Nearly all airlines have cut Maui flights this week, including Alaska, Delta, Southwest, United, and others. While Hawaiian hasn’t yet, it will likely join soon for various reasons (see below). According to Hawaii Tourism, daily arrivals are simply not changing direction. Typically, we expect to see more than two times as many visitors on Maui at this time of year.
How the world perceived the results of the Lahaina fire.
The world was rocked by images of visitors sleeping on the floor at Maui and Honolulu airports as they complied with the state’s request to vacate the island. Beat of Hawaii editors were in Honolulu during that mass evacuation, and it was an unforgettable media frenzy-invoking scene that has remained indelible, together with the images of the Lahaina fire devastation, that to this day are beyond comprehension.
Maui flights: airlines take the axe.
Since the reality of the unchanging Maui tourism disaster has become apparent, airlines almost across the board have no choice but to reduce flights. Those included United Airlines, which has cut flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to the island and has temporarily reduced flights from Denver and Chicago.
Could a magic turnaround start come Thanksgiving?
There’s still a glimmer of hope that the messaging can move forward enough plus other factors come into play, to get visitors back on track to Maui by then. And in that regard, Southwest Airlines has suspended or reduced Maui flights from multiple cities, including Phoenix and Sacramento, until Thanksgiving week.
Alaska Airlines has also adjusted its fall schedule and has cut seat capacity to Maui. Flight reductions there include LAX, PDX, SEA, and SAN.
We also previously reported that Delta Air Lines implemented significant reductions in its Maui flights until the summer of 2024. They eliminated two important routes entirely: the nonstop flights from their hubs at Atlanta and Minneapolis.
American Airlines too pared back Maui flights, especially from Los Angeles this fall. And Westjet also has cut Maui flights from Calgary and Edmonton, Canada.
While back at Hawaiian Airlines, we see no significant Maui flight cuts at this time, although we firmly believe those are coming. Hawaiian will concomitantly be facing the possibility of having up to one-half of their narrow-body fleet in the shop at any one time, for up to one year per plane over the next two years, due to engine repairs needed due to a massive recall that is spiraling.
Word on the street we’ve heard about Maui fires.
Beat of Hawaii editors have been traveling in Europe recently, partly to contrast changes in Hawaii and European travel. When talking with people in several countries, there is the feeling that others express to us that Hawaii itself burned down and that visitors should not go to Hawaii at this time. When we explain that it is a reasonably small albeit hugely important part of one island, people are generally quite surprised and pleased to hear that, but are pleased that the issues were more localized than they initially thought based on the media frenzy.
What will it take for Maui travel to return?
We can certainly understand the problematic issues at West Maui. Lahaina was a huge part of the West Maui region’s visitor stays. So visitors may feel more isolated than before and will be faced with seeing the damage to Lahaina’s devastation for years to come.
As for the remainder of Maui, nothing has changed either to reduce visitors or entice them to return. Most in Hawaii feel that visitors are welcome and needed.
But even without the lack of visitors and upcoming reservations, many of you have complained that there are still no significant reductions in the cost of accommodations or airfare for that matter. Accommodations, followed by airfare represent the major expenses of a Maui vacation. The lack of discounting remains concerning, juxtaposed with the island’s strong desire to bring more visitors.
Please share your thoughts.
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Leave us alone! It is a colosal effort for the residents to keep the west Maui community together…This really is the most important thing right now, this and to find the right political power that wont let us residents struggle in hotels for what seems to be an ethernity …Why is everything else more important but to place people in dignified housing???We were awarded a huge amount of money by Biden administration when the disaster hit last year..Now you wont provide food anymore/and people are still in hotels 9 months later…Why?What is more important? Fix your priorities! People died, and are committing suiside because of desperation.. Quit crying over lost tourism – this is not the way to threat the locals!
We have visited Maui many times over the years & absolutely love spending time there. However, accommodation prices have forced us to look for alternative destinations. I wish that the prices would decrease but I doubt that is in the cards.
So, we will cherish the memories.
As far as I know, the Hyatt Regency is not part of the Marriott group.
Which is it? We want tourists or don’t want tourist? Beautiful geography with an ugly population. My vacation dollars go towards a relaxing, welcoming place- not Hawaii.
If you think that Hawaii has an ugly population, you obviously should not come to Maui. The people are one of main reasons why I moved to Hawaii in the 1st place. Most are friendly, welcoming, relaxed, yet efficient and customer oriented. It’s the attitude of “some” tourists who feel entitled just because they have some money to spend that makes the Aloha spirit harder to practice.
As you said Eva, one of the things that make Hawaii so special is the people. The Hawaiians introduced the world to the Aloha spirit. It’s still there. But it does get tested. Sadly, the Internet has given power to people to spew hate. Someone sitting at a computer attacking the people of Hawaii when they are suffering defines them, not Hawaiians. The reality is there is a lot of Aloha to be found in Maui and a lot of good people doing a lot of good things. The numerous comments about how appreciated travelers felt when they were in Maui is the norm. Not the few people that feel they have to bash Hawaiians from their computer.
Agreed. I am heading home (West Maui) in a week and will have better insights.
It takes 2 to tango. There is good and bad in all groups.
Although my first, very short, visit to Hawaii was in 1965, I didn’t start coming regularly until the mid/late 1970s.
I can count one 1 hand any problems I’ve had here. Actually, I can count them on 1 finger. A local tried to make me regret enjoying Pali Lookout. That’s it. One incident in over 40 years – not too bad.
We were booked in January, cancelled and instead we are going to Hawaii. Now I feel bad but airfares and rooms have not gotten any cheaper. Actually airfares are up.
Hotels that aren’t three times the price o tourist destinations on the mainland for a comparable room might be something to consider. Not everybody wants to pay $800 a night. Lots of choices out there.
Eva B: Lose Lose because that is such a huge hotel. It is closed to Holiday Guests that spend $$, the people who work there are laid off. No income, no tips. People who stay there go to other places in Kaanapali to eat, shop and spend money, but they cannot do that because they are closed to Holiday Guests. While the Hotel is doing a good thing for displaced people, they get the government money for the Fema and Red Cross people, but that doesn’t help the local economy – only Corporate.
Aloha,our family of 6 traveled to Maui on Sept 4th for a week.We stayed in Keihi.We felt nervous at first yet that nervousness quickly went away.We felt very welcomed.We all would return tomorrow if feasible.I believe the best way to get tourism up and running is to lower airfare, accommodations, and excursions. It’s just to expensive.
There are multitudes of things to do on Maui. Stay in Kihei. We always stay at Luana Kai.
Originally was going to Orlando for Thanksgiving but we decided to go to Maui instead. We just booked airfare for that week to help the tourism economy and volunteer. The airfare was as high as it usually is for that time of year and the condo prices in Kihei have not come down from what I have observed.
Good on you Enrigue! I predict your vacation will be a memorable one and you’ll experience an extra helping of Aloha, enjoy!
You can’t expect a recovery until Kaanapali Beach is open. South Maui condos are not giving huge discounts but if only half the island is open, that’s what would be needed. Also, even after October 8, if the resentment remains, people will stay away. It still is not cheap, so why go where you are not wanted?
Mike, read PatG’s post. That’s the reality of the situation from someone on Maui. A lot of people from 1000’s of miles away are sending vitriol towards Hawaii via social media. Consider the source….why would you want their perspective? It says more about them than it does anything about Hawaii.
There’s a lot of Aloha on Maui right now.
John W: My sister is an owner at the Residence Club (timeshare) that is attached to the Hyatt. They opened on Saturday the 16. She is on Oahu and is to come to Maui on Saturday, but now rethinking. She has her entire family with her and they were to stay there for 7 nites. She got an email yesterday, that they have had to close the pools at the Residence Club because the displaced persons staying at the Hyatt are yelling off their balconys at the visitors vacationing with rude and threatening remarks. We were to come on 10/28 so now I don’t know what to do.
That is unacceptable behavior, and IMO shouldn’t have been handled the way it was. Anyone acting in a threatening manner towards guests in a hotel should be made to leave, displaced or not displaced, FEMA or no FEMA.
Gloria,
This is a hard call. But, staying away and the resort closing the pool is the wrong approach. The resort needs to give warnings to the locally displaced persons that they will be removed if they act improperly. They should be subject to the same rules as timeshare owners and other guests.
To ignore their behavior is to encourage their behavior. Everyone is sorry, very sorry about the losses on Maui, but their behavior is not that of mourners, rather behavior of bullies. And, bullies have to be disciplined.
We are vacationing at our former timeshare in Waikiki. Everything seems so normal here.
Rod: I couldn’t agree more. It was wrong for the Hyatt to place those people in that one tower where they could see the pools – and it is wrong that the next property over – Marriott is completely open with their pools (same company) because no one can see them. Yes we are all sorry. But again, if this wasn’t a resort town the people would stay in other places. When California burned this didn’t happen. Owners at the Timeshare have paid their dues and now their expected vacation isn’t what they are paying for. It would be better to completely close the place and say you just can’t come – we’ll give you a different week – no harm no foul. Hyatt continues to send emails to all of us asking for donations for their specific employees.
Sorry Gloria, I’m a bit skeptical about an anecdote about one incident when there are so many stories that contradict that. If it happened it was an isolated incident….there are people out there doing stupid things for sure and the amount of stress so many are under doesn’t help. But there’s a lot of Aloha to be found in Maui right now, it truly needs it. It doesn’t need the finger pointing right now.
John W: Not saying that – simply saying that last week the Hyatt told my sister to come – the pools would be open, the bars would be open, etc. Now they are there and they are closing the pools – no one can enjoy what they have paid for because of this. They should should move the people to where they can’t see people in the pools. It is only 1 tower that can see them – it is a big hotel. It isn’t like you can get your fees or you money back. She came because they said all would be fine.
The frustrating thing for me as a South Maui resident is that the messaging online is completely different, almost opposite, of the way things really are here. Post after post alternates between people talking about the antisocial vibe they are getting online, vs. posts from people who have actually visited lately and have experienced friendly, grateful residents and had the time of their lives. I can also tell you talking to people every day that the latter is the way it really is, at least in South Maui.
I suggest you close your computers and not read the nonsense online (except BOH, of course!). If you are thinking of coming, just come, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Pat, I guess it stands to reason that anyone who feels the need to sit home and take potshots at the “locals” when Lahaina has suffered so much is really not someone who has the best insight about Hawaii.
Perhaps they should ask themselves why they have that perception when so many have an entirely different experience.
I live at Kaanapali Hillside full time and work all around the island. As of last week, most resorts near Whaler’s Village (Kaanapali) were still closed and locals who lost their homes installed tents, signs of protest and Hawaiian flags all along the beach, so No, it’s Not like before! Sorry!
There are so many mixed messages about coming back to Maui right now. I think it is best for us to stay away. I understand. There are already some protest about West Maui opening up in October. Maui is already very expensive and vacationing is expensive. I don’t want to feel obligated to overpay for anything due to the devastation. I am like most Americans and work hard for my vacation money, and it is limited to not spend on an extravagant vacation. I feel sorry for the people and I know they need tourism for their economy. A lot of people feel it’s too much of an emotional time to visit the people and want to let them heal and get back to normal.
Well that’s one of the issues, how can the people in Maui return to normal if tourists do stay away? Tourists staying away will lead to more Maui workers being laid off, working less hours, receiving less tips, going into further debt, making it even harder for the working class to make ends meet. Yes, agree on too many mixed messages and the new message of “mindful” travelers is probably turning off a lot of potential tourists.
Those that have recently traveled to Maui, including West Maui have shared only warm greetings and heartfelt thanks, from the workers, for visiting.
Ben: You are right and very hard to visit. The Hyatt Regency is housing Red Cross, Fema and Residents. Not sure why the Jewel of Kaanapali is housing Red Cross and Fema and not letting guests stay, but their plan was to open on 9/16 and now closed until 10/28. People are thinking with their emotions and not their brains. The person that I spoke to yesterday at the Hyatt said “what they are doing is a Lose Lose scenario”. Too Sad
Gloria,
Uncle Sam is probably footing the bill and paying full price.
I don’t understand how someone can call it it a “lose lose scenario” when a hotel like the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali decides to house those that lost their homes vs tourists sipping cocktails. They also house people working at FEMA, the Red Cross etc. and they do get paid. Many locals gave the Hyatt thumbs up for being the 1st hotel giving them temporary housing. I would highly recommend that resort over others to friends and family in the future.
Eva, I think the person at the Hyatt who called it a lose lose scenario was referring to what those staying in the tower were doing. People who are staying there have already lost their homes; by being rude to tourists who are swimming in a pool at the adjacent property, they’re adding to the problem of tourists not returning to the island. This will certainly cause more losses when local workers lose their jobs because the tourists aren’t coming, and when local businesses that depend on tourists don’t have any customers. It’s a sad situation all around, and definitely unique. I don’t remember this happening in New York City when the World Trade Center towers were lost.
Our family returned last week from Vacationing in Maui.I must admit we felt nervous at first.There was no reason to feel that way. We all felt welcomed.We all had a nice vacation.We stayed at a lovely resort in Keihi. I urge people to travel there.
We’ve been visiting Maui in early December nearly every year since our 20th anniversary in 1998. Flight prices have always fluctuated. This year, we thought prices would be a little less expensive, so I was surprised to see that prices were about the same (or higher) than we are used to paying. It makes sense, though. If airlines are reducing the number of flights, those flights will be fuller, which will drive up prices. We looked at prices the end of July, and decided to wait. We just booked last week, and the flight is about $100 more than it was 2 months ago.
We had booked for Kaanapali Hyatt late October way back at the start of the year. After the fires we hesitated coming, but after a few weeks heard that there was a desire to have the tourist economy come back.
However, our hotel shut down without notice on September 15, canceling our reservation with no support. We looked at every week in 2024 but the hotels have decided the increased demand due to their own cancellation has justified in increasing prices by 50% or more!!
So we no longer can afford Maui and are going to look for another island. In the meantime, we’ll plan to continue donating to local verified nonprofits supporting getting families supported and back into their homes.
LMG, I am confused about your comment. Did the Hyatt in Kaanapali shut down on September 15 for the rest of the year?
Their website says they are shut down for at least September 15-October 29.
I did not know that. Anxious to return on October 3rd.
LMG: Did they not reschedule you for the week beginning October 28 when they reopen? BTW, this is new and just happened because this message wasn’t on their website last week?
Nope, no offer and central reservations couldn’t help either. It’s brand new—woke up to cancellation on Friday without any messaging why. By the weekend they had updated their website and sent out a message.
LMG Stupid and Sad all at the same time. I specifically spoke to the Residence Club (timeshare next door) and was told – 9/15 was opening day for both and to come. Residence Club is open and taking guests – you might be able to get a great deal.
Wow! Sorry to hear that.
Mixed messages keep coming. Now you have a petition with over 4000 signatures, asking the Governor of Hawaii to delay reopening of West Maui to tourists.
A small vocal minority, against tourism, will collectively punish the tens of thousands of local residents that depend on tourism and that want the tourist to return.
Doesn’t help to put out messages that you only want a certain kind of tourist.
I agree 100% Ben. The vocal locals are wreaking havoc on tourism – and it had started long before the Lahaina fire as is evidenced by the ongoing battles over Hawaiian government travel promotion. This is just the latest tool they’re using to discourage anyone from visiting the islands.
It’s unsettling and sad to see the level of vitriol directed at visitors from the mainland on social media. Our family has been visiting the four largest islands of Hawaii for over 25 years and have always been treated incredibly well by the people we’ve met. One of our daughters and her husband live on Maui; we have an extra special connection to it now. I’d hate to think we couldn’t come to visit our family there.
Exactly right. The hotel rates for Wailea remain ridiculously high. Until Hilton, Hyatt and others start to recognize the reality of the situation many will choose other islands or other destinations. The room rates are way out of line.
Unfortunately, the Hilton and Hyatt groups don’t care where they make money, so even if they loose some in Hawaii, they make it up elsewhere (with cheaper labor etc.)
Federal, State & Local Government has completely failed the Maui people before, during and now after this disaster. We were there when this happened and in Lahaina the night before and I saw the fire risk was so evident. Dry hills above Lahaina, rickety telephone poles, poor roads as well as a 30 acre fire Next to the airpost the day we landed on August 4th. If a tourist can see the evident risks then why didn’t the goverment take remedial actions over the years…a rhetorical question since we all know of why goverment fails. The locals we interacted with in Kapalua, where we were staying, said they expected some fire calamity and have been yelling about the risks for years. These officials should pay a heavy price.
I understand people love Hawaii. I used to. Its time though to broaden your horizons and visit equally as beautiful places at fraction of the cost. Bali, Phuket, and Palawan to name a few. Many people in Hawaii resent tourists. They want to overcharge us. They want us to stay in tourist areas. They want to make us do community service. They openly expressed their joy when covid hit and we couldn’t go to the islands. They said how wonderful Hawaii was without all the tourists. Now the governor wants to levy a $50 tourist fee. As if there aren’t already tons of other tourist fees and up charge. Its time to go elsewhere.
I just checked airfare from LAX to OGG in October. I found Hawaiian airlines for $375 plus check in bag fees. An amazing price. I also found mid level hotels in the mid $200s which isn’t bad. If you can swing going to Maui in October, it seems like a great time to go. People of Maui can use our tourism dollars. Of course be respectful to the people devastated by the fires.
I live in South Maui, and it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen anyone come close to disrespecting Maui, especially now. It’s not necessary to constantly remind visitors to do so. Those who don’t live here have not only been very respectful and compassionate, but they have volunteered their time and money to helping out in the aftermath of the fires. So it seems to me that it’s time for us to be appreciative and respectful of them.
Aloha,
We arrived to Maui on Sept. 15 at our timeshare in Ka’anapali.
Hearing all the news about the people of Hawaii—those wanting tourists and those who think West Maui need to stay closed makes you wonder how the reception upon arrival would be. Oh My!!!
Everyone was so happy to see us and the few others that were checking in……..…All the employees were excited to back to work. Yes, some of them had lost family members and homes in the fire. Others had not. They said the need to move forward. Each of them thanked us for coming and said we’re part of the recovery…..
So please come.
More places are opening up every day.
That’s the reality of the situation Kathy, nicely stated.
Gloria,
“Rod W, it is unfortunate that the “powers that be” for Hawaii and Maui did not take a page from California’s book. ”
I cant find your actual post here. I haven’t been to Maui in quite a while – too slow for my taste. However, after the fire, I did make a contribution to the Salvation Army of Maui.
I’m with my family on Oahu (Waikiki) now. We come virtually every year. My first visit was a very short one in 1965. Since the late 1970’s we are here almost every year and sometimes 2 or 3 x in a year. It seems like all govts are especially good at finding ways to collect taxes. Where it goes after that is anyone’s guess. Even in CA, especially in CA.
Aloha
Please go back to Maui,as of October 8,it is open to go,they all need your business in ordenador to survive,I have alot of friends that work at Royal Kahana Outrigger and they have been put on temp.layoff due to no visitors,please go back,they all need work
When we go to Kauai twice a year almost all of our money is spent on
lodging at our favorite condo, car rental, airfare
and grocery store food. We do always rent thru a local firm,
not VRBO or Airbnb, a local car rental company and fly Hawaiian.
We go there to rest and relax not to do typical tourist stuff.
Mike,
Within a few days of the tragedy I sent a check to the Salvation Army. I will let them (and others) sort out who needs what.
Ditto for who’s responsible for not having done enough to prevent the devastation in the first place. With an honest appraisal, fair minded people may come to the conclusion that Mother Nature will have her way. If not this year, then later. If not Lahaina, then Los Angeles. Time to repair the damage!
Rod W, it is unfortunate that the “powers that be” for Hawaii and Maui did not take a page from California’s book. In San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric run ad about shutting off the power in a storm or high heat to avoid wild fires. They run ads about defensible spaces around your home for the same reason. The State of California runs ads educating people about Earthquakes. We have lived thru devastating Wildfires and Earthquakes and don’t want to live thru them again. We take heed. The who nonsense of not paying attention to the reports in 2019 is just beyond sad, especially with such dire consequences. My heart aches and I weep for Lahaina and Maui, a very special place to me and my family since 1995.
The ignorance and misinformation on display in the comments to this story is breathtaking. Commenters blaming the people of Hawaii for the expensive prices? You must be aware that the Hiltons, Sheraton, Four Seasons, Westins, Fairmonts et al and most of the condos and resorts are not owned by the Hawaiian people, or even local businesses. You must be aware that the airlines are not managed by the Hawaiian People or the State govt. And please do a little bit of original research rather than relying on social media influencers to tell you whether the average Hawaiian hates tourists or not.
Seriously, it’s embarrassing. How unsophisticated people are, and how willing they are to point fingers.
Your closing statement nails it Eldo, the finger pointers and conspiracy folks are stunning. Lahaina suffers a devastating tragedy and many many people from all walks of life help out in many ways. Next thing you know Oprah and the Rock are being criticized when their only crime is donating tens of millions of dollars from the heart. The Red Cross did and does amazing work under very difficult circumstances, they got attacked on social media, the list goes on. Always helps to remember there are a lot more good people just doing what they can. They aren’t screaming about it on social media
I own a week at the Westin Kaanapali timeshare, and also a a week at a very similar Westin Lagunamar timeshare in Mexico. Hawaii charges me $30 per night tax to use my property vs $10 in Mexico. Hawaii charges me $500 for one weekly cleaning vs $40 in Mexico. Hawaii charges me $3,000 per week in maintenance fees vs $1,700 in Mexico. Those are local Maui expenses, not some Westin corporate greed.
Yury, as you know, Hawaii is a state in the US where everything including labor, food and housing is more expensive. So yes, cleaning and maintenance fees in Hawaii would be more than in Mexico. That said, I wish Hawaii would never have allowed timeshares. People who own timeshares generally don’t care much about local culture nor do they spend much money in local stores and restaurants.
eva, i find it ironic that you know that timeshare people dont understand the culture or spend in local stores. those are usually repeat visitors who habe done the tourust stuff years ago and now understand the culture and spend locally. maybe its your attitude
Yes, I wondered about this also, since the exact opposite of what Eva is saying is the actual truth.
Don, I live near the Westin Villas, so I frequently meet people who own a timeshare there and although there are exceptions, most spent their time driving from and to Costco where they buy food to prepare in the apartments they own for a week or 2. They also get points to eat at the resort, so what “local” things do they do if most of the money they spent is at the Westin and Costco?
I also own a timeshare but not at a high end resort. I stay wherever I can get in usually at places like kahana Falls or Maui Hill. I shop locally at Safeway or foodland, eat at restaurants several times during our stay and tip generously. My timeshare simply allows me to be able to return annually and contribute to the local economy
There are so many pleas to help the people of Maui by visiting/vacationing. If you look at the amounts spent by tourists isn’t the largest percentage lodging? Does that revenue directly benefit Maui peeps? Maybe only indirectly as the off-island resort owners employ some locals.
Maybe there are other ideas to directly funnel dollars into the hands of Maui peeps beyond donations?
You’re missing the big picture here. I’m supposed to come to Maui, frolic in the waves and do the other tourist things knowing hundreds of children burned to death, families devastated forever and just pretend, what? That it never happened?
And no one, no one is being held to account for the incompetence and inexcusable conduct of local officials that allowed this tragedy to occur.
And tourists are supposed to just return like nothing ever happened?
It will be years before the majority of people who have any moral compass make their way back to Maui. That’s a small tragedy compared to what happened as a result of the firestorm.
There’s a bigger picture Mike, The future. The people of Maui need to recover and rebuild. Working is not only needed to feed their families, it’s an important component to the emotional healing needed. Connecting with others in times like this is healing. At least in a positive way it is…..the angry, conspiracy theory finger pointers are very damaging but the many good caring people that make up the majority of tourists are crucial to Maui’s recovery.
Lahaina will be rebuilt but it needs help.
Mike, would you not go to Orlando because there was a Hurricane in Ft. Myers? Would you not go to San Francisco because there was a fire in Paradise? Would you feel guilty about having a good time and “frolicking in the waves” in those cases? These are the comparisons you should be making.
Yes, there are people from a town in the far north of Maui who are struggling right now. I am helping them right now in my volunteer work with the Red Cross. But you will make them struggle even more by not coming to other distant towns to “frolic in the waves” in efforts to support the entire island of Maui. I appreciate your respect and compassion, but don’t do more harm than good.
Noting the lack of visitation for Maui, I wonder what the State or Island Tourism organization is doing to get the word out? What is their crisis plan? I would highly suggest they start marketing Maui on social media with a “sunny skies” approach. As well as work with tour organizations to formulate and promote packages for Maui visitation.
It’s wonderful that airlines of cut their prices to very reasonable levels. However, we looked at going in October to spend some time doing volunteer work as well as trying to help the local economy. However, when you look at hotel rates, even on the west side, which is “closed“ rates of not only remain high, but look as if they’ve gone even higher. With rooms at the Hyatt or the Westin coming in at between five and $700 a night if someone goes there what money do they have left to support the local economy by buying things or eating out? Corporate greed is not the fault of the locals, or of the state of Hawaii , but I can’t believe those hotels are even 30% full at this point. Bringing prices down would entice people to come
We own a rental condo in north Kaanapali and have significantly reduced our nightly rates, to help bring tourists back and support Maui’s economy. Some comments below say folks see “exorbitant” rates for Maui lodging. Not sure how/where they’re looking, but we advise they look for rental condos offered by individual owners. Most owners (but not all) are trying to help bring back tourists. My quick check for rental cars recently had lower prices than usual. Some there have lost so much, they don’t want to lose their jobs too.
Chris how do I find your rental condo – I am not able to nonexorbitant lodging 🙂
NEW prospective visitors don’t want to be insensitive and frolic in front of grieving hotel, retail and restaurant workers forced to work to support their families. At the same time spending for a major trip surrounded by sadness isn’t appealing.
Nobody who thinks about the reality wants to drive the family back and forth to Kapalua and points north through the burned bypass area with the memorials and ending in the burn zone “to have fun.” Nobody has fun at Pearl Harbor. Many avoid cemeteries on vacation. Sorry. That’s how it is.
People will send money but not themselves. It’s not enough but it’s going to take years to overcome the perceived downer essence of all Maui.
Devoted Maui visitors are coming to “support” Maui. Good.
Anyone who wants to encourage guilt and who tries to convince visitors that they will have a terrible time watching people grieve is part of the problem. You are doing 80% of your fellow residents a disservice and causing them to lose their livelihoods. It’s not the way you describe at all. No one is frolicking in front of grieving displaced people.
Other than my work with the Red Cross, life has been quite normal, and in the hundreds of posts of recent visitors, not one has had anything but a wonderful time, or was made to feel guilty about their visit. In fact, they have been appreciated and welcomed with open arms.
So please stop giving folks a distorted and inaccurate sense of reality. You are hurting, not helping.
We had a vacation planned for now which we have rescheduled to January At this point our Airbnb host reduced our nightly cost so we would reschedule & some of the tours gave a discount with the option to donate to relief funds They are trying but the message was loud and clear right at the time of the fires and the couple of weeks following The airlines are cutting flights when they should be cutting the cost of the flights as well We have not booked our flights yet in the hopes that the costs will come down in the next couple of months If you can’t get there without breaking the bank it won’t matter what the businesses and hotels are doing to entice visitors to come back
Since the pandemic, lodging and car rental prices have more than doubled on Maui, and not just the West Side. Kahului hotel that cost under $200 in 2019 was priced at over $400 last year.
Prices should be Way lowered, “Maui/Hawaii On Sale” would most likely attract tourists back and perhaps allow some of us residents to actually vacation inter-island instead of taking our $$ to cheaper places on the mainland.
Simple supply and demand, not rocket science.
Just returned from Maui on 9/14/23. OGG Airport was eerily empty. We initially had a booking at the Tiki Beach Hostel on Front St, Lahaina, which no longer exists. We did speak to the owner, who made it out without injury, along with her guests. We ended up on the east side of Maui at the Maui Seaside Hotel. This location was shared with the Red Cross and other rescue volunteers. I remember when a Hawaiian Electric truck pulled up and prompted a not so warm reaction from guests, some of whom were survivors.
The bulk of our stay was on Lanai. We had initially had a booking for the the Expeditions ferry, but cancelled, because we were told by localers that the residents and rescue workers needed the ferry more than us. So we opted to fly.
Part 2 (Robert B)
The 5 day Stay in Lanai could not have been better. Ebike trails and Zip Lining, Quaint shops and restaurants mostly on 8th St in Lanai City, Cat sanctuary and Hulopoe Beach with clean and warm water were great. Local business was reported as off by 50% with the lack of tourist coming in from Lahaina by Ferry. That boat does still run, albeit from a new dock further west in Maui, and can accommodate tourists with no problem at this time. Service has been cut down to one run to Lanai in the morning, and one return in the evening.
Conclusion: By all means go and enjoy, just be respectful of those who have lost, as you will be face to face. You are welcomed. I don’t have to mention not to attempt to go to Lahaina.
Thanks for supporting our tiny but lovely Lanai! Hope you found a more affordable place to stay than at Ellison’s exorbitantly priced resorts!
Hi Eileen,
No, Larry did not get us. We managed to find a vacation rental property, 2 bdrm house with washer/dryer and dishwasher off Lanai Ave for an insanely low price below 200. My wife used an outdated Fromers to find this deal long before the tragedy. We were happy to support the small shops in Lanai City, and the localers were very gracious. Not only the shopkeepers, but every person we met. We were grateful for being able to swing a great trip, but our hearts were heavy for those who were affected. I think the largest impression left on me was when I boarded the plane from HNL to OGG. There was a woman sitting by herself with a tear in her eye. No words needed to be spoken, yet she told the whole story. Clearly she had lost a lot
BOH nails what the leaders of the islands fail to grasp: With the prevailing New York Times post-fire image being the sign that says “Tourist Keep Out”, and Hawaii TikTok and social media influencers urging visitors to stay away — no wonder people looking for a place to spend their hard earned travel dollars simply skip over Hawaii. It’s the path of least resistance. There are lots of alternatives. Lots. The airlines dangled $80 fares from the west coast and are still chopping flights. What will it take for Maui travel to return (especially when they lost their crown jewel)? A welcome sign.