197 thoughts on “Maui Travel Isn’t Recovering; Now What?”
Andrea
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.
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 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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.