a number of times, via different formats with no response. From their Facebook page it seems as though others are experiencing the same thing. Anyone else having issues with them? Thanks.
I have a reservation with the same KBM resort company and I have not been able to get in contact with them. Pretty annoying since you spend so much money and they can’t even provide an update via their automated phone system recordings.
If you booked through Expedia and your reservation is before August 31st, they have a special policy in place to allow for cancellations without a fee. My reservation in in October so I have to wait to see what happens. Good luck with your trip!
Hi Elyse, my family was at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resorts Villa this week, which is the same area as the Westin Nanea and we just arrived back home. As far as we could see, none of the Westin properties, WKORV, South, North or Nanea were damaged by the fire. That being said, the area around the properties and infrastructures damaged, not to mention the people affected who live and work in the area will take in my opinion will take many months just to get some of the basics, like electrical power back up and running. It will probably be best to speak to Westin Owner Services in about a month from now for the latest update and see what updates they can provide. I don’t think you will be able to contact the resorts directly for at least 3 to 4 weeks at the earliest, because just before we left, they said it would be at least that amount of time before they could get electrical power to the area working again. I suspect the area might not be ready for visitors in December.
American always the worse in supporting customers, no shock there!
So sadden to the devastation at Maui. We were excited to visit for the first time in September 19. We were trying to cancel our trio since we feel that the island wouldn’t need more people on the island especially if they need accommodation that might take away fro the locals. Contact Priceline but said their policy doesn’t let us cancel the flight since payment has been sent to United Airlines. Untied Airlines will only help you if your trip is between 19-31 of August. How can the island recope in 40+days
Expedia will not refund my Alaska ticket. I had one going to Maui with American & they gave me a credit, But Alaska said I had to go through Expedia, and they won’t refund my ticket.
What can I do?
Hi Karen.
You can try contacting your CC company but it isn’t clear they can offer any relief.
Aloha.
Alaska updated their policy to state: “Tickets must be changed or canceled prior to the departure of your original flight. If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency, or another airline, contact them directly for assistance. If you purchased a nonrefundable First Class, main, Saver, or award ticket, you may:Change your trip without a fee. No difference in fare will apply for new travel to/from Maui (OGG), Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), Lihue (LIH) through August 31, 2023 in the same cabin. Cancel your trip without a fee and choose to deposit the funds into your Account wallet, receive a credit certificate for future travel, or a refund to the original form of payment.”
Expedia will not refund my airfare. Said it was Alaska policy.
Thank you. Very useful info
I’m booked September 2-9 to OGG but Hawaiian Airlines only offering “credit”? Do they really think the island will be able to sustain tourists at that time? Rebuild will be many months, more probably years and I don’t want to make their pain worse. Refund my flight $, I’ll be back in a year (or two) to Maui. Just got full refund from Alaska for my son’s flight – guess who I’ll fly next time?
Shame on delta
I am disgusted with American Airlines. I have family on the Island that are in trouble and I was just told by American Airlines that I cannot cancel and get a refund for my flight that is scheduled for 8/23/2023.
American is only giving refunds if your travel was planned through 8/13/23. What a joke. Clearly, we shouldn’t be sending tourists into Maui starting 8/14/23. Kudos to Airlines that are doing the right thing and not worried about making money in these dire times.
We are traveling Aug 18-25.. No response from our VROB since 2 days ago.. Called southwest and they won’t change our flights yet… I understand the devastation and loss of life… This is a tragedy!! But let us know so we can go to a different island!
Have you check with the owner? Mine was gracious enough to offer a full refund, despite us not having trip insurance. She even contacted VRBO for us and said that she didn’t want them to charge us a fee either, so we are getting refunded in full. We had planned to be there 8/22-8/30.
Could you please provide names of where I can donate money to help the victims of the Maui wildfires?
I cannot find the previous post.
Mahalo.
Hi Mary.
Here it is again. https://beatofhawaii.com/world-rocked-by-maui-fire-devastation/
Aloha.
I can’t believe that Delta is not offering a return. All the other airlines are on board. I need to rethink my ticket purchases next
time.
My husband and I are in our 70s with a few medical issues and are scheduled to come to Westin Nanea for the first two weeks of December. Would that be a bad idea?
The power is out at the resort, so I don’t know how to reach anyone by phone
Aloha everyone…
Utter devastation and so, so sad for Maui. Thoughts and prayers to all those people and businesses affected. We hear of deaths and many casualties…God, be kind to them.
Since I feel like an honorary Hawaiian, I extend deepest sympathy and hopes for recovery and better days.
A hui hou!
Mahalo Rob and Jeff for all of your valuable information.
Anyone believing that they are coming to the state of Hawaii in the near future, had better think a bit clearer.
My heart, soul and emotions are directed to all the marvelous people of the Island of Hawaii and Maui.
Me ke aloha.
Hi John.
Thank you. Those traveling to Oahu and Kauai should have no problems from every indication we have today. The Big Island is less clear while Maui is off-limits for now.
Aloha.
Thank you for publishing this helpful to-the-point information.
Dramatic changes and a long, difficult recovery ahead for Maui, especially Lahaina. The speed of this sudden disaster is so shocking. There is hope for a new and even better Maui ahead, but first things first. My thoughts are with those who are affected.
For those travelers who booked accommodations with Airbnb, the company has activated its
“extenuating circumstances policy” for parts of Maui. Eligible guests with reservations will receive a full refund, and both hosts and guests can cancel bookings penalty-free, the company said on Wednesday.
Vrbo, on the other hand, is being much less accommodating.
According to Vrbo, wildfires and other natural disasters do not override typical cancellation policies. However, for bookings on Maui and parts of the Big Island between Aug. 9 and 16, the company said, “Vrbo has already waived host penalties for cancellations, which means hosts can cancel and refund their guests without worrying about how it will affect their listing performance in future guest’s searches.
My heart is broken for Maui and all her people and also for the situation on the Big Island. As charitable efforts ramp up to assist everyone affected by this tragedy, please share any recommendations on how we on the mainland can help. I went through the horrific wildfires of Napa and Sonoma in 2017. This brings back those memories but also the memories of those who came rushing in to help.
This is devastating, having lived on Maui 2015-2016, I saw a few bad fires but nothing like this. Lahaina looks like a bomb went off. I hope my friends and all Maui residents are safe. I had plans to travel there 1 month from today, but not sure how that will work out. I have reservations in Kihei, and seems to be no damage there so far. Will look for that future article on BOH on how we can help out from here on the mainland.
Hi Greg.
Thanks. That was just published.
Aloha.
😥😥😥
I have old broken phones. Lahaina history now. Need to get those repaired.
😥😥😥
Stuff is just stuff though….people are far more important. I hope anyone who is reading this is well ♥️
Many prayers for one of the most beautiful place ever…
Sending our love and prayers to our Maui friends.Stay strong and be safe.We are deeply saddened for your losses.From California we know first hand how devastating fires are.Together you will get through this.God Bless
Those of us in California really do feel your pain as every year we get dry grass fires coupled with the high winds. Our hearts go out to you and you will survive, I promise.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
Owning a business in Oroville Ca we’ve witnessed what wildfire does to a community.
Several years ago the city of Paradise, just 15 minutes from our location, was wiped off the map by wildfire. Just under 100 individuals perished in the flames.
I have several Paradise fire survivors as our customers the advise they gave me is if you currently know someone effected by fire on Maui they will need cash and gift cards for Costco, Walmart, Target etc. to take care of the immediate needs.
If you don’t know an individual, but wish to help by sending money or gift cards you need to find an organization that will hand your donation directly to the victims.
Maybe BOH can help identify a reliable individual or organization that you can send your donated cash or gift cards too.
Hi Richard.
Thank you! Yes we are about to publish another article with such suggestions for helping those on Maui.
Aloha.
So sorry to hear of the fires! Prayers for all. Be safe
Heard from some friends who used to run Maui Divers. The scope, boats, and their former houses are gone. On the “bright side” Maui gets to try lots fewer tourists once folks can get home.
We visit kaanapali every year for the last 30 years. We love Lahaina and are so sad for the people of Maui and this horrible tragedy. Hawaiians are strong hard working people who love their state and will survive this and be stronger.
Prayers and love to everyone in maui.
I cannot find anywhere in the news of what caused the fires on both Maui and the Big Island. I am from Oregon and usually our fires are from lightning strikes or human caused.
A sad, sad Aloha to all with our many prayers to our favorite vacation spot. We woke to scenes of the devastating destruction, our favorite Lahaina Town just simply… gone. Fighting back tears, we are trying to see what can be done from the mainland, obviously help is needed for the many residents. Kaumaha. Our hearts are broken, for everyone there and ourselves who found Lahaina enchanting. We’re afraid to look for “after” pictures, to think the places we loved and the people we loved to be devastated so.
Prayers are with the residents of Maui, please post what we can do to help.
Anthing from Alaska Air of travel waivers?
Hi Carol.
Yes, Alaska is listed right after Hawaiian with their latest updates on Maui waivers.
Aloha.
I have precious family there. Prayers for all that are under way to protect & the threats of any kind of human harm. Flight’s out will open up soon! God will make a way out! Trust god’s promises and wisdom. Blessings of guidance.
Please let us know how we can help the residents of Lahaina and Maui.
I work in the ER of Maui’s only hospital. I was there from 3 PM yesterday until 7 AM today. I’m going back this afternoon.
It was horrific.
I plead to anyone with a trip planned to Maui in the coming months to please cancel their trip. Our infrastructure, usually at maximum capacity, has been pushed over the brink. We will have thousands of newly homeless individuals, entire families, to care for. Our hospital will be over capacity caring for burn victims. There will be shortages of many essential items and services for many weeks if not months.
Please help us by staying home and allowing us the chance to help those who need help the most.
Hi Eldo.
Thanks for the report from on the ground at Maui Memorial’s ER. We wish you and everyone there the best!
Aloha.
OMG! Pray for Maui, Big Island and everyone else impacted. Am planning a trip to Maui and Big Island in October. Let us know what is needed, so we can bring for the residents.
–Linda
San Diego
Unless, it is essential and beneficial to being there and physically lending a helping hand as a priority stay away. Send financial aid and resources instead and just get out of the way of the people that are there for the right reasons / not vacationing. It is not the time to get in the way unless you are going to physically lend a helping hand.
Heartbreaking
Praying for all on Maui
Maui No Ka ‘Oi
Mauinow.com has video from a helicopter, and an interview with the pilot, from the morning of August 9 showing what little is left in downtown Lahaina. Such a tragedy for the people, homes, businesses, and history.