197 thoughts on “Maui Travel Isn’t Recovering; Now What?”
JohnW
The whole perception of Maui doesn’t want tourists is as a result of, due to to serious overcrowding issues, the State realized more had to be done to manage tourism for the benefit of all going forward. Then a few on the internet started turning that into “Locals hate tourists”…simply false. Of course there are a few angry locals with an agenda but the vast majority don’t feel that way and the vast majority of tourists I encounter seem to be having a great time and love Hawaii. A lot of Aloha to be had on Maui right now.
As a yearly traveler to Maui, we’re shocked by the disaster. We are scheduled to arrive on September 27th, 2023. The govener said we couldn’t. Now Maui is begging people to come. This is very disappointing. The misinformation has cost the island dearly.
Aloha, we would like to first offer our condolences and then hope, for all that passed and all that survived the fires. We have postponed our annual Maui visit because of one major factor, uncertainty. We respect Hawaiians wishes to allow them time, but they also ask for tourism to help rebuild. We see mixed messages daily, “Maui Residents Demand Tourists Stay Away” from the island itself, as well as Lahaina Town and West Maui. We’ve donated hundreds if dollars from the mainland and will continue to do so, because we were always treated so well there. But we’ve encountered those who’ve stressed “Kapu” even just a few years ago after the Plague. Mahalo
I was planning on spending 5 days on Maui during the Maui Invitational. From what I am hearing they are moving it to Oahu, My flight back to the mainland is out of Maui so I may spend part of one day. It is too bad I was planning to spend alot of time and probably $$$ there. I was coming early with a few days already planned on Oahu and the big Island but the most on Maui.
Why would anyone be surprised that tourists are not coming to Maui right now when Lahaina and upcountry had so much destruction by the fires and the Mayor and governor clearly stated that tourists should not come to West Maui right now? Anyone who stayed on the West side of Maui before definitely went there because of the proximity to Lahaina. Most of those tourists didn’t care too much for Kihei, although they wouldn’t mind going there for a day or so ….of those who did stay in Kihei (mostly because it was cheaper), they would visit upcountry (Kula) and Lahaina, Kaanapali Beaches etc. Even people travelling to Oahu, would take short trips to visit the island of Maui.
I agree with everything your say. Keihi is now as expensive as West side, but just like alot of the ocean fronts on west maui. THey are over priced for the condition of most. And the ones that did remodel, are charging way more than I can afford now. when I did check for some pricing there were a couple resorts that said they are not taking reservations Until Oct 6. I just think, Maui (People), need to start teaching in their school systems that yes, their land was taken by us, but they need to learn to be civil or they will learn that they will get their wish of living off the land is all that is offered.
I live in South Maui, and this isn’t correct at all. When you see discussions of which part of the island is preferred, there is a very even split between those who like South Maui and those who like West Maui. It’s personal preference.
Some of the “pros” of South Maui mentioned:
– Better beaches (Keawakapu, Ulua, Wailea Beach, Makena, etc.)
– A more adult atmosphere (Fewer rambunctious children)
– Warmer weather with less rain
– Closer to the quaint smaller towns upcountry and Hana
– Kihei is there-a good-sized, real, livable community on the ocean
– Much closer to the airport
– World class golf courses, luxury boutiques, top-tier restaurants, gorgeous view-filled walking paths
South Maui “cheap”? Look again!
It is so hard to know what the right thing to do is! We are told don’t come to Maui by everyone. All the well knowing other parts of Maui need travelers for their economy. But as a visitor, who LOVES Maui, it’s culture and people by the way, all we hear is how much we are disliked for vacationing there, what are we to think? It’s a tough call because we want to share in It’s beauty and culture, while trying to be respectful of the people who have lost so much. My hope is that anyone that does decide to travel to Maui would take 1 day out of their plans and volunteer to help in some way. That is our family’s plan.
May God bless Maui and it’s people.
Mike, Tourists with your perspective of caring and wanting to volunteer are just what Maui needs right now and I’m certain you and your family will have an amazing experience of Aloha and connection with all you encounter. There’s a lot of good people doing a lot of good things on Maui right now, you’ll fit right in and it would be a trip your family will never forget.
Aloha
Understandably, the knee jerk reaction to the wildfires was to get all visitors out of Maui and those planning to come, go elsewhere. Afterwards, when it was apparent that Maui needed visitors to bolster the economy, many tourists heeded the initial warnings.
There is still a strong perception, perhaps misguided, that visitors are not welcome. Until that sentiment ends, many visitors will choose elsewhere to vacation.
Many us of had preferred to stay in the West side region of Kaanapali, Napilli or Kapalua, but there have been plenty of mixed messages about returning to that area any time soon.
Hopefully after a couple of months time, that perception changes and people will welcome visitors back.
Mahalo
“There is still a strong perception, perhaps misguided, that visitors are not welcome. Until that sentiment ends, many visitors will choose elsewhere to vacation.” I agree. and unfortunately with all the hatred in the world, I dont see that the sentiment will ever end, and only see that the greedy will continue to win,; the rich will visit the resorts; and the old condos will just continue to run down.
No, the perception is not misguided. In demanding tourists “stay out” and “stay away,” the truth of how locals feel was revealed for the world to see. As well as the odious “visit, spend, leave” sloganeering. It will not be forgotten.
I agree. I also still don’t understand the “knee jerk” reaction to the fires, asking everyone to leave. Most all states have disasters. We have hurricanes and tornadoes here in Texas, other states have other problems but I have never heard of a state leadership using that as an excuse to have everyone leave. Usually police(or National Guard) are posted to keep people out of areas effected, but otherwise everyone us open for business. Just doesn’t make sense to me…
Picked up my daughter from the Kahalui Maui airport two days ago it was Empty !!! The west side has just a handful of restaurants open. The beaches are nearly deserted !!
Doesn’t help when our corrupt climate crazy blaming Governor Green tells people don’t come, then do come to Maui but not the west side, then don’t come till October 17, then to come by October 8th = inept, incomprehensible messaging ! Things are stagnant & not changing with this kind of “leadership” !!! Maui needs visitors now not October 8th … as Green leaves the island once again! to push the notion that corruption, & lack of any fire prevention at all ! in the name of the climate cri$i$ at the UN next week!
There is a climate crisis, and only those that are uninformed will never change their mind as they will not educate themselves on the situation. The fires are not political! The poor souls that lost lives and homes is not a joke!
Hello! We are headed to South Maui for a huge Convention in 2 weeks. We are looking forward to bringing some revenue to the area during this time. We were referred to buying a Go Maui Card while there but when we look up to buy one the site is down. We are bringing our families and would love to use local businesses to do activities and dine with. Is there a recommended list so we can continue to put our resources in the hands of locals?
Fly Hawaiian Air for one Melody….appreciate your support Hawaii sentiment. It’s people like you returning that will be at the heart of Maui’s recovery!
What is it going to take? In a word – price. I think people put a lot of value in Lahaina – for us it was the nicest town to spend a day shopping and eating, even if you were staying down in Kihei for example. So the “Value” has taken a hit, but I will freely admit there are still many wonderful places on Maui to spend time. Quite frankly I am disappointed at how accommodation owners – hotel/resorts et al – have been gouging tourists post-Covid with astronomical increases in the price of lodging – on all Hawaiian islands, not just Maui. At a bare minimum drop prices to pre-Covid rates, if not lower, and people will come back.
To get visitors to return, it is simply a matter of supply and demand. Currently, there’s tremendous excess supply over existing demand at the current prices for air and lodging. The demand will return when the price is lowered sufficiently to be attractive. For the past several years Hawaii has used prices to control excessive numbers of visitors, now that process must be reversed and the numbers will return to desired levels. It’s not rocket science.
We have reservations with Air Canada for October 13. So far no word on flight cancellations/changes. But then again AC often waits until the last minute to advise passengers.
We were offered a very small discount (10%) for our VRBO accommodation only. Perhaps if I had been more proactive it would have been increased, but when dealing with people we know and have been renting from for 12+ years, we want to support them as well in this time of reduced business.
My wife and I are ~once-per-year winter visitors to Maui & mostly stay in Kihei condos via VRBO. I’ve roughly tracked our preferred condo nightly costs over the last 10+ years. While the appreciation has been very steep over the last several years, I checked pricing a few days ago and noted some significant price reductions on some units. While some units have put “price reduction” in their VRBO titles, many are more subtle where you have to enter different dates to see how much & how long the units are currently discounted … this makes it hard to capture at the macro level. I assume this will be a very dynamic process but my take-away is there are some deals out there but you may have to dig to find them.
It’s so blatantly obvious – Maui accommodation is so heinously overpriced. Solve that simple problem and get ready to welcome more travellers. Stop using the fire as an excuse for gouging accommodation prices and excessive fees on top of fees.
We own a condo in South Kihei that’s managed by a small, on island management company. Our daily rate is lower now then it was in 2021. Rates were lowered before the fire because visitor numbers were down and again after the fire.
The reduced numbers are a reflection of ALL the medias,and local governments, over exaggeration of how wide spread the damage was that occurred on Maui. But before the fire, the media, including BOH, was telling the tourists how bad they were for visiting, how revenge travel was killing the island, how tourists were behaving badly. I personally didn’t see record numbers or more bad tourists then before COVID.
I think the fires and the chaotic evacuation of visitors was the last straw. Before the fires the message from Maui was “too many visitors” “we only want high end visitors” “we want visitors from cities like San Francisco” (from your previous articles). Rentals raised their prices sky high, restrictions were put on where visitors could go, park, visit by using confusing reservation systems, unrealistic parking fees, blackout days and verbal bullying. There are still verbal locals who don’t want visitors to return and it is heard on the mainland. The fires are not the only blame for the decline. A percentage of tourist have found more welcoming places to visit. If they are welcomed, I hope for you they will return soon.
Morocco is spreading a similar message after the earthquake – Come, they need the tourist $$. One friend had tour cancelled and a 2nd friend cancelled herself as she didn’t feel right.
Morocco says it’s not most areas – so share the same message for Maui – it’s just one area.
I’d have to guess this is a great time to be on the road to Hana – no crowds.
The whole perception of Maui doesn’t want tourists is as a result of, due to to serious overcrowding issues, the State realized more had to be done to manage tourism for the benefit of all going forward. Then a few on the internet started turning that into “Locals hate tourists”…simply false. Of course there are a few angry locals with an agenda but the vast majority don’t feel that way and the vast majority of tourists I encounter seem to be having a great time and love Hawaii. A lot of Aloha to be had on Maui right now.
As a yearly traveler to Maui, we’re shocked by the disaster. We are scheduled to arrive on September 27th, 2023. The govener said we couldn’t. Now Maui is begging people to come. This is very disappointing. The misinformation has cost the island dearly.
Don’t hold your breath.
Aloha, we would like to first offer our condolences and then hope, for all that passed and all that survived the fires. We have postponed our annual Maui visit because of one major factor, uncertainty. We respect Hawaiians wishes to allow them time, but they also ask for tourism to help rebuild. We see mixed messages daily, “Maui Residents Demand Tourists Stay Away” from the island itself, as well as Lahaina Town and West Maui. We’ve donated hundreds if dollars from the mainland and will continue to do so, because we were always treated so well there. But we’ve encountered those who’ve stressed “Kapu” even just a few years ago after the Plague. Mahalo
I was planning on spending 5 days on Maui during the Maui Invitational. From what I am hearing they are moving it to Oahu, My flight back to the mainland is out of Maui so I may spend part of one day. It is too bad I was planning to spend alot of time and probably $$$ there. I was coming early with a few days already planned on Oahu and the big Island but the most on Maui.
Why would anyone be surprised that tourists are not coming to Maui right now when Lahaina and upcountry had so much destruction by the fires and the Mayor and governor clearly stated that tourists should not come to West Maui right now? Anyone who stayed on the West side of Maui before definitely went there because of the proximity to Lahaina. Most of those tourists didn’t care too much for Kihei, although they wouldn’t mind going there for a day or so ….of those who did stay in Kihei (mostly because it was cheaper), they would visit upcountry (Kula) and Lahaina, Kaanapali Beaches etc. Even people travelling to Oahu, would take short trips to visit the island of Maui.
I agree with everything your say. Keihi is now as expensive as West side, but just like alot of the ocean fronts on west maui. THey are over priced for the condition of most. And the ones that did remodel, are charging way more than I can afford now. when I did check for some pricing there were a couple resorts that said they are not taking reservations Until Oct 6. I just think, Maui (People), need to start teaching in their school systems that yes, their land was taken by us, but they need to learn to be civil or they will learn that they will get their wish of living off the land is all that is offered.
I live in South Maui, and this isn’t correct at all. When you see discussions of which part of the island is preferred, there is a very even split between those who like South Maui and those who like West Maui. It’s personal preference.
Some of the “pros” of South Maui mentioned:
– Better beaches (Keawakapu, Ulua, Wailea Beach, Makena, etc.)
– A more adult atmosphere (Fewer rambunctious children)
– Warmer weather with less rain
– Closer to the quaint smaller towns upcountry and Hana
– Kihei is there-a good-sized, real, livable community on the ocean
– Much closer to the airport
– World class golf courses, luxury boutiques, top-tier restaurants, gorgeous view-filled walking paths
South Maui “cheap”? Look again!
It is so hard to know what the right thing to do is! We are told don’t come to Maui by everyone. All the well knowing other parts of Maui need travelers for their economy. But as a visitor, who LOVES Maui, it’s culture and people by the way, all we hear is how much we are disliked for vacationing there, what are we to think? It’s a tough call because we want to share in It’s beauty and culture, while trying to be respectful of the people who have lost so much. My hope is that anyone that does decide to travel to Maui would take 1 day out of their plans and volunteer to help in some way. That is our family’s plan.
May God bless Maui and it’s people.
Mike, Tourists with your perspective of caring and wanting to volunteer are just what Maui needs right now and I’m certain you and your family will have an amazing experience of Aloha and connection with all you encounter. There’s a lot of good people doing a lot of good things on Maui right now, you’ll fit right in and it would be a trip your family will never forget.
Aloha
Understandably, the knee jerk reaction to the wildfires was to get all visitors out of Maui and those planning to come, go elsewhere. Afterwards, when it was apparent that Maui needed visitors to bolster the economy, many tourists heeded the initial warnings.
There is still a strong perception, perhaps misguided, that visitors are not welcome. Until that sentiment ends, many visitors will choose elsewhere to vacation.
Many us of had preferred to stay in the West side region of Kaanapali, Napilli or Kapalua, but there have been plenty of mixed messages about returning to that area any time soon.
Hopefully after a couple of months time, that perception changes and people will welcome visitors back.
Mahalo
“There is still a strong perception, perhaps misguided, that visitors are not welcome. Until that sentiment ends, many visitors will choose elsewhere to vacation.” I agree. and unfortunately with all the hatred in the world, I dont see that the sentiment will ever end, and only see that the greedy will continue to win,; the rich will visit the resorts; and the old condos will just continue to run down.
No, the perception is not misguided. In demanding tourists “stay out” and “stay away,” the truth of how locals feel was revealed for the world to see. As well as the odious “visit, spend, leave” sloganeering. It will not be forgotten.
I agree. I also still don’t understand the “knee jerk” reaction to the fires, asking everyone to leave. Most all states have disasters. We have hurricanes and tornadoes here in Texas, other states have other problems but I have never heard of a state leadership using that as an excuse to have everyone leave. Usually police(or National Guard) are posted to keep people out of areas effected, but otherwise everyone us open for business. Just doesn’t make sense to me…
Yep. Maui said, “stay home”. Visitors said ok. They cancelled their plans and went back to school. Now you want them back? It’ll be a while.
Picked up my daughter from the Kahalui Maui airport two days ago it was Empty !!! The west side has just a handful of restaurants open. The beaches are nearly deserted !!
Doesn’t help when our corrupt climate crazy blaming Governor Green tells people don’t come, then do come to Maui but not the west side, then don’t come till October 17, then to come by October 8th = inept, incomprehensible messaging ! Things are stagnant & not changing with this kind of “leadership” !!! Maui needs visitors now not October 8th … as Green leaves the island once again! to push the notion that corruption, & lack of any fire prevention at all ! in the name of the climate cri$i$ at the UN next week!
There is a climate crisis, and only those that are uninformed will never change their mind as they will not educate themselves on the situation. The fires are not political! The poor souls that lost lives and homes is not a joke!
Hello! We are headed to South Maui for a huge Convention in 2 weeks. We are looking forward to bringing some revenue to the area during this time. We were referred to buying a Go Maui Card while there but when we look up to buy one the site is down. We are bringing our families and would love to use local businesses to do activities and dine with. Is there a recommended list so we can continue to put our resources in the hands of locals?
Fly Hawaiian Air for one Melody….appreciate your support Hawaii sentiment. It’s people like you returning that will be at the heart of Maui’s recovery!
Hotel and condo rates are still rather steep in most places to stay…. maybe a reduction in that area might help for a short period of time….
What is it going to take? In a word – price. I think people put a lot of value in Lahaina – for us it was the nicest town to spend a day shopping and eating, even if you were staying down in Kihei for example. So the “Value” has taken a hit, but I will freely admit there are still many wonderful places on Maui to spend time. Quite frankly I am disappointed at how accommodation owners – hotel/resorts et al – have been gouging tourists post-Covid with astronomical increases in the price of lodging – on all Hawaiian islands, not just Maui. At a bare minimum drop prices to pre-Covid rates, if not lower, and people will come back.
To get visitors to return, it is simply a matter of supply and demand. Currently, there’s tremendous excess supply over existing demand at the current prices for air and lodging. The demand will return when the price is lowered sufficiently to be attractive. For the past several years Hawaii has used prices to control excessive numbers of visitors, now that process must be reversed and the numbers will return to desired levels. It’s not rocket science.
We have reservations with Air Canada for October 13. So far no word on flight cancellations/changes. But then again AC often waits until the last minute to advise passengers.
We were offered a very small discount (10%) for our VRBO accommodation only. Perhaps if I had been more proactive it would have been increased, but when dealing with people we know and have been renting from for 12+ years, we want to support them as well in this time of reduced business.
My wife and I are ~once-per-year winter visitors to Maui & mostly stay in Kihei condos via VRBO. I’ve roughly tracked our preferred condo nightly costs over the last 10+ years. While the appreciation has been very steep over the last several years, I checked pricing a few days ago and noted some significant price reductions on some units. While some units have put “price reduction” in their VRBO titles, many are more subtle where you have to enter different dates to see how much & how long the units are currently discounted … this makes it hard to capture at the macro level. I assume this will be a very dynamic process but my take-away is there are some deals out there but you may have to dig to find them.
It’s so blatantly obvious – Maui accommodation is so heinously overpriced. Solve that simple problem and get ready to welcome more travellers. Stop using the fire as an excuse for gouging accommodation prices and excessive fees on top of fees.
We own a condo in South Kihei that’s managed by a small, on island management company. Our daily rate is lower now then it was in 2021. Rates were lowered before the fire because visitor numbers were down and again after the fire.
The reduced numbers are a reflection of ALL the medias,and local governments, over exaggeration of how wide spread the damage was that occurred on Maui. But before the fire, the media, including BOH, was telling the tourists how bad they were for visiting, how revenge travel was killing the island, how tourists were behaving badly. I personally didn’t see record numbers or more bad tourists then before COVID.
Looking for December 22-January 22, to sleep 8, that isn’t overpriced… Good luck with that is the word…
I think the fires and the chaotic evacuation of visitors was the last straw. Before the fires the message from Maui was “too many visitors” “we only want high end visitors” “we want visitors from cities like San Francisco” (from your previous articles). Rentals raised their prices sky high, restrictions were put on where visitors could go, park, visit by using confusing reservation systems, unrealistic parking fees, blackout days and verbal bullying. There are still verbal locals who don’t want visitors to return and it is heard on the mainland. The fires are not the only blame for the decline. A percentage of tourist have found more welcoming places to visit. If they are welcomed, I hope for you they will return soon.
Morocco is spreading a similar message after the earthquake – Come, they need the tourist $$. One friend had tour cancelled and a 2nd friend cancelled herself as she didn’t feel right.
Morocco says it’s not most areas – so share the same message for Maui – it’s just one area.
I’d have to guess this is a great time to be on the road to Hana – no crowds.