197 thoughts on “Maui Travel Isn’t Recovering; Now What?”
Raymond J
Maybe you should take some responsibilty. How long have you been saying: “Tourists are bad, they should stay away, it’s too crowded”, and much worse? Read your own words. We went to Mexico twice because of your articles. We have vacationed in Hawaii 9 times and we don’t want to go where we aren’t wanted.
Maybe it’s just me, but planning a vacation to Hawaii takes quite a while. It’s never a weekend jaunt. I live in Chicago, so maybe it’s different on the west coast.
Also, how much fun can you have while on vacation when everyone around you is going thru such trauma? I understand Maui needs the tourist dollars, but I just saw someone on the news saying to Not rebuild Lahaina businesses until the residential parts are rebuilt? How exactly does she plan on paying to live in Lahaina with all the businesses closed?
Thanks for your updates & perspectives. We found significantly higher prices on everything on our last trip to the Big Island (pre Lahaina fire.) We have probably made our last trip – and that is sad. Not everyone has unlimited funds available for vacations. :0(
You would think that the businesses would Try “Not” To Gouge the tourists so much, but apparently are not satisfied with reasonable pricing. I did check airfare to Maui . Thought we would see Real reductions on flights, hotels, etc., but No. Not from the Midwest. We may visit friends again in a few years, but for now, we will stay closer to home.
Re: Travel to Maui not coming back…. We were scheduled to be in West Maui 8/28. We would have gladly kept our flight and rebooked to another part of the island — but the West Maui condo resort where we had reservations would not give us a refund and only allowed us to rebook at that specific resort (which remained inaccessible but unscathed south of Napili). Given the large sum of our money that they were essentially holding captive, it prohibited us from reapplying those funds to another hotel for the same week and left us no choice but to rebook at the same resort for a future date. It’s not easy to reschedule time off, so unfortunately we won’t be back until next year. Wish some resort owners had thought of the greater good.
Currently on Hawaii staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The cost to stay here was 1/3 the cost of staying at the Westin Kaanapali where we usually stay. If Maui continues to charge these exorbitant rates it makes me feel like they still don’t want tourists. Until prices come down to a reasonable level compared to other islands we won’t be returning there anytime soon. Our next trip will be in 2025 so we will see what happens between now and then.
Kim M, I agree with you on the pricing, however you cannot compare the Hilton to the Westin. The difference is night and day for the experience, shopping and restaurants, not to mention the beaches.
It’s really sad, but this is what happens after a disaster.
Most people want to blame someone,
but sometimes stuff just happens.
There almost no way to fix everything.
I just looked back at your post from October 2022: Maui Residents and Visitors Square Off Starting Here, which suggests the trend in lower visitor numbers began well before the Lahaina fire and that plenty of people deemed Maui overcrowded and wanted fewer visitors. Careful what you wish for?
Maui will recover, not if, but when. The reality is that Maui is an exceptionally beautiful place and that hasn’t changed. It will take time for the reality that Maui is very much in need of and welcoming to tourism. The conspiracy theorists and angry finger pointers have an outsized voice relative to reality and have caused a lot of damage. Reality is Maui is loaded with good people doing good things under difficult circumstances. Tourism is crucial to the recovery process and the anti tourism sentiment represent a small slice of people far outweighed by people that want to work and rebuild now. Tourists that come now will have the chance to see the Aloha spirit flourishing.
I own two west Maui vavation rentals, one at the Honua Kai Resort in Kaanapali and one in Puamana in Lahaina. I *have* reduced nightly rates from now through summer 2024. About 10 bookings canceled since the fire but I’ve received 3 new ones at Honua Kai since the fire and I believe the trend will continue. I’m hopeful that I’ll be allowed to access my unburned townhome in Puamana in south Lahaina soon.
The early messages to leave Maui and cancel future stays were well intentioned but misguided and overzealous. At least that much energy needs to go into the “we’re open and welcoming visitors” messages.
Honua Kai was one place that I saw over and over again people getting stuck with unrefunded reservations. Maybe it was just one management company, who knows, but it’s a place I probably would not considered unless it was a sure thing. Looking Dec 22-Jan 2, sleep 8.
I agree… any place that didn’t offer refunds or at least a credit to be used at a future date (within 1 year for example) should never see any visitor dollars again.
I wish there was a comprehensive spreadsheet listing those places so I know when Never to spend my money again.
Interesting discussion. I think Maui/Hawaii also already appeared on suggested “Do not travel” lists for 2023 to give the ecosystem a rest. It seems some price discount might be in order since many people visit Lahaina even if they are staying elsewhere on the island (as we did in 2019). Perhaps a campaign could be made to bring in teams of volunteers to somehow help in Lahaina? Mission trips to Maui. Even educational trips on the effects and recovery for university classes.
We have had a trip planned for the end of September to Maui for some time now. Following the fires we were uncertain for a while if we could, or should still go. After much consideration, and following what information we have received, we are still going but with some changes. We rebooked our lodging in a different part of Maui. We still have tour booked but others, along with resteraunt reservations are not possible due to location and damage. We are still looking forward to the visit but expect a different experience and feel than originally planned, and that is OK. We are also anxiously watching for any impact on our flights. Any tips on how to be respectful and to support local business and artisans is greatly appreciated.
I love Hawaii, have spent a lot of time there through the last fifty years. I was always aware of how locals felt about tourists and the military presence, but generally didn’t let it deter me. This situation in Maui brought a lot of this to the surface for tourists, and not a pleasant situation for most. Maybe now folks might come to realize how much they need tourists and tourism to support their lifestyles, whether good or bad. People are more able to travel the world today and pick and choose places they feel more wanted in, and maybe for less money. I think to lure tourists back maybe some concessions might be necessary. Good luck folks, may the Aloha spirit continue to prevail in the coming years.💕
Hi there. My family has been going to Maui for the last 30 years. We understand that the remaining part of the island is needing of tourists and vacationers. My husband and I booked our vacation for early December and plan on volunteering there at the food bank, and the Humane Society while we visit. Our hearts break for the people and families involved in the fire. Plus all the people who have lost their jobs due to the fire. I am sorry to read that the media caused a huge frenzy across Europe and the United States. Maui is a beautiful place and will always be special to us. We look forward to many more years of travel there. we appreciate and love the Hawaiian culture that is exhibited there. Thank you for your news update. Deb L.
Visitors like you will always be welcome in Hawaii, Deb. Thanks for offering to volunteer for the Humane Society. I will try to do my part when I return to Maui in October. It’s people like you who make Maui special.
Deb, you are just what Maui needs and wants. There are a lot of good people doing a lot of good things on Maui right now. You’ll find a lot of Aloha when you arrive and your trip will be a memorable one.
Despite the reduction in travelers, I still see high if not higher pricing for accommodations. The condo I usually stay at is at an all time high for pricing despite what appears to show availability on their calendars. Until that subsides, I’ll look elsewhere.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of tourism to Maui now more then ever.Last week we returned home from a beautiful family vacation
We felt welcomed and are looking forward to returning. Mahalo
I looked at a stay at the Honukai in Maui for Thanksgiving week (the week before and staying 15 days). The prices are stupid-almost a $1000 a night with taxes (2 bedroom). We used to rent these rooms for about $550-650 a night. We have been going to Big Island the last few trips because the rates are far more reasonable.
West Maui was absolutely out of control prior to the fire: Cars, Lodging, Food. If the cars and lodging are still high, What is the incentive to visit? Especially the repeat travelers? Is it still the plan for the HTA to spend millions to tell people not to visit West Maui?
Maybe you should take some responsibilty. How long have you been saying: “Tourists are bad, they should stay away, it’s too crowded”, and much worse? Read your own words. We went to Mexico twice because of your articles. We have vacationed in Hawaii 9 times and we don’t want to go where we aren’t wanted.
If you compare Hawaii to Mexico, I don’t think you should even try to consider Maui. That’s just my opinion. Sorry.
Maybe it’s just me, but planning a vacation to Hawaii takes quite a while. It’s never a weekend jaunt. I live in Chicago, so maybe it’s different on the west coast.
Also, how much fun can you have while on vacation when everyone around you is going thru such trauma? I understand Maui needs the tourist dollars, but I just saw someone on the news saying to Not rebuild Lahaina businesses until the residential parts are rebuilt? How exactly does she plan on paying to live in Lahaina with all the businesses closed?
Thanks for your updates & perspectives. We found significantly higher prices on everything on our last trip to the Big Island (pre Lahaina fire.) We have probably made our last trip – and that is sad. Not everyone has unlimited funds available for vacations. :0(
You would think that the businesses would Try “Not” To Gouge the tourists so much, but apparently are not satisfied with reasonable pricing. I did check airfare to Maui . Thought we would see Real reductions on flights, hotels, etc., but No. Not from the Midwest. We may visit friends again in a few years, but for now, we will stay closer to home.
Re: Travel to Maui not coming back…. We were scheduled to be in West Maui 8/28. We would have gladly kept our flight and rebooked to another part of the island — but the West Maui condo resort where we had reservations would not give us a refund and only allowed us to rebook at that specific resort (which remained inaccessible but unscathed south of Napili). Given the large sum of our money that they were essentially holding captive, it prohibited us from reapplying those funds to another hotel for the same week and left us no choice but to rebook at the same resort for a future date. It’s not easy to reschedule time off, so unfortunately we won’t be back until next year. Wish some resort owners had thought of the greater good.
Currently on Hawaii staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The cost to stay here was 1/3 the cost of staying at the Westin Kaanapali where we usually stay. If Maui continues to charge these exorbitant rates it makes me feel like they still don’t want tourists. Until prices come down to a reasonable level compared to other islands we won’t be returning there anytime soon. Our next trip will be in 2025 so we will see what happens between now and then.
Kim M, I agree with you on the pricing, however you cannot compare the Hilton to the Westin. The difference is night and day for the experience, shopping and restaurants, not to mention the beaches.
It’s really sad, but this is what happens after a disaster.
Most people want to blame someone,
but sometimes stuff just happens.
There almost no way to fix everything.
I just looked back at your post from October 2022: Maui Residents and Visitors Square Off Starting Here, which suggests the trend in lower visitor numbers began well before the Lahaina fire and that plenty of people deemed Maui overcrowded and wanted fewer visitors. Careful what you wish for?
Maui will recover, not if, but when. The reality is that Maui is an exceptionally beautiful place and that hasn’t changed. It will take time for the reality that Maui is very much in need of and welcoming to tourism. The conspiracy theorists and angry finger pointers have an outsized voice relative to reality and have caused a lot of damage. Reality is Maui is loaded with good people doing good things under difficult circumstances. Tourism is crucial to the recovery process and the anti tourism sentiment represent a small slice of people far outweighed by people that want to work and rebuild now. Tourists that come now will have the chance to see the Aloha spirit flourishing.
I own two west Maui vavation rentals, one at the Honua Kai Resort in Kaanapali and one in Puamana in Lahaina. I *have* reduced nightly rates from now through summer 2024. About 10 bookings canceled since the fire but I’ve received 3 new ones at Honua Kai since the fire and I believe the trend will continue. I’m hopeful that I’ll be allowed to access my unburned townhome in Puamana in south Lahaina soon.
The early messages to leave Maui and cancel future stays were well intentioned but misguided and overzealous. At least that much energy needs to go into the “we’re open and welcoming visitors” messages.
Honua Kai was one place that I saw over and over again people getting stuck with unrefunded reservations. Maybe it was just one management company, who knows, but it’s a place I probably would not considered unless it was a sure thing. Looking Dec 22-Jan 2, sleep 8.
I agree… any place that didn’t offer refunds or at least a credit to be used at a future date (within 1 year for example) should never see any visitor dollars again.
I wish there was a comprehensive spreadsheet listing those places so I know when Never to spend my money again.
Interesting discussion. I think Maui/Hawaii also already appeared on suggested “Do not travel” lists for 2023 to give the ecosystem a rest. It seems some price discount might be in order since many people visit Lahaina even if they are staying elsewhere on the island (as we did in 2019). Perhaps a campaign could be made to bring in teams of volunteers to somehow help in Lahaina? Mission trips to Maui. Even educational trips on the effects and recovery for university classes.
We have had a trip planned for the end of September to Maui for some time now. Following the fires we were uncertain for a while if we could, or should still go. After much consideration, and following what information we have received, we are still going but with some changes. We rebooked our lodging in a different part of Maui. We still have tour booked but others, along with resteraunt reservations are not possible due to location and damage. We are still looking forward to the visit but expect a different experience and feel than originally planned, and that is OK. We are also anxiously watching for any impact on our flights. Any tips on how to be respectful and to support local business and artisans is greatly appreciated.
Reduce prices at hotels and airfare – cutting flights alone is not any kind of incentive. Then promote the heck out of the price deals.
I love Hawaii, have spent a lot of time there through the last fifty years. I was always aware of how locals felt about tourists and the military presence, but generally didn’t let it deter me. This situation in Maui brought a lot of this to the surface for tourists, and not a pleasant situation for most. Maybe now folks might come to realize how much they need tourists and tourism to support their lifestyles, whether good or bad. People are more able to travel the world today and pick and choose places they feel more wanted in, and maybe for less money. I think to lure tourists back maybe some concessions might be necessary. Good luck folks, may the Aloha spirit continue to prevail in the coming years.💕
Hi there. My family has been going to Maui for the last 30 years. We understand that the remaining part of the island is needing of tourists and vacationers. My husband and I booked our vacation for early December and plan on volunteering there at the food bank, and the Humane Society while we visit. Our hearts break for the people and families involved in the fire. Plus all the people who have lost their jobs due to the fire. I am sorry to read that the media caused a huge frenzy across Europe and the United States. Maui is a beautiful place and will always be special to us. We look forward to many more years of travel there. we appreciate and love the Hawaiian culture that is exhibited there. Thank you for your news update. Deb L.
Visitors like you will always be welcome in Hawaii, Deb. Thanks for offering to volunteer for the Humane Society. I will try to do my part when I return to Maui in October. It’s people like you who make Maui special.
Deb, you are just what Maui needs and wants. There are a lot of good people doing a lot of good things on Maui right now. You’ll find a lot of Aloha when you arrive and your trip will be a memorable one.
Despite the reduction in travelers, I still see high if not higher pricing for accommodations. The condo I usually stay at is at an all time high for pricing despite what appears to show availability on their calendars. Until that subsides, I’ll look elsewhere.
Nothing with lure tourists back more then room discounting.
Room rates need to drop and stay 30% below current levels for the foreseeable future. Otherwise even South Maui occupancy rates will remain low.
Many small businesses in Maui will falter due to the greed of the larger resort corporations. Its very interesting and leaves a lot of questions.
Folks I have talked to on the mainland are also very put off by antitourist attitudes. “Tourist Keep Out” signs and messaging is not helping.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of tourism to Maui now more then ever.Last week we returned home from a beautiful family vacation
We felt welcomed and are looking forward to returning. Mahalo
I looked at a stay at the Honukai in Maui for Thanksgiving week (the week before and staying 15 days). The prices are stupid-almost a $1000 a night with taxes (2 bedroom). We used to rent these rooms for about $550-650 a night. We have been going to Big Island the last few trips because the rates are far more reasonable.
West Maui was absolutely out of control prior to the fire: Cars, Lodging, Food. If the cars and lodging are still high, What is the incentive to visit? Especially the repeat travelers? Is it still the plan for the HTA to spend millions to tell people not to visit West Maui?