It’s a double-edged sword, where nothing visitors do seems right. And therein may lie the answer to why they aren’t returning and businesses are cutting back.
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169 thoughts on “Maui Layoffs Underway Following Tourism Crash”
What hotels/condos are recommended now in Maui for visitors?
We did ( 4 people ) have a reservation in Maui for the end of this month. Wanted to be sensitive. The resort stated utlily and safety concerns as a reason to cancel or postpone, which we did. Just a sad situation as tourism can bring much needed income but the scope of the tragedy is still, and will remain a highly sensitive concern for the local residents. Pray for healing, balance, and recovery of quality of life for residents. first, then for the visitors to return with respect, understanding, patience and humility, it’s an open wound needing love and care.
This topic is really true
With all the people from Maui asking tourist not to come there in social media creates a strong message to everyone that tourists are not welcome in Maui
In all of this chaos we understand the frustrations but please be clear about your message especially in social media sites
Hi Sofia, as devastating as this tragedy is, there’s more to Maui than just this one area. After October the Hotels that are putting up those displaced by the fire are supposed to be gone. The Hotels and Resorts will be looking for tourists, is what has been stated. I wouldn’t listen too much to online chatter by unknown people who may have their own agenda, call AAA or another travel agency. Most of Maui is open for business, they need tourists to survive. How many online have said to you, “come to another of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands until Maui is ready for tourists again?” I believe that the number is very low if any! Think about that.
Aloha! I live in Lahaina/Kaanapali and if things don’t change here and I mean quickly I do not see how Maui survives; locals say things are worse than Covid lockdowns…there are many suffering from the Lahaina fires (and they need long term housing asap; hotel lodging for those displace is a temp solution; housing has been an urgent need here forever) and now the suffering has spread across the island as Many rely on tourism for income/paychecks/livelihoods and are literally one paycheck away for disaster as many live paycheck to paycheck…especially in the hospitality industry, that is just the way it is ..Please come visit Maui! Ignore our inept Governor Green (where there heck did he come up with the October 17th date?!?) Visit areas that are fully open- Southside areas…We need tourists for better or worse and please pray that those in fear of losing their livelihoods will be okay…there is talk of a Covid-like government payout…We don’t need more government, We just need the government to Get the Heck out of our way so we can make decisions best for us and our Ohana !!!
I remember one time in Hana and a local screamed at me f u haoles. Really? Seems like tourists are not wanted by a large group. I was just minding my business. Why have all this mixed messaging? Either you want tourists or you don’t. I don’t feel welcome when someone is screaming at me to go home. I go to where I am treated best and some are just not wanting tourists so good bye for a long time.
Mike, When I lived there
We went to Makenna
Beach , had to park on the road when a couple on vacation were being threatened by two locals with a large beefed up F-150 with very large tires. They told the people they had to give up their spot because it was there’s. Now mind you they were getting there. Items out of the trunk to walk to the beach when the owner said I am not moving then the two locals threatened him and his wife and the wife said let’s leave and off they went. When I walked past these two guys I said that was wrong what you did. There comment Fu Holey go back to LA we don’t want
Any of you people here. I can see why so many people are turned off by
the minority of locals and mostly the younger
as the same with goes on on the mainland.
Michael, about 15 years ago, we had just arrived at OGG and were loading out luggage into the rental car. My father was about 75 at the time and he was standing where a local wanted to pull his car in. This mature man yelled “FU H … and my teen boys were shocked to hear a Hawaiian act like that. He then continued with why don’t you go back to the mainland we don’t need your money here!
Michael, I had no idea whatsoever that this type of sentiment had been going on for that long, by the sounds of it probably much longer. The Repulsive effects that it must have had on your Father and Family won’t be forgotten. It’s my fervent hope that your Dad gave the person a proper salute!
We were very confused once the Maui governor announced not to go to Maui. We did cancel our trip. But then we heard how many are saying they will be facing bankruptcy unless tourism starts again. So we have rebooked our trip in November 2023. We plan to help part time, tip high, support the people in Maui anyway we can. We love Maui❤️❤️❤️❤️ Mahalo
What a joke!
Tourism is the #1 driver for the economy and the income of Hawaii.
These “officials” can’t even get recovery right!
I hope the electric company that oversees most of the electricity in Hawaiian gets held accountable for this disaster!
I’m praying for you Hawaii!
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The confusing messaging and mixed signals coming out of Maui do not help. I reached out to the Wailea Marriott on Saturday, Sept 2nd, and was told that the resort is closed with no information on a reopening for guests. That’s Wailea, not the west side. What else isn’t open despite the messaging that South Maui is open for business? We aren’t scheduled to return until March 2024. It will be interesting to see what kind of recovery can occur in six months. Dialogue from locals on YouTube and Instagram doesn’t sound very welcoming to tourists. We usually travel to Hawaii three times a year for a total of 30 days. Twenty of those days are usually spent in Maui. Kauai, which we visit a third of the time we vacation in Hawaii may be getting the portion we usually designated for Maui with more travel planned for Oahu and the Big Island.
Sorry, but I must call this out. I just went to the Wailea Marriott web site and searched room availability – all sorts of rooms available not only tomorrow but all next week and beyond. To be sure I called their reservations line and the lady was confused: “We haven’t been closed at all – our numbers are down, but we’ve been open for business and have no plans to close down.”
Wayne, please stop spreading misinformation. It helps no one.
Aloha Rob+Jeff, I think you have stated the facts pretty clear as to the uncertainty of traveling to Maui. It’s just to confusing for travellers to take a chance to travel there right now till the end of the year. Looks like the situation over there is going to be pretty bad for the next few months. The reality is that the island needs to expect and prepare for a long recovery from the fire. I have given support financially to Maui Strong and pray for all the locals to be taken care of, no matter how long that takes. Aloha.
First, I have been devastated by the loss of life, property and history from the Lahaina fires. That being said my heart also hurts for the treatment of tourists that I witnessed from the mainland. The cattle call to get All tourists off the island whether they were in the affected area or not. Some had to sleep in the airport, some had to leave their luggage behind, some were not refunded reservation money. This is a memory that will probably be etched in many minds both those affected and those who watched from afar. Now you want them back? Isn’t this what you have wanted all along? Even Hana is begging? I love Maui. I donated for relief. The world has donated to relief. The visitors who locals hate have donated to relief. I understand the grieving; I don’t want anyone to hurt but you can’t have it both ways. Either you want tourists or you don’t. I am confident they will return and you can once again complain about them being there but I think both sides need to take a little time and regroup. The tourists will come back if you want them. Heck even if you don’t
We had a vacation planned for September which we rescheduled to January out of respect and on the recommendations of the Maui government The Airbnb was very accommodating in rescheduling and giving a special rate to come in January as they will be housing families in need thru October We have been planning this vacation for 10 years and hope to not have to cancel however as of now the airfare is exorbitantly expensive Hopefully the airlines will make it affordable and enticing for tourists to come to Maui in the upcoming months The situation is very sad and controversial but Maui is not just one town If the island is going to come back from this it is needing to be reliant on all factors of bringing people back – accommodations, tours, airlines, and a welcoming from locals
Cathy, You are “Spot On” with your comments. Hopefully the resilience of the people will make Maui the place to be again, and I mean the Entire Island. Yes, the old town cannot be replaced as it was. It can and should be rebuilt in similar fashion and entice visitors to come once again. It’s up to the people, the government cannot be trusted to deliver on any promises of money or help to accomplish this. It’s the Will of the People now!
I;ve mentioned many times on BOH that it has been five long years of working hard to save to return to the islands for probably my last trip. Not from health issues, but my age is up the ladder now. We were reserved for Sept., then lost the money due to the horrible fires.My heart & Soul has always been for the land and people, so going to S. Maui was not an option, financially or mentally. I mourned for these people. But, I lost from greed. Now I am working Again to try to return, but the rentals on South Maui are climbing as high as W. Maui, so my dreams keep becoming, well dreams.Its hard for me to believe that my favorite place on Earth is unreachable. Yes, many locals on social media, do not want us so that scares me in this day of anger!
So many different messages sent out to visitors and now we need them. I can understand the confusion. Get together and get the story straight once and for all to be on the same page.,
We always go somewhere on Maui in the fall but after we heard about all the stay-away messages we made plans to go to the Carribean this year. Too late to change back. Maybe fall 2024.
When I spend a lot of money on a vacation, I want to have a great time. I want to rent a convertible, I want to party, I want to go to a beach and have fun. How am I supposed to do that after the fire, when people are grieving and the whole island is in distress? It feels disrespectful to be doing any of those things. Regardless of whether people of Maui want me to come or not – I will not enjoy my vacation. I would rather go to Mexico or Caribbean.
Yury, I feel that if all have this attitude Maui is done for. They need the Tourist Dollars to help the people with their jobs. We don’t want hopelessness to set in. I’m from California. We have been dealing with horrific fires since forever. I know it is early days and grieving is what needs to be done – but they need us to come back.
Tell me why CA doesn’t do control burns and neither does Maui. If they did there would not be such devastating consequences.
Rob, in a strange way many of California’s Wildfires are controlled burns, it’s just that the person/people controlling the burns 🔥 are Arsonists. (Proven Fact)
Rob, in California the areas are quite vast and the “controlled” burn can, (and has), get quickly away from the firefighters. They do do some here. Additionally, many people in CA are responsible to keeping a defensible space area. Insurance Companies make it a condition of their insurance policy.
I commented earlier today, and I will be visiting West Maui at the end October. I plan to enjoy my stay and help where I can. I don’t feel like I’m acting out of disrespect, I actually want to help Maui recover. I understand not everyone feels the same, that’s why it’s good to have different opinions!
Much aloha and mahalo 🤙
From the Governor on down to Local Administrators the message was clear, “No Tourism!” and of course one of my favorites, “The Island is Closed for Business.” After that most people will dismiss the back and forth announcements. With the ever present “Vocal Minority” telling potential tourists not to come, and worse, why would they? Maui Businesses are, and will continue to be, Hurting due to the Mismanagement of Everyone in State and Local Governments. Including the “Tourism and Vacation Bureau that hasn’t any Clue how to perform their jobs. Parts of Maui are in shambles, people are still searching for those who have died in the intense fires that occurred. Compounding the Damage and Tragedy that has occurred are Disinterested Governmental Employees Causing Insult on top of Injury. They Should Resign!
Ernie,
You are spot-on.
Ernie, the worst thing is
they will vote these people or people like them back in!
Rob, I unfortunately Agree with You!
It’s ironic that Maui county was on the verge of implementing its first phase of paid parking throughout the historic district of Lahaina and south Maui county beaches to charge up to $30 for parking. They were concerned with tourists taking over all the parking spots and thought going from free parking to $30 was justified. However, It was one more step towards alienating what was left of tourists. Now I seriously doubt they can justify moving forward with this plan in South Maui as the priority has to be towards encouraging tourism to return and the beach parking lots are half empty.
David, it’s my experience with Politicians of every level and party, that there’s never been a Tax or Fee that they can implement that they don’t Love! What Better time to implement the parking Fee than before there’s a real need for it, if they don’t they might be missing some Revenue, Unacceptable!
I heard on the news that the unemployed locals were just flocking the beaches because there is nothing else for them to do. Sorry I don’t want sand kicked or thrown in my face because I am a tourist. How do you really think the state is going to cover all the unemployment claims. When your plane lands in Maui or any island you pay what anybody wants regardless of the price. If you don’t I guess you could be considered disrespectful or rude and as a result unwelcomed. Remember the phrase We have the right to change the price at our discrestion anytime.
Don, unfortunately some residents will take exception to Every Tourist. Those “Few” Vocal residents that want Tourism to totally stop forever continue to cause their trouble, until tourists begin Ignoring Them and Their Lame Messages they will feel emboldened to continue. With all of the “Other” Hawaiian Islands in the chain which extends notherly, Why don’t those with a problem with Tourism simply Claim one or two as their new home? Problem Solved.
We have been travelling to Maui for many years and staying in the Kihei area. This year we booked from Oct 27-Nov 10 splitting our vacation between Kihei and Kaanapali. Then the fire and so many confusing and contradicting news alerts, especially the closure of West Maui until October 17, which is where we were looking forward to staying.
Our question was: would this date be extended. After much deliberation we thought it best to cancel our vacation and consider going in the spring of 2024. The condo owner in Kihei refunded our deposit within a day. Sadly the condo owner (at The Whaler) wasn’t very understanding and kept our deposit but must say it was a non-refundable reservation… he even kept the cleaning fee. This doesn’t help the Maui cause. We have compassion for all who have suffered and continue to do so.
However, this has left a bit a sour taste with us. Will we return… probably but then again there are other “warm” destinations.
Thank you for allowing me to express my concern.
Mahalo,
Ian
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We have visited Maui countless times over the years and our last visit in 2019 we experienced a number of uncomfortable experiences. Unfortunately we do not believe that the people of maui genuinely want tourists despite being economically dependent on them
I don’t understand this burden of guilt and responsibility on tourists. There have been disasters at lot of places. Tragedy is not unique to this incident or just these people. The have the sympathy and empathy, but it’s just ridiculous to blame tourist. Worse, tourists are being held responsible for their failure to run a responsible government or policy making. Compared to mainland USA Hawaii culture might be different, but if you travel around the world a lot of coastal areas and societies in nature rich places have similar culture. There are successful countries built on tourism without destruction of native habitat. So clearly the failure is not due to tourists. We wanted to do a Hawaii trip, but the ridiculous tourist bashing made us put it off.
Many locals make it clear to stay away. It would only take one to ruin our vacation. The locals certainly aren’t ambitious, it will take many extra years compared to other areas to rebuild. I almost suspect a fire tax next for tourists. They blame us on everything. Roads, water sewage etc. last year I found out that the majority of the island is on septic fields. That is horrible, they are filling the ocean with sewage and blame the tourists again. I am done with their prices and lack of respect for the people paying for their lifestyle. It comes down to respect, the less they work the less self worth. They don’t want to work and expect it all given to them. For an island flush with tourism, they are a disgrace when it comes to the environment. Poor recycling and worse if all sewage. They should be world class, but someone is misleading the income. Never again for us and we spent out last 10 years there for three months each winter. Another article I read in their paper. They want high valued tourists/ the ones who stay in the resorts and don’t go anywhere!
Due to us traveling to Maui on an annual basis I follow events on the island closely. For years I’ve known about anti tourist voiced by locals living on Maui, but never have we had an issue always enjoyed our stays.
What changed was after the fire anyone following social media for updates, including our 3 grown children, found post after post by individuals living on Maui stating how much they hate tourist and how disrespectful it would be if we visited the island.
Almost immediately I got calls from all 3 of our children telling us we need to cancel our October trip to Maui. It isn’t safe and it would be disrespectful for us to travel at this time.
My point is for us who do regularly travel to the islands we know about the anti tourist voices know how to navigate the island so as to not disturb the local population, but now social media has given these anti tourist individuals a big voice and it’s going to hurt Maui’s economy in a bad way.
Ernie, your breathlessly hyperbolic and misleading statements help no one. I actually live and work on Maui and have been speaking to dozens of my fellow locals, both those directly and indirectly affected by the fires. None of them are shunning tourism. None. Not in Kihei, Not in Paia, not in Hana, not in Haiku, not in the Central Valley (Wailuku and Kahului), not in Wailea. The west coast is still a bad destination given the strain of the infrastructure (water, power, housing for relief and recovery workers, etc), but the rest of the island is more than welcoming of tourists. How many resident have you actually spoken to, Ernie? Maybe step away from your social media accounts a bit – they are very skewed. Mahalo!
Retired in 2010 and did 5 weeks each Jan-Feb since then. This past Feb. we simply got tired of the “we want tourists/ no we don’t” debate and said let’s go back to the Caribbean. We let our standing reservations run out and did not look back. Hawaii, you have some issues you have to work out. Too many sides working against each other.
Here’s some intel that might help readers of BOH with their decision making. From direct sources, many West Maui resorts and vacation condo’s are booking and accepting guests effective now. I am told you could go to west Maui tomorrow, if you really wanted to. The caveat is that services are, for the short term, still ramping up. You may find fewer stores/restaurants open in West Maui and/or longer lines for what you want or need. Condo associations are targeting October 1 as a date where they hope to have all amenities available to guests, be they fire refugees or paying customers. Call it a soft-opening before October 17. Every west Maui resort, business, restaurant, service will have their own time-table, but the pressure is mounting (for all the reasons listed in today’s BOH article) to start the new-normal and be up and running with what is available by that date. Visitors should be aware and mindful they may even be sharing resort amenities with fire refugees.
Personal note: I must be ignorant. I often read and hear of friction between locals and tourists on Maui. In our 40-years of travelling to Maui, I confess I have never encountered a person or individual who was hostile to me or my family or friends for being a tourist. In fact, we have come to know so many people that we are often greeted by our first names. I guess I don’t get around enough?
I have been visiting Maui since 70. and never experienced anything but love. It wasnt until I followed social media to learn the up to date travel news and found out how many locals were not happy with tourists. So much so, that it actually puts fear into me to visit again. Not sure what we will do now.
Sandi, your comments are proof positive that Social Media is a very poor lens through which to view the world. It amplifies reality to the point that it distorts it. You even admit that you personally were never aware of anti-tourist sentiment despite many trips to the islands, yet because of random unverified comments from anonymous stranger on social media you changed your mind. That’s unfortunate and misguided. Please re-evaluate from where you gather your data – social media should be one of your last resorts.
Hi Sandi, sorry to say that there are “some people” causing all of the grief. How many, no one knows for certain. It’s my belief that there’s a vocal minority online and the visible on every island. I have encountered a few, I simply asked if it was okay for us to be there, they each said that it was okay and we weren’t the type that they are against. That surprised me in some ways. Maybe it’s in the approach that can make the difference? I was just wondering what they would say. The signage here and there is terrible, it’s even on some vehicles. I have never been told to move my car or out of their spot on the beach. Maybe they have a type that are not wanted anymore, that I can and do believe. Be respectful and courteous, it can be helpful.
Great post. This is very much how I see things playing out. Many resorts stopped booking for early Oct., but aren’t refunding money to those who have booked in advanced (at least mine isn’t). You can see activities in West Maui are starting to take reservations starting Oct. 1st, and I believe some stores and restaurants will start to open in limited capacity in early October.
I think the idea of a soft opening is a smart decision. This should reduce staffing issues etc., and allow things/businesses to slowly start returning. I don’t want to offend or hurt anyone. I’ll lay low, tip well, and try to blend in as much as I can.
We were planning on going to Maui for our 30th anniversary next September (2024). We have always preferred Maui for our “special” times. My wife has been “shopping” for hotels.
However, the pricing of hotels is out of control. True, airfares from the mainland have dropped, but to spend ten to fourteen days in a hotel there is cost prohibitive. If they really want visitors to return, then it would seem that prices should drop.
Wouldn’t be better to have more visitors (at a lower rate) than fewer visitors at a much higher rate? More visitors mean fewer layoffs of affected industries. Fewer rental cars rented, fewer meals eaten, fewer rooms occupied means fewer employees needed.
Will never go there again…too scared of being caught in a fire
I just saw a VRBO owner at a Kaanapali resort that had drastically lowered their rate for Sept and October. Was being marketed on one of the Maui FB pages… maybe the hotels will start doing this but I doubt it. After COVID and before the fires, accommodation rates had gotten out of control in my opinion.
Please I need to know we have a trip booked for the end of January. At kaanapolia Beach hotel. That is the only place in Maui we what to stay. So please let us know if we should cancel our trip. We don’t want to offend anyone. Thank you for any updates you could let me know.
The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is a lovely property, and everyone there is always so nice –it’s understandable that it’s the only place you want to stay. But right now, they are housing displaced fire survivors. Don’t know how long that commitment goes for? And perhaps they plan to welcome vacation guests as well. But please check with whoever you made your reservations through – they should be able to tell you.
I must admit I only went to Maui because I loved Lahaina and I still can’t believe all those beautiful old shops and buildings have gone I loved the church that was destroyed I loved everything about Lahaina my heart breaks for what your people have lost it’s just devastating
“Initially, the state asked all visitors to leave Maui and did not invite them to return.”
This was huge mistake by Green, he will regret it for quite a while.
Actually it was initially the LT. Governor. She should be held accountable come election time.
Curtis C., you are correct. Unfortunately this is the State of Hawaii where everyone typically forgets and forgives these gaffs. It’s the Hawaiian mentality for the most part, they’re all used to the Nepotism, Supposed Graft, Shoddy Work of all types, and paying Top Dollars for all of it. Welcome to Hawaii!
Would love to visit but the messaging is muddled, the hate is clear and the prices are through the roof! Cmon at least lower the prices, give us an incentive to visit regardless of the hate.
All by design. Everything is going to the billionaires now. The island will become a private destination for the uber rich. It was planned years ago.
First of all, thank you to Rob and Jeff for mentioning the most reliable source of hotel reservation forecasting:
The State Unemployment Registry!
I shared this with earlier this year. I learned it while working as a contract site communications engineer at a huge hotel in Chicago in the 90’s. It was there I used to have lunch with HR and the accounting folks and learned that marketing frequently gives inflated information about reservations and occupancy, but the truest data comes from the unemployment applications. Maui is indeed in trouble due to that misreporting. The hotels in unaffected areas desperately need guests.
Most people are not going to stay and spend there hard earned money in a place that clearly doesn’t want them
Excellent article that gets a lot right. But what needs to be emphasized far more: the local and native visitor hate. It is loud, it is in your face, the hate is palpable. Many, many writings, posts and videos telling haoles to stay away — and far worse. Blaming the fires on tourists and “occupation,” while saying no natives or locals bear any responsibility (if you look, you’ll see native organizations on Instagram and X saying *exactly* this). Or this “welcoming” message: “Visit, spend, leave.”
This encapsulates exactly what the world is hearing, loud and very clear: “we hate you, but we’ll tolerate you for a week if you drop money and pay skyhigh visitor taxes, but above all just get out.” The planet has heard you. World’s a big place with plenty to do and see. We respect Maui and the islands, treated all well on our visits, but we won’t be back.
Totally agree! We go to Maui at least once a year but will not now for awhile I’m sorry for the tragedy there but I don’t don’t want to go where I’m not wanted
I feel the same way. I’m done with Maui, and it sounds like islands in general. We rebooked to London and Barcelona and both cities were welcoming.
We usually spend a week each year at The Whaler or up in Kapalua at the Bay Villas. Prior to the fire our usual condo at The Whaler went up about $150.00 per night. The Bay Villa condo went up to $850.00per night, up about the same. We were there last December I noticed the lack of Aloha spirit. Especially at the front desk of The Whaler and the employees at Safeway in Lahaina. I found it odd as my better half is Filipina and our encounters with employees we had previously chatted with in years past and were more than nice. Something changed and not for the good. Looking forward, we have no desire to stay in Kihei and cannot afford Wailea. We may just give Maui a rest for 2-3 years.
Loud fringe people exist everywhere on social media. I think it’s important to understand that does not represent the whole. As you stated, you were treated kindly and with respect. That is the marker to go by. I find it so interesting when visitors take the time to read about Hawaii and post that they won’t be returning to the islands for this or that reason. It’s always a choice. Just curious why posting your own personal disinterest to discourage others from coming and enjoying the islands is a good thing, especially when you said you were treated well. Certainly don’t come if you don’t want to. I just don’t see the need to tell the world and harm the people of these islands. You are the other side of the coin. We care and welcome our visitors. I see it every day and everywhere.
Excellent post, Frieda
Social media gives you a distorted view of the world,
which is why I ignore it.
This has been my experience on Maui. Been going since the 80’s and have never been harassed in any fashion. Of course I know it’s out there, but I think Social Media gives a few people a larger voice than they deserve.
Also agree. Since COVID the message has been very strong that Maui doesn’t want visitors but wants the money. The message doesn’t seem as strong on the other islands, but its still loud enough to know when your not wanted. If Hawaii manages the Maui rebuilding effort like they managed COVID, its never going to be rebuilt.
Just returned from Maui flying back and forth on Southwest. They have cut flights on their upcoming schedule due to the lack of tourists. I found people working at the airport to be gracious and friendly to those arriving and departing. We stayed in Wailea on the beach. There was an abundance of open rooms in the hotels. Sadly, walking around was like being there during Covid. We came into contact with many business owners and hotel staff, all were friendly and welcoming. Your local government has really made a mess of things, hopefully locals remember that at voting time. On the fence about visiting? Go. Be respectful. The people who need jobs will thank you. They certainly thanked us for visiting.
My husband and I spent 12 nights in a condo in Kihei last month (we came home a week before the fire). From all that I had been reading beforehand, I was a bit leery about going to Maui; I was concerned locals would be unkind to us. But that was not the case at all. I’d like to add that while we ate breakfast and lunch in our condo (having purchased food at both Foodland and Target), we ate dinner out every single night. We also did 4 excursions, as well as bought a few souvenirs. We’ve been to Maui many times, so we don’t usually spend too much on souvenirs, but spend $$ on nice dinners? Most certainly. Anyway, everyone we encountered was friendly and welcoming. I hope people will go back to the unaffected areas; I’d so hate to see Maui in financial ruin from this because of bad governmental messaging/decisions.
I have enjoyed my many visits to Hawaii. But it’s time for the locals and leaders in the community including the Government to indeed understand that their livelihood and economy are dependent on the “Howlie”. This is whether you were a native or a transplant living with a full or part time home.
You need to eliminate the word “Howlie” this hate word in your speech an actions. Otherwise you and Hawaii could die in the middle of the ocean.
No it want die but the ultra rich will come in and bring Hawaii back to the plantation days.
Seems visitors aren’t welcome at this time. So those who have already purchased tickets for the beginning of October should just bite the bullet and not go? A no win situation as tickets aren’t cheap and the airlines certainly aren’t going to help with refunds and not everyone can just reschedule vacations that have been planned for months.
Is it too much to ask for a clear statement from Maui as to how to proceed?
Please visit The Valley Island. The hospitality workers need you. However, West Maui is not advisable.