156 thoughts on “Updated: Maui Travel Must Remain On Hold For Now”
Donna
My heart goes out to the residents on our beloved Maui.
This is just devastating and heartbreaking in so many ways.
Mahalo, BoH, for the updates.
We have a trip planned to Maui in December (we’ve been visiting almost yearly since 1998), and if there are volunteer opportunities, we plan to help where we can.
Thanks for this informative article. We canceled our trip 8/17 today. I love Maui and my heart breaks for all the people on Maui. It really saddens me to think of what they are going through.
There’s been a lot of posting on social media on should I cancel our stay on Maui.
We’re booked for an October stay in Wailea our plan is to be patient and wait for Hawaiian authorities recommendations. Up to a week before our planned trip I can cancel for full refund. At that time if authorities say stay home we’ll stay home. (I pasted this from a Facebook post I made earlier today)
With that said it seems area’s of Maui not affected by fire are going on business as usual. There’s been no big run on grocery stores, Costco or Walmart. The main port of delivery of goods was not damaged.
I viewed Grand Wailea’s webcam it look like business as usual.
I lived through the 2018 Paradise wildfire the worst thing that happened after the fire was businesses that weren’t lost to fire closed due to a lack of business.
The first week or two after the fire will be rough, but if area’s that didn’t sustain damage aren’t allowed to conduct business you will be inviting a second economic tragedy of great suffering of those who need work to pay bills and feed their families.
As stated above don’t panic cancel your trip to Maui instead let things playout be patient and informed if it doesn’t make sence to go then stay home.
This is truly devastating. We are frequent Hawaii travelers and our hearts hurt for Hawaii and it’s people. Praying that they are able to come together, remain strong, and recover.
While talking to our 5.5 year old daughter about this today, she said she wanted to help. We are going to hold a lemonade stand (Aloha Abby’s Lemonade 🌺) and donate every dollar earned to help Hawaii. ❤️
My friend and I have reservations at Napili Point Resort for Aug 21st -Aug 31st. She says we should go to help support the economy but I’m not sure. Any thoughts?
Barbara,
Mahalo to you and your friend for wanting to help, but I assure you west Maui will not be ready for visitors in a week or two. There is no electricity, no cell service, and no gasoline on this side of the island. We own a home that is normally filled with tourist at this time, but it is it will be used to house people who have lost their homes. I hope other homeowners are doing the same. Again, thank you for wanting to help, but please consider donating to one of the charities that are on the ground, providing assistance. Mahalo Nui Loa
I have seen many comments on social media from people who said they don’t want to lose their hard earned money because their airbnb or resort will not refund them so they are coming.
The one reply that stood out was “how can I possibly drive through Lahaina to Kaanapali for a vacation right now”?
We live in Kihei and we are sad…our neighbors and friends are sad. Even of you did not know anyone or have family you are still impacted. We are already seeing groceries and supplies impacted with those that came south side instead of leaving. Please let the island heal and give it time. Like above wait a few weeks or a month and see what happens. Maui is strong and it will recover!
Once again thank you for the timely info. I relied on some of the information when we planned our trip to Maui in 21 with the Covid craziness. I am so grateful now that we went and got to see Lahaina before the fires. It was a special trip for personal reasons and giving Covid the one finger salute. Now I’m back, although I haven’t left, to get updates on a place that is so special to me. From everything I’m finding all of the places that made an impact are gone. I hope that the Banyan tree survives and becomes the symbol of surviving this tragedy. Love and prayers to all those affected and especially for your friends.
I love Hawaii and Maui, and I pray that she perseveres through this unimaginable tragedy. I have waked rent street many times. Drove the roads. Ate in the restaurants, shopped in the shops….be safe be well and Maui no Ka ‘oi
Auē, ke aloha ē,
U‘i roselani ē,
Nani Haleakalā,
Ku‘u home ‘o Maui nō ka ‘oi,
Ku‘u home ‘o Maui nō ka ‘oi.
Oh, the love [I feel]!
For the roselani beauty
So lovely is Haleakalā
My home, Maui is the best!
My home, Maui is the best!
This is a great website. I have been looking for Information all day. My husband and friends were due to arrive on Maui Monday the 14th and couldn’t get any answers due to down powerlines and internet outages. We have decided to reschedule our trip until after then 1st of the year. We will do whatever we can to support our loved one’s on the island and pray for all affected. This is so devastating and Maui will get through this. Thoughts and prayers to all…
As far as I can tell, it looks like pretty much or all of Puamana was destroyed. It seems like this is about where the fires ended — they didn’t go up the hill on Hokiokio Place nor further south to Launiupoko Park. None of the houses in Launiupoko up Kai Hele Ku St. were affected.
I love Lahaina and have visited many times. It is very sad to see their museums and history be destroyed. It was such a beautiful place to visit. It will probably take years to rebuild. I usually stay at the Royal Lahaina resort. If Kaanapali survives there are some things to do there, but it is not the same as the Lahaina town.
Aloha BoH. This entire experience has been heartbreaking to watch unfold. We visit the islands no less than 2x a year, with Maui & Big Island favorites. We have a trip on the books for late September in Ma’alaea and another for February (also Ma’alaea). We won’t cancel today, but it’s so difficult to think about what our friends and family on island are dealing with, I almost did cancel. We’re going to come, and support, this beautiful place. We never have been “tourists” but more ‘visitors’ with a love of all things Hawaiiana. We lay low, eat & shop local and do a few fun excursions (whale watching!). This upcoming trip will be very reminiscent of our first time back after Covid days. We will stay close to “home” appreciating the natural beauty in “our” backyard. We will share what we have and will be grateful we have the means to do so. Maui no ka oi.
Thank you, BOH, for your always timely information about our beloved Maui. We had plans to stay in Kaanapali at our favorite condo (VRBO) arriving on 11/10, but have decided to cancel our trip. The damage to Lahaina and other areas will take a long time to sort out and repair/restore. We think it best to stay away at this time and let the attention be put on the displaced residents who need the help so desperately. Mahalo.
Pam thank you for your compassionate and unselfish response in postponing your visit. True Aloha. Giving residents the space they need to find their footing, hopefully have spaces to live that would normally be occupied by travelers and supplies as well. Roadways have been damaged and vehicles lost as well. It will take months for cars to be shipped in. Rental cars may be needed by residents and roadways don’t need to be overused due to tourism. As they navigate through this know your decision is appreciated. Mahalo
This is not a time to worry about a ruined vacation. The Big Island, Oahu and Kauai are open for business.
What many do not realize is that there is one hospital on Maui. In normal times they are always at 90% capacity. Throw in any disaster and they are overwhelmed.
Like you gentleman stated, all of these people who lost homes will need to find places to live. The state may have to find ways to find housing for them. Which could mean using hotel rooms.
Thank you and prayers for all of Maui. Here’s what we’re finding with a trip scheduled 8/21-28 staying in West Maui – between Kaanapali and Kapalua. Unable to reach the condo management company which has a no refund within 14 day policy. SW Air allows to change islands at no extra cost, but only for flights of 8/14 or sooner. Rental car is $100 cancellation.
If you can wait to decide, we’ll certainly learn more in the next few weeks. If you can’t wait, however, then perhaps another destination would be a better choice.
Hope your friend’s life resumes normalcy as soon as possible and his wife is well. Don’t know how that could possibly be but at least it’s a hope and wish.
Good to hear from you at this difficult time. Thanks for your well wishes! We plan write an article about his experiences when appropriate time for healing has passed. He was exceedingly grateful to be alive when we spoke earlier.
My heart goes out to the residents on our beloved Maui.
This is just devastating and heartbreaking in so many ways.
Mahalo, BoH, for the updates.
We have a trip planned to Maui in December (we’ve been visiting almost yearly since 1998), and if there are volunteer opportunities, we plan to help where we can.
Hi Donna.
Thanks. We hope to have more information and it will be posted on here as soon as we do. Please check back.
Aloha.
Thanks for this informative article. We canceled our trip 8/17 today. I love Maui and my heart breaks for all the people on Maui. It really saddens me to think of what they are going through.
There’s been a lot of posting on social media on should I cancel our stay on Maui.
We’re booked for an October stay in Wailea our plan is to be patient and wait for Hawaiian authorities recommendations. Up to a week before our planned trip I can cancel for full refund. At that time if authorities say stay home we’ll stay home. (I pasted this from a Facebook post I made earlier today)
With that said it seems area’s of Maui not affected by fire are going on business as usual. There’s been no big run on grocery stores, Costco or Walmart. The main port of delivery of goods was not damaged.
I viewed Grand Wailea’s webcam it look like business as usual.
I lived through the 2018 Paradise wildfire the worst thing that happened after the fire was businesses that weren’t lost to fire closed due to a lack of business.
The first week or two after the fire will be rough, but if area’s that didn’t sustain damage aren’t allowed to conduct business you will be inviting a second economic tragedy of great suffering of those who need work to pay bills and feed their families.
As stated above don’t panic cancel your trip to Maui instead let things playout be patient and informed if it doesn’t make sence to go then stay home.
This is truly devastating. We are frequent Hawaii travelers and our hearts hurt for Hawaii and it’s people. Praying that they are able to come together, remain strong, and recover.
While talking to our 5.5 year old daughter about this today, she said she wanted to help. We are going to hold a lemonade stand (Aloha Abby’s Lemonade 🌺) and donate every dollar earned to help Hawaii. ❤️
My friend and I have reservations at Napili Point Resort for Aug 21st -Aug 31st. She says we should go to help support the economy but I’m not sure. Any thoughts?
Barbara,
Mahalo to you and your friend for wanting to help, but I assure you west Maui will not be ready for visitors in a week or two. There is no electricity, no cell service, and no gasoline on this side of the island. We own a home that is normally filled with tourist at this time, but it is it will be used to house people who have lost their homes. I hope other homeowners are doing the same. Again, thank you for wanting to help, but please consider donating to one of the charities that are on the ground, providing assistance. Mahalo Nui Loa
I have seen many comments on social media from people who said they don’t want to lose their hard earned money because their airbnb or resort will not refund them so they are coming.
The one reply that stood out was “how can I possibly drive through Lahaina to Kaanapali for a vacation right now”?
We live in Kihei and we are sad…our neighbors and friends are sad. Even of you did not know anyone or have family you are still impacted. We are already seeing groceries and supplies impacted with those that came south side instead of leaving. Please let the island heal and give it time. Like above wait a few weeks or a month and see what happens. Maui is strong and it will recover!
Once again thank you for the timely info. I relied on some of the information when we planned our trip to Maui in 21 with the Covid craziness. I am so grateful now that we went and got to see Lahaina before the fires. It was a special trip for personal reasons and giving Covid the one finger salute. Now I’m back, although I haven’t left, to get updates on a place that is so special to me. From everything I’m finding all of the places that made an impact are gone. I hope that the Banyan tree survives and becomes the symbol of surviving this tragedy. Love and prayers to all those affected and especially for your friends.
I love Hawaii and Maui, and I pray that she perseveres through this unimaginable tragedy. I have waked rent street many times. Drove the roads. Ate in the restaurants, shopped in the shops….be safe be well and Maui no Ka ‘oi
Auē, ke aloha ē,
U‘i roselani ē,
Nani Haleakalā,
Ku‘u home ‘o Maui nō ka ‘oi,
Ku‘u home ‘o Maui nō ka ‘oi.
Oh, the love [I feel]!
For the roselani beauty
So lovely is Haleakalā
My home, Maui is the best!
My home, Maui is the best!
Could you possibly give an update whether Napili was damaged by the fire?
Hi David.
No it was not.
Aloha.
This is a great website. I have been looking for Information all day. My husband and friends were due to arrive on Maui Monday the 14th and couldn’t get any answers due to down powerlines and internet outages. We have decided to reschedule our trip until after then 1st of the year. We will do whatever we can to support our loved one’s on the island and pray for all affected. This is so devastating and Maui will get through this. Thoughts and prayers to all…
Hi Netty.
Thank you. From every report we are getting, that was a very wise move. Wishing you happy travels when you return.
Aloha.
Saying many prayers for all of Maui and look forward to a rebuilding for her people. Much love
Hello— do you have information as to how much fire damage, if any, occurred to the homes in the Puamana resort next to Lahaina?
Thanks.
Hi Elaine.
Hopefully someone can advise on this.
Aloha.
As far as I can tell, it looks like pretty much or all of Puamana was destroyed. It seems like this is about where the fires ended — they didn’t go up the hill on Hokiokio Place nor further south to Launiupoko Park. None of the houses in Launiupoko up Kai Hele Ku St. were affected.
I love Lahaina and have visited many times. It is very sad to see their museums and history be destroyed. It was such a beautiful place to visit. It will probably take years to rebuild. I usually stay at the Royal Lahaina resort. If Kaanapali survives there are some things to do there, but it is not the same as the Lahaina town.
Prayers for Maui. Maybe one of the cruise lines could put a ship there for some temporary housing
Aloha BoH. This entire experience has been heartbreaking to watch unfold. We visit the islands no less than 2x a year, with Maui & Big Island favorites. We have a trip on the books for late September in Ma’alaea and another for February (also Ma’alaea). We won’t cancel today, but it’s so difficult to think about what our friends and family on island are dealing with, I almost did cancel. We’re going to come, and support, this beautiful place. We never have been “tourists” but more ‘visitors’ with a love of all things Hawaiiana. We lay low, eat & shop local and do a few fun excursions (whale watching!). This upcoming trip will be very reminiscent of our first time back after Covid days. We will stay close to “home” appreciating the natural beauty in “our” backyard. We will share what we have and will be grateful we have the means to do so. Maui no ka oi.
Do you have an address to send donations to ? Our prayers are with the people of Hawaii.
Hi Brenda.
Yes, that can be found here: https://beatofhawaii.com/world-rocked-by-maui-fire-devastation/.
Aloha.
Thank you, BOH, for your always timely information about our beloved Maui. We had plans to stay in Kaanapali at our favorite condo (VRBO) arriving on 11/10, but have decided to cancel our trip. The damage to Lahaina and other areas will take a long time to sort out and repair/restore. We think it best to stay away at this time and let the attention be put on the displaced residents who need the help so desperately. Mahalo.
Hi Pam.
Thanks for letting us know. We hope you will be able to return again soon.
Aloha.
Pam thank you for your compassionate and unselfish response in postponing your visit. True Aloha. Giving residents the space they need to find their footing, hopefully have spaces to live that would normally be occupied by travelers and supplies as well. Roadways have been damaged and vehicles lost as well. It will take months for cars to be shipped in. Rental cars may be needed by residents and roadways don’t need to be overused due to tourism. As they navigate through this know your decision is appreciated. Mahalo
This is not a time to worry about a ruined vacation. The Big Island, Oahu and Kauai are open for business.
What many do not realize is that there is one hospital on Maui. In normal times they are always at 90% capacity. Throw in any disaster and they are overwhelmed.
Like you gentleman stated, all of these people who lost homes will need to find places to live. The state may have to find ways to find housing for them. Which could mean using hotel rooms.
The area is going to need a lot of time to heal.
Thanks again for the article.
Thank you and prayers for all of Maui. Here’s what we’re finding with a trip scheduled 8/21-28 staying in West Maui – between Kaanapali and Kapalua. Unable to reach the condo management company which has a no refund within 14 day policy. SW Air allows to change islands at no extra cost, but only for flights of 8/14 or sooner. Rental car is $100 cancellation.
So sad and heartbreaking.
We love Lahaina!
We will be back soon to support them.
Thoughts and prayers to all!
Your updates are greatly appreciated. We are supposed to go to Ka’anapali in mid October and not sure what to do. We host a big meeting at the Hyatt.
Hi Barbara.
If you can wait to decide, we’ll certainly learn more in the next few weeks. If you can’t wait, however, then perhaps another destination would be a better choice.
Aloha.
Hope your friend’s life resumes normalcy as soon as possible and his wife is well. Don’t know how that could possibly be but at least it’s a hope and wish.
Hi Barbara.
Good to hear from you at this difficult time. Thanks for your well wishes! We plan write an article about his experiences when appropriate time for healing has passed. He was exceedingly grateful to be alive when we spoke earlier.
Aloha.