Nothing has helped thus far. So what will it take to get Maui back on track?
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197 thoughts on “Maui Travel Isn’t Recovering; Now What?”
Nothing has helped thus far. So what will it take to get Maui back on track?
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Bookings were down at my condo starting early summer. the Since the fire, they’re off even more. I dropped the price significantly but it doesn’t seem to matter. The economy is softening and people are not as flush with the cash as they have been. The economy combined with the aftermath of the fires will be hard on Maui. I certainly hope some marketing can turn things around but there are many factors at play here.
Maui has a big problem….little to no leadership and that problem is not going away, until that changes the problem will remain the same.
I took full advantage of the Hawaiian air discounts. I vacation on the islands every year as often as possible. I want to support the Maui community and economy. Booking a hotel despite the tragic events is still insanely expensive. Spend money on local businesses or logging, seems to be difficult to balance out at the moment. The Hawaiian community need not be forgotten as they are an asset to the country and part of the country.
The price for accommodation is absolutely outrageous! The property in Kahana that we stayed in was $199 a night in March, now it is renting for $450 a night. How do they justify that kind of price gauging. It is a studio suite with no amenities like the big hotels and no renovation updates. I hope people stop renting at those prices. Greedy, greedy, greedy! Maui is going to be in trouble if this greed continues! I love Maui, but will not be returning!
I’m trying to find a decent place myself, and between the hotel/resorts doubling their prices, and the car rentals doing similar, it’s impossible to afford to come and spend money to help the small business owners. The only people really helping are the airlines. It’s a shame that prices skyrocketed, I guess they are testing to make up for what they lost?? Cut the housing prices and people will come and support the small businesses.
I own a vacation condo in Wailea and my bookings for Oct are chock a block full.
I just hope airline flights can bring those visitors to me!
I agree about traveling to Maui. My daughter lives in West Maui but instead of offering incentives to return to Maui, prices have doubled and beyond. Car rentals have risen, plane fares are astronomical and any accommodations that are far far away from the “Burn Zone” are quoting rates three times their previous prices. Sadly I cannot visit and help my daughter as she lives in a very small studio, and lost her job as a result of the fires. So instead I remain on the mainland and send financial help. How sad not be able to be together as a family even for a short time.
Amazing that the understandable confusion immediately after this unprecedented tragedy has been turned into some kind of anti Hawaii rant by some that “tourists aren’t welcome”. Of course West Maui needed space and now after Oct 8th it’s open. Simple. Sad how some feel the need to bash Maui now when it is struggling so much. Don’t come if you hate Hawaii so much but why do some feel the need to attack, spread falsehoods and try your best to make a bad situation worse? This is uncharted territory and a lot of people are doing a lot of good and a few others are really trying to kick someone when they are down. Auwe!
Oh please. For the last few years, all we have been hearing from people in Hawaii was how bad tourists were. Tourists get blamed for everything. Many have posted about charging tourists more. Told “cheap” tourists to stay away. Limit their access to popular places. Make tourists pick up trash and other community service. Locals commented about how wonderful Hawaii was during covid without all the tourists. Those were common themes.
No…you have been hearing from the people that need to vent on social media, not the many more that come to Hawaii and love it. People that act like jerks may very well feel unwanted…. they then feel the need to blame someone. There has been an uptick in disrespectful tourists that treat others poorly but they are small fraction of visitors…it’s just that they are making a lot of noise. Now with Lahaina we are seeing how a few finger pointing conspiracy theorists can gain a voice and cause damage when the reality is quite different. There is a lot of good people trying to do whatever they can to help in this difficult situation. There are others trying to undermine that reality.
Totally agree with JohnW. Aloha!
@Trent,
I think you place too much stock on the social media “megaphone” which amplifies loud yet minority opinions like the ones you describe.
I moved to Maui from the US Pacific Northwest a year ago. I live and work here now. Initially I stressed about not being accepted – I am not Hawaiian (I guess I’m a “haole”). But I needn’t have worried. Everyone here, from all ethnic backgrounds and all social strata, have welcomed me with open arms. It literally brings tears to my eyes when I think of how warm and nice “the locals” have been to me, and I see that happening to other transplants too. I detect no anti-tourism sentiments at all in my circle of friends / colleagues. I think that it’s been vastly exaggerated.
JohnW: this was on channel 2 KOHN news today…”A petition to delay the Oct. 8 date has received 3,600 signatures in less than 24 hours, as of writing this article.
Many said it’s too soon, and say the needs of residents should come first”
People are not Maui bashing or listening to a few social media influencers. They are getting it from the news and the islanders themselves. It doesn’t mean they hate Hawaii, they just don’t want to come if they are not welcome
Just saw that myself! It will be very interesting to see how many people ultimately sign it. There are people that want desperately to work and there are people that have a personal agenda….this is not an easy situation. I would love to know what the plans are for those that don’t want the return of tourism going forward are……feeding families, rebuilding etc
From what we heard from locals just days ago is fear tourist just want to look at fire damage. Or investors want to buy land.Truth is tourism is needed more then ever.Far to many negative rumors.A loaf of bread cost 9.00.Most live on minimum wages and rely on tips.
I read the full article. Did you?. The resistance is to tourism on the west side of the island, north of Lahaina. And if you read the full article, it’s pretty clear why. The majority of the people staying in those hotels and residences are displaced locals. It makes no sense to open up tourism at that specific location. But the rest of Maui is open for business. Thank you.
My husband and I cancelled our October accommodations in West Maui (when it wasn’t clear when it would reopen), but we immediately booked a condo in South Maui at a similar price point. We had purchased cheap flights on Southwest quite a bit in advance, so we are just hoping our flights don’t get cancelled. We love Maui and have traveled there many times and hope to keep coming. We always try to patronize local businesses when we are visiting. We’ll try West Maui again, when conditions are appropriate. Much Aloha to everyone during this difficult time.
No surprise. After so many hostile comments from some of the locals, people are smart enough to spend their money elsewhere. It is not much different on other islands. Exorbitant rates, fees and taxes, then some more fees and taxes accompanied by often mediocre service. Hawai’i have been slowly digging her own grave and this tragedy was just a needle that broke camel’s back. I’m hopeful about the future, but with everything that had happened and especially everything that’s been spoken loudly lately and over the years, it may be a very, very long road to full recovery. Those who claim that the islands can do just fine without the tourists, better look at the reality of long-term economic data and abandon the hostile narrative ASAP.
I spent so much time in Lahaina growing up and have wonderful memories. What is disappointing is all the publications asking for tourists to stay Al away form Maui after the pandemic because it was too crowded and difficult for the locals. Keep in mind tourism is what supports the economy. So now people are staying away (for a different reason – but what was desired) and now no one really meant to stay away??? I’ll keep my memories and decided long before the fires I wouldn’t return.
Why not appeal to past visitors to come and help rebuild/restore Lahaina and vacation again at the same time, too? There are millions of people that have visited Maui/Lahaina and deeply love it, like it’s home. They are now afraid to visit…they have cherished memories, too, of a place that is now ashes. To visit Maui without Lahaina would be like partying next to the funeral of a family member you loved. Tell them to come back, we miss you, grieve with us and please help us rebuild! Appeal to their sense of community and love for Maui, don’t hide the sadness we all feel for the incalculable loss of it. Embrace past visitors and invite them to vacation and help with the healing instead of avoiding the sorrow!
The government and especially the Media has caused the downturn of tourism. The fire was horrific, but there are other places to visit on Maui. Just stay away from the Lahaina area. Every where you looked the news was that no one should come to Maui.! Now the media should be telling everyone that they can still come visit that great island. Nowhere in the media do you hear anything about Maui. Come on media, get with it. The rest of the people that work on Maui need the tourism to survive! We will be there in January and February to try and help.
FWIW We were staying at the Fairmont on the Big Island last week. Just out of curiosity I checked the rates at the Fairmont Maui —- almost double what we were paying at the Big Island Fairmont.
I don’t expect properties to give away their product but it did strike me as odd if occupancy is low that there wasn’t some sort of reduction. That’s SOP even in “normal “ times.
Perhaps I misread the rate card. Or maybe the Fairmont Maui is an exception and business is so good there isn’t a need to attract more customers with cheaper rates.
Hi Martin,
Yes, typically, as demand increases prices rise. And, as demand decreases prices drop. It may be a little different this time. With the hapless governor telling people to stay away and sending those already here, home, that changes the equation. If you have a rental property and there is not apparent, near-term increase is demand, why lower the price. The visitors are not coming.
However, if the Oct 8 date rolls out successfully, demand may change. And, supply/demand may reach an equilibrium point. Hope so.
I never stayed at the Fairmont on the Big Island, but the Fairmont in Maui is definitely special. I doubt they would ever want the resort to be full, as it’s very private and quiet which adds to the charm.
The airlines are definitely helping, bur the resorts/condos are way over pricing their rooms. I’d gladly come if the resorts would Lower their crazy prices.
I was going to island hop from BI to help Maui. I searched for reasonable accommodations and none were to be found. Combine that with increased airfare and reduced landings I just could not make it work
I’m only one person, but I continue to love Maui, and support where and when I can. I will be there at end of October and into November, and planning on January/February and early spring. I’ll do everything in my financial power to help heal Maui!
I have planned, made reservations and paid for my dream trip to Maui for mid October and fully intend to be there. I’m very disappointed that I will not have Lahaina to visit. It was to be one of the highlights of my trip. I’m mostly heartsick for the people of Maui and Lahaina in particular.
Well you can thank the Governor and those on Social Media for saying “Don’t come to Maui!” Over and over. Now the whole island is suffering. I hope the Tourism authority can get the word out that Hawaii wants and needs visitors, especially Maui.
I agree about discount offerings to jump start a return of visitors. nor do I think enough is being done to get out the word that visitors Are welcome and parts of Maui are unaffected. its a darn shame and recovery may wake while.
Mary m
My friend bought a ticket and was going to visit in September, but the cost of the accommodations was outrageous. We both looked for several days for something reasonable and then gave up. Cancelled the plane reservation and rebooked a ticket to the Midwest to visit family.
We have heard that many of the condos in the Kaanapali up through Napili area are currently being discounted. I have no idea how much or for how long..
I am very anxious to return but I Will Not Pay ridiculous and exorbitant destination, resort, or cleaning fees ( or any other label they care to slap on it). Full Stop.
I sent an email to Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, to express my feelings about the price of accommodations on Maui and explain to him that unless prices are brought down, tourism will not recover in the foreseeable future. I didn’t even get the courtesy of a response. This does not feel like Aloha.
well…. how about getting all the airlines to make more flights available at reasonable pricing; and the gov. to issue decrees, stating they welcome visitors to all parts of the island. Let’s face facts…. the part of Lahainia that burnt is sad and s/b just quadroned off till they can process/ remove the debri. It is truly so very sad. But the rest of the west side of the island is / s/b operating. As to displaced residents who currently take up the rentals….the government should import temporary housing for them to live in free of charge on some of the gov. owned land. Or perhaps the billionaires that own large chunks of land could do so….. and free golf-carts to get around in.
Make it cheaper to go there… So far I see sky high prices on condos and flights. Looking for a place that sleeps 8 over Christmas and New Years.
Mary K you do realize that Christmas through New
Year’s is about the most expensive time to visit?
I looked at booking a trip for later in the fall or in early or late spring, but the accommodation pricing was still just off the charts. Even if I were able to find affordable accommodations, the feeling I get thinking of going to Maui just doesn’t feel quite right and actually makes me very sad versus excited and joyful. Hard to be happy in a place I love knowing there is so much devastation and loss. I can’t quite reconcile the conflicting emotions.
We’re open for business here, NShore Kauai.
There is still a very vocal group telling visitors they’re not welcome. Or, they’re saying welcome to Maui but not the west side. Some visitors are unable to get refunds for canceling. A trip to Maui is not inexpensive when you factor in air, car, accommodations, food & activities. We’ve stayed on the west side for the last 37 yrs. It’s where we want to be. W
here we’ve made so many friends. Where many hotel employees are like family. We plan to visit early next year and share their sorrow with them. Lahaina will never be the same but I hope it will continue be what we considered the heart of Maui. Let the visitors come. We want to help in any way we can help. Many are coming to volunteer and time. Let us lighten your burden.
We had already been planning a trip in February. Debated for a while after the fire, but have been on many sites and feel the tourist dollars are wanted and needed. We are heartbroken for Maui and want to do the right thing. We go every year to two years for the last 15 and, fire or no fire, we’re coming pretty close to being priced out. We fly free with lots of Southwest points. But the accommodations have nearly killed us. We work hard and save hard to be able to continue to do it. We always appreciate your great info, Beat of Hawaii!
First, prayers go out to all residents of Maui. Heart felt empathy to all missing loved ones and those who have lost loved to the fires.
My thoughts are that there might be some confusion on the side of tourists. We have heard do not come, we can’t handle tourists now and that it is disrespectful to be there why so many are suffering. I don’t believe that anyone wants to be disrespectful to a community that has lost so much and has gone through something as horrific as that fire.
At the same time people want to help in anyway they can as long as they know for sure that their help is really reaching the people who need it. We are hearing mixed information on this as well in the Upper 48.
It will take a lot – the early mixed singles killed any chance of a surge.
I think there are two things that could help:
…All the celebrities who have property in Hawaii should put on a well publicized, televised fund raising event.
…Have a local Maui event every week or two. Invite those visiting the other islands to come over for a day or two and showcase some of the events they can attend. As simple as great restaurants, whale watching, a day of golfing. Whatever Maui wants to offer up.
I see several negative factors at work that are going to be difficult to overcome. 1) The mixed messages from the Gov. 2) The lingering feeling that tourists are not wanted (which began before the fire).
3) Misconception that the entire island was burned to the ground. Blame the media for that one.. They did the same thing to the BI when Kilauea erupted a couple years ago. 4) The high cost of a Hawaiian vacation 5) The current state of the US economy. 6) While Maui is beautiful all over, most people who vacation there want to spend time in areas that unfortunately no longer exist. 7) Sadly, incompetent leadership, from Covid to the fires, will make recovery even more difficult.
In my opinion price increases were planned by the governor to weed out the affordability of the middle class. Only ultra wealthy can afford to vacation here where money don’t matter. Remember the article stating he prefers the white collar class from San Francisco. I have a hard time spending thousands of dollars in a place where locals are F bombing haoles and this racial violence. Maui just wants your wallet not you as a tourist. Think again..
I have yet to meet anyone from San Francisco …most tourists in Maui are from LA, San Diego, Arizona, Washington, State, Alaska & Canada.
Aloha,
I disagree Don. The grabberment is not smart enough to orchestrate price increases by private business directly. Perhaps through taxation, yes. I do recall a post by BOH in 2002, I think, that one of the island mayors (Kauai?) stated they “they” want a better quality tourist, ie fewer people that would spend more money. That is the plan, in my mind. That begs the question, “How are the $69 airfares working out for you?”…(that was humour…).
Mahalo
Aloha,
oops, typo. make that 2022.
The airfares from my local airport were never $69 dollars. I don’t live in San Francisco. BOH did the article about one and a half months ago on Maui’s governor prefering white collar individuals from San Francisco. Why San Francisco? I don’t know. If it’s not the governor in on it then what is it? Desperation by hotel owners to be able to pay bills or just greed.
Aloha Don,
I should have been clearer. The $69 sarcasm was directed at the mayor wanting a “better quality tourist” yet predator airlines are offering $69 or $99 airfares, which negates any barriers to entry imposed by price.
Mahalo
To be clear the comment from the Mayor was reaction to SWA flooding the market with cheap seats and bargain tourists trying to get as much out of their Hawaii experience as they could while spending as little as possible. All the while creating some significant congestion. That type of tourism is bad for everyone and not class warfare. Hawaii didn’t have the infrastructure to comfortably digest SWA’s business plan.
Gerry,
“Predator” airlines at 69 and 99, I don’t think so.
I probably don’t quite understand your humor.
Supply and demand is interesting. We came to Waikiki on the 14th and will be here until the 30th.
We fly in from Ontario rather the zoo also known as LAX. But, the airfare on a crappy single aisle plane vs the 2 aisle planes from LAX and Ontario is a lot more money. But, it’s worth avoiding the hassle factor.
Anyway, back to the vacation. Mostly it doesn’t seem as crowded on Lewers St as in other years. As usual, the hospitality workers remember us from last year and virtually all of the 30 previous vacations. We are the same and the staffs are largely the same people and we all catch up on the last year.
Gerry,
PS, I learned this morning that marijuana is openly grown on Beach Walk. I’m not a user, but I hope to take some photo’s later.
Hello,
I certainly appreciate your Maui updates. In one of your upcoming articles, perhaps you could mention the air quality. We come to West Maui every year and do visit Lahaina with guests or dinner, but it is not the focus of our trip. I am wondering about the possibility of toxic air for locals and visitors. Do authorities have an estimate when the air quality will return to normal. I would guess that while the remains of the fire are being removed, the air quality is not good.
Thank you for keeping us informed!
MS
I have clients that are traveling to Hawaii on Nov 8. They are schedule to travel from HNL to OGG on Nov 12. They left it up to me whether they should change their plans for Maui. I was torn in multiple directions, but ultimately told them to go! I made sure their hotel was accepting guests. I made them aware of the changes. I created a guide as to all the other things there are to do on the island. My feelings are this.. Respect the area, Respect the people, and mourn the horrendous loss, but they must rebuild. Every dollar, every job will be so important for years to come. After Katrina, the length of time spent trying to clean up was so long, there are still major areas of NOLA that have never recovered.
Poor messaging from the government and a “stay away” sentiment in the news from the locals caused us to cancel our trip in October and we made other plans. Now they desperately want us. We aren’t going to change again, but we can come next spring.
The lack of discounting remains concerning” is my qualm. The pricing to come over even after the fire has increased for condos on the West Side. The South side saw the demand at first and joined the bandwagon to increase their rates. I have saved for 5 years, I studied social media all of 2022/23, and the social media locals remarks were horrendous to the point I am/was fearful to be out hiking alone. There was nothing but Kapu on everything. Now it is beggin me to return, and honestly, now, my heart aches for Lahaina and its people. When I do return, will still volunteer, but it will just not be the same driving past Lahaina to go to and from West Side.
Maui/Hawaii is very over priced as compared to other tropical vacations. My wife and I found much better deals going to the Caribbean than to Hawaii. Its sad because we have in the past visited Hawaii a couple times a year. Until hotel pricing gets more competitive, we probably won’t be back!
Eva B: Many people who visit West Maui sometimes don’t even go into Lahaina. Yes there was shopping and Yes there were restaurants, but I can say there have been many time while staying in Kaanapali we never went there because after the Pandemic, the wait was just too long for a restaurant. Sometimes we couldn’t park the car and just gave up. West Maui is so much more than just Lahaina (I’m heartbroken it is gone).
As outlined in your article there’s to much uncertainty with flight issues and soon to be rental car availability to chance spending thousands this fall on a return trip to Maui.
On “your word on the street” there’s still an overwhelming negative narrative view on Maui social media sites about how tourist and haole’s are disrespecting Lahaina.
There’s a photo of a family all over Maui social media sites standing in a burned out lot over looking Lahaina. These people are getting torched on social media’s with 100’s of negative posts, yet no one knows if they are tourist or local or if it was photo shopped.
Who wants to deal with the possibility of an innocent photo being turned to internet out cry? Not Me.