Well, apparently some people are listening to the Governor and others are listening to the Mayor of Maui. We had reservations for next week. They were canceled by the owner of the condo yesterday. Other units in that complex are also canceling reservations, based on the phased approach from the Mayor. Others are still taking reservations, based on the October 8 opening date from the Governor.
It’s unfortunate because a family who was counting on the $700 from my Turo rental are no longer getting it, and the restaurants are no longer getting my money. The anti-tourist group is going to get their wish, and then have to move off-island within a year because of lack of work.
You sound like you think the governor should be listening to the 14,000.
The people who are against visitors returning right now fall into 2 camps:
1) The displaced, who are getting income from multiple sources (FEMA, Unemployment, Maui Strong, Oprah’s fund, etc.) and don’t have to work for a few months. They have no incentive to have tourists return, nor to get back to work themselves.
2) Those in sympathy with the displaced, who don’t have a stake in tourists returning.
These groups are appreciating no tourists and plenty of money coming in. The governor doesn’t need to discourage visitors, because the media is getting the word out that these 14,000 don’t want them. Visitors will stay away on their own.
Aloha Patti ! We are so happy for your great news to return to West Maui in late December.
Like you and your family, we love and adore Maui and especially West Maui. It is our happy place also.
Our Ohana on Oahu love Maui and have been able to go with us to Westin Kaanapali twice when we had enough extra options to book 2 villas. They like all of Hawaii are heartbroken.
We are so much like you, we go twice a year to see the Ohana and then twice also to Maui. If ??? our budget is ok, then 3 trips a year.
We have been visiting Maui since 1976 and never in our wildest dreams thought we could afford the Westin Kaanapali that we purchased in early 2004.
Enjoy and safe travels going home to Maui
Best wishes
This à hardship for everyone that has been without income since 8.8. Those of us that are not housed may lose are rental because we are not being housed. We need a better solution then to rmlet people go without income for 3 months.
The Maui & Hawaii government agencies have mishandled the entire fire debacle making Maui seem like a 3rd world country without any concern for the Maui residents. It has been one misdirected message after another. The lack of planning, no water in fire hydrants, police closing streets not allowing people to exit the fire, no emergency sirens and not turning off the electricity when notified of the high winds is nothing but a very sad state of affairs under poor leadership & direction. We love Maui and hate to see the people treated this way.
Whats the availability of affordable housing, free medical care, education without taxes, to the Maui residents and their veterans who are living on the street. Hawaiis Governor and his elected officials and appointees have beautiful homes, great salaries that are adjusted each year for the inflationary necessities Their children are enrolled the best schools and are guaranteed employment on graduation. Im sorry to say, Maui and its residents will not overcome this disaster for years under this leadership.
I am very confused. My family and I have been visiting West Maui at least once a year for the past 25 years. It feels like our second home. We love it there. We are scheduled to visit on 12/29 and I just do not understand if we will be welcomed or shunned. I dont want to upset anyone, but we would be able to volunteer and add some dollars to the economy. What is the right thing to do?
Aloha Patti !
We totally understand.
Just returned home from Honolulu to see Ohana and canceled West Maui and kept our Kihei 5 night reservation.
The entire state is heartbroken and the people of Maui are 1000% more.
Everyone in Kihei told us how happy they were to see us and how tourism is part of the healing.
We’ve decided to visit our timeshare at Westin Kaanapali about 3 weeks before you go in December.
We really thought about and asked the Oahu Ohana for their opinions.
We are going to give people of West Maui our Love and Sympathy and let them know how much they are loved.
Please go, The people of Maui, especially West Maui need you.
Best wishes,safe travels
Bill and Karen
Thank you so much for the encouragement and sense of approval, we will return to this land we love so much and do our best to be helpful and respectful.
I’ll add this nugget, and, Jeff and Rob, you can weigh in — Maui Hotel and Lodging Survey put West Maui occupancy for next week at 3% to 4%. Thanksgiving numbers, if I read them correctly, are around 35%. The “Tourists Keep Out” message was heard loud and clear.
I guess what bothers me the most is these questions about whether West Maui open? Yes, it’s open. It was never really closed. Traveling through West Maui from Lahaina to Kapalua (via Kaanapali) has open since about a week after the tragic fire. If you’re going to West Maui and the resort confirms they are open, there’s nothing the govt is doing to stop you from visiting West Maui except in the fire neighborhoods of Lahaina. In fact, the governor wants you to come.
Seems to be a whole lot of wishful thinking with blinders on going on here by all parties concerned. Where in the world will the state find 8000 units of long term housing on Maui??? You can barely find 10 or 15 rentals at a time on the whole island and most of those come with a nose bleed level of pricing.
This Gordian Knot doesn’t have any short or medium term answers ( and no – the way Alexander dealt with it isn’t an option). In fact I’d be willing to bet a case of good Pali Road Whiskey that 10 years from now this will still be a current and ongoing issue. Stay tuned.
I was referring to 1 unit being the equivalent of adequate living space for one individual (~8000 being broken down into discrete household units). If the state / county government is providing/contracting for the housing, I’m sure they have to follow Federal HUD square foot per person requirements for such.
How many times do you think the airlines will change tickets. I have had tickets to Maui for 10 months. I’m going to Maui come hell or high water, so I’m not thinking about trying to exchange tickets – again, which I’m sure other people are experiencing. How generous are the airlines going to me? What happens to the people who got their tickets for October 8 and now are told that Maui isn’t opening yet by then.
Make up your mind and stick to it!!! Get your island open before you have no people that want to play your games anymore and have moved on to vacation in a reliable spot!
We just visited Maui. It is heartbreaking. Although we were scheduled to stay in Kaanapali, we were moved to a different resort in Kihei. We drove to kaanapali for lunch one day and chatting with the staff. These folks are hurting and are desperate for visitors to return and for their lives to get back to the new normal. We pray that the powers responsible for reopening are listening to the Majority of Maui residents and Not the loudly vocal minority.
There is no easy answer to this tragedy.
Thank you for constantly updating all. I will be there next week but almost canceled my wedding as we wanted to be sensitive to the needs there. I am afraid we won’t be welcomed by locals so don’t plan to visit that side of the island. I understand that businesses need our business and I would love to see that part of the island as I missed it last time I was there but if there is no news nor plan on how visitors can visit that area respectfully and provide business, then I am afraid others won’t anyway.
Yes, all over the island. I’m one of the helpers. 🙂
They have moved most of the support for that to the Civic Center north of Lahaina. They also have several organizations (FEMA, Maui Strong, etc.) that have funding for the housing of the displaced.
The Red Cross’ main focus is in the immediate aftermath of the fires, and ongoing psychological and emotional support. They still have centers all over the island where the displaced can go for help and support (Kahului, Wailea, etc.)
Courage; much of it is missing in the Government Officials in Maui. The Mayor’s latest declaration to open in phases without any specifics on timeframe is a cop-out. How are individuals supposed to plan…the answer is they can not. I am afraid these recent changes are going to do irreparable harm to West Maui’s Businesses and hotels/condos for most of 2024. Our only hope is that visitors have a short memory and will eventually give West Maui another shot.
Let me get this right… people who pay thousands of dollars a week for a condo vacation and taxes and fees in Kaanapali are told they can’t come so tragically displaced people can stay free in their units indefinitely? Who is paying that cost of hundreds of dollars a day and renovations if necessary? Taxpayers? Condo owners? Why aren’t other places in cheaper areas of Maui sharing the burden of this “hospitality?” There will be a vicious cycle of less money spent, more businesses closed and more unemployment with ever increasing numbers of homeless prople.
It’s affecting South Maui as well. People are afraid to make decisions due to the indecisiveness of the leadership. To them, it feels like walking on eggshells, and feels like it won’t be a relaxing vacation, and that they may have a negative experience.
However, the visitors that are here are having a wonderful time, even better than if they had come when it was more crowded. Reality is quite different than the misguided expectations set by those who are too clueless to know what’s really going on.
Why is it so difficult to multitask and manage both the displaced residents and their needs with the critical continuity of their economy? Understand and agree the displaced families and their basic needs should be prioritized (long term housing, kids back in school, etc). But this has been so incredibly frustrating to navigate. We’ve waited out the last 7+ weeks with the varied messaging and ugliness toward visitors and finally just cancelled our mid-Oct trip today. We really wanted to come support local businesses, volunteer, & hug all the wonderful people we’ve come to know and love since the 1980’s. It’s a 2nd home for us and they’re our beloved friends. We will absolutely return. Just not right now. Love to Lahaina 🌺
I am so tired of hearing locals making comments that tourists need to treat them with respect and visitors in return defending about how they are always respectful and volunteer, etc.
The reason for my perspective on this is that from what I have observed is even though Hawaii has more tourism than most places do and locals can become understandably frustrated, they also have tourists that love their culture, people, and islands. These “disrespectful” tourists have donated more to the Hawaiians following the disaster and shared more aloha than most have experienced following a tornado/hurricane/fire on the mainland.
Whether this is vocal minority or the perspective of most locals, the lack of respect resides with Hawaiians.
The residents of Maui must come first. Visitors can stay other places. The residents have lost so much and have nowhere to go. It’s a no win situation for all of Maui. God bless you all.
The reopening of West Maui is a catch-22. You need business and commerce to have jobs that can pay for daycare, housing, and rebuilding schools. To have all of that, we need tourists. While everyone understands the need to pause and reflect, we can’t get stuck in the pause. Those lucky enough to obtain housing in a resort should feel blessed that a business is for going millions in profits to give them a place to continue to live until they can get back on their feet. But they need to understand that the world keeps spinning and the people who are giving them a place to live need to make money in order to help them.
The question I as those who want to keep West Maui closed, is to what end?
There is another glitch with respect to the state commandeering timeshare properties for which owners hold a fee simple real property deed, as contrasted to the more usual timeshare ownership based upon a point scheme and a contract with the developer.
I own a fee simple deed to my timeshare located in one of the developments in west Maui and am not pleased with the prospect of the state taking over my timeshare via eminent domain without due process (in which I would strongly protest even if the compensation were at fair market value).
How many other fee simple deeded owners have similar circumstances?
Just returned yesterday from a 2 1/2 week stay in Kihei. The overwhelming sentiment prevailing in the papers, TV news and radio was “come on over”. We supported small businesses and restaurants while tipping liberally. All we spoke with where thankful and gracious. The anti-tourism sniping is hard to figure. Like it or not, 82% of Maui’s economy is dependent on visitors (according to the New York Times). I’ll be back to Kihei in December for another long stay. Trying to support Maui/Lahaina in that manner. Aloha to all.
I am a small town gal from mid-west Mainland.. THE Big lesson Learned are priorities were always Focused on the well-being of Hawaiians’ people.This (was) the most beautiful experience. It even healed froma traumatic childhood as most people visiting there gravitated to this attitude! It obviously still goes on, but with all the corporate resort/restaurant,etc. growth, it is diluted just like world-wide.I’ll give up my vacation to heal these folks.They Should Not ever be displaced!Let’s face it, the resorts are overcharging anyway. The phase out system is a plan!Let 8K stay; any open rooms be rented.The displaced also need to be welcoming open rooms that have to be rented for tourists, there are more than 8k rooms on W. Maui!
The last thing Governor Green & Maui Mayor Bissen want to deal with is social media videos of displaced Lahaina residents being thrown out of temp westside housing tourists with no place to go.
As long as the displaced have free temp housing there will be no motivation on their part to find permanent housing off island.
Nice catch 22
Who’s the winner here? Why Wailea resorts who are charging astronomical prices for booked stays.
Our tour group was scheduled to stay at the Hyatt Regency resort on Kaanapali Beach the last weekend in October, but the travel agency moved us to AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea.
Selfishly I feel this has gone on too long. I have a timeshare at a great expense – Hyatt and when we visit at the end of October – the pools are still likely to be closed as to spare the people being housed at the Hotel side. Being from an area that has had thousands of homes burnt to the grown twice and nothing ever closing down, I can’t see the point of losing so much money either by the County or the people personally. It is time to start living again. (I know – easy for me to say). I weep for Maui and the people on a daily basis when I think of what is and has happened. We have supported with donations to sever agencies beginning on the very first day and will continue to do so and will volunteer when we get there.
This is exactly what I expected to happen, and I was very surprised to see that both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are offering flight specials that include the very hotels that will most likely be the last to open. The Honolulu Civil newsletter, which we have been receiving regularly, has the most thorough, thoughtful, and up-to-date articles about what is happening in Maui, and reading it has convinced me that putting the people who need housing first will take priority over opening West Maui, as it should. And the articles make it clear that arbitrary opening dates are not helping anyone, including visitors who might be booking the flight/hotel specials without realizing they could then have to cancel (again, for some of us).
I hate to tell the mayor that they cannot announce an opening for weeks and then, just days before, change the plans. I have reservations and time off work. I guess I will have Kaanapali to myself. I just hope I don’t get threatened or harassed.
The one thing that I have discovered by following other social media is that the ones whining the most about reopening of the west side are those that have no stake whatsoever in whether or not it reopens at all because their anti tourism sentiments have been spewed all over the place. And sadly, the one thing that they just will not accept is that the Kingdom of Hawaii is Never coming back so still carrying on about it is about as effective as “sign waving”!
After the flooding of New Orleans from Katrina, tens of thousands of the people from New Orleans moved to adjacent and far away states and other Louisiana cities in northern Louisiana until the recovery and rebuilding were well underway or completed in New Orleans.
The jobs and buildings in Lahaina are not going to come back for years. The people of New Orleans got on with their lives elsewhere until they decided it was time to come back.
The people who are displaced from Lahaina who do not have jobs in the Kaanapali area should relocate to Wailuku, Kahului, other towns in Hawaii, or on the mainland ASAP so they can get on with their lives and let the recovery of Lahaina get underway.
Sorry, but no. New Orleans is a large city on the mainland from where it is easy to drive in almost any direction and find other major cities willing and able to accommodate refugees. Maui is a small island and, excepting Honolulu, almost a five hour flight to any metropolitan center with the housing, schools, food and other infrastructure that is needed. Also, the expectation from you and other commenters here that this crisis, merely eight weeks old, should have been resolve by now is breathtaking in its naiveté.
I see “Hawaiian Time” laziness in government combining with anti-tourism local attitude and ignorance of where government money comes from. Shooting oneself in the foot makes walking difficult. Continuing to do so and you bleed to death.
As someone who is traveling to kaanapali starting Oct 19th (after pushing it out to as requested by the gov) I’m more confused then ever after reading this. I thought kaanapali was “open” after 10/8 ? The mixed messages are really confusing and concerning.
We also are scheduled for Kahana 10/19-10-26 and the Westin 10/26-10/31. I just spoke to the Westin concierge desk and they expect us as scheduled. This is all very confusing and I have to cancel by 10/3 to not lose my time share points, shich would be quite expensive.
My thoughts exactly, Paul! It’s just never ending with their decision changes.
Here’s a question: If we own a time share or any other residential property in Maui, are we called tourist as well?
You know…We pay property taxes and high fees for our stays and look forward to going to be at peace without offending anyone. What part of this doesn’t make sense here?
The Hawaiin Government has really made a mess of this beautiful Island.
I have been an owner since the late 90’s in the Kahana area paying taxes and fees. We are scheduled to visit our place the end of October. I called the property to express our sincere condolences and see how they were doing. I was told I shouldn’t visit. The person said they were the manager went on at a very loud and aggressive voice to tell me we are being inconsiderate; they are still grieving. I tried to express my sympathy & empathy but was told not to speak. I told this person I had put together care packets I was planning on bringing with me and was told they don’t need them not to bother there “Own” are taking care of them. She said all they need is housing. Any guess on where they are currently being housed?
The information come out of Hawaii is misleading. Maui above Hyatt Kaanapali Beach -is open to owners of time shares now. So really not sure why this misinformation is being sent out. If they don’t want any tourists then you might consider closing the airport or not allowing any flights from the mainland to land at OGG until all of the island is open for tourists.
And yet, the HTA is planning to spend $2.6 MM to woo tourists back, for what? The continual pitting of tourists vs. residents will cause irreparable economic damage with the message that tourists are not welcome, people will vote with their dollars and go elsewhere. The FEMA support is not limitless, and then what? Will the residents be able to foot the bill to stay in the hotels that were ironically available due to the tourists and federal gov’t they so despise? The response and reaction by the local government and residents is comical.
Hello, we just returned from West Maui yesterday. First, let me say how welcoming and grateful the people were. We were thanked continually for coming. Everyone I asked, encouraged us to get the word out that visitors are welcome and needed now.
This said, West Maui is not ready for the normal influx of visitors but, with the availability of lodging being restricted to the north and to privately owned rentals, that won’t happen. If you can secure lodging, please go. You will be welcomed. In fact, West Maui needs you. All you need to do is show respect at all times. Even volunteering somewhere as we did. Several restaurants opened while we were there, including the Hula Grill. The beaches were beautiful and uncrowded. Go!
Thanks for the information. I am going on October 8, and this latest proclamation blew my mind. Your experience eases my concerns about not being welcomed.
Thank you for the encouragement ! I will be arriving in Kaanapali on October 20th . I have my reservations at The Hula Grill on the 23rd I hope long time hostess’s ” Sharky and sister Kini are OK. I need suggestions on where I may (volunteer) as I will be in Maui for 23 days . Suggestions are welcome ! Mahalo
We are here now. Everyone has been welcoming and many thanked us for being here, even on the west side. Not sure if its been mentioned, but you can see the devastation traveling by lahaina town. Volunteer for a day…maui strong and the humane society are a couple but there are many more that need help. Mahalo
Another poor decision by Governor Green. More concerned about the $13M loss of tourist revenue than about the displaced residents of Lahaina that are currently being housed at the tourist resorts. Prior to the Lahaina fire there was minimal affordable housing available to Maui residents. What is his plan to house these displaced families.? What tourists would enjoy their vacation in Maui knowing that a family who has lost everything was evicted from the room they are now vacationing in. Governor Green always about the $$$. Oh and lets add more taxes and fees on the returning tourists. Business as usual and damn the residents
Seven of us rescheduled our vacation at the Westin Kaanapali from 9/15 for two weeks to 11/1 for two weeks. Flights, car rentals etc. had to be changed bc of the lockdown. Now their is uncertainty again. Any more information would be very helpful.
I belong to a private Facebook group for Westin Ka’anapali owners. They are taking/honoring bookings of Westin owners. Several people have posted about their experiences (starting a couple weeks ago) and they are enjoying fairly empty resorts, dining at Hula Grill, Duke’s, etc. (leaving big tips), and they specifically express how welcomed they have been. Also to a person, those who have already headed to Maui have purchased gift cards for local stores (and Amazon) to give employees, and also have connected with various organizations with whom they can volunteer. Sounds like a win-win to me. Thank you BOH for keeping us updated in a complex situation.
As a visitor with an October trip to West Maui this has been extremely complicated to follow. First it’s closed until 10/17, then it’s “it’s not technically closed it’s just discouraged” and that businesses need tourist dollars to keep going. Then there’s this side that just wants visitors to stay away indefinitely. Now there’s a phased approach announced a little under two weeks before the reopening? People plan these trips months and sometimes a year or more in advance it’s not easy to just change up the dates/location.
I would never in my life Ever go to gawk at a disaster area. Kind of wish I cancelled my trip and went somewhere else.
You’re right, planning trips such as Maui are time consuming and changes are disruptive. However, empathetically, Maui locals have been significantly impacted by this tragic event. Can you imagine the changes they that are adjusting to? Maybe canceling your Maui trip is wise, because based on your comments, you’re the kind of tourist locals don’t want visiting at this time.
I’ve mentioned in an earlier response to a post that many local business I have reached out to via social media are welcoming tourist and locals alike. Many have said they have had to lay off employees. I am deeply saddened by the loss of the lives and land. That being said though we will be in the Kapalua area next week and will try to patron as many local shops as possible with respect and understanding of what some may be going through. Everyone grieves in different ways.
I don’t have all the answers . But FEMA and the Red Cross had applications to fill out for displaced Mauians for long term housing aid ! I would think phase 3 reopening in Kaanapali “Black Rock ” my happen in November to allow more time to gets this sorted .
There is only so much money the state and FEMA can pay out. Hawaii does not have enough housing for the displaced resident. That said, the displaced residents will need to move to other areas on the island, other islands or the mainland to live until Lahaina can be rebuilt. It will take years. . Hopefully the state and FEMA can help out with discounted rents, moving costs, etc. Ironically Hawaii depends on tourism and without it, many residents have no jobs to live on. This happened in the pandemic. There are many organizations receiving donations and hopefully that money is going to the residents. We love Maui and have a timeshare in Kaanapali. We will come back eventually.
I saw on the news today 14,000 people signed a petition to block the opening, But seems the governor is having nothing to do with that.
Well, apparently some people are listening to the Governor and others are listening to the Mayor of Maui. We had reservations for next week. They were canceled by the owner of the condo yesterday. Other units in that complex are also canceling reservations, based on the phased approach from the Mayor. Others are still taking reservations, based on the October 8 opening date from the Governor.
It’s unfortunate because a family who was counting on the $700 from my Turo rental are no longer getting it, and the restaurants are no longer getting my money. The anti-tourist group is going to get their wish, and then have to move off-island within a year because of lack of work.
You sound like you think the governor should be listening to the 14,000.
The people who are against visitors returning right now fall into 2 camps:
1) The displaced, who are getting income from multiple sources (FEMA, Unemployment, Maui Strong, Oprah’s fund, etc.) and don’t have to work for a few months. They have no incentive to have tourists return, nor to get back to work themselves.
2) Those in sympathy with the displaced, who don’t have a stake in tourists returning.
These groups are appreciating no tourists and plenty of money coming in. The governor doesn’t need to discourage visitors, because the media is getting the word out that these 14,000 don’t want them. Visitors will stay away on their own.
Aloha Patti ! We are so happy for your great news to return to West Maui in late December.
Like you and your family, we love and adore Maui and especially West Maui. It is our happy place also.
Our Ohana on Oahu love Maui and have been able to go with us to Westin Kaanapali twice when we had enough extra options to book 2 villas. They like all of Hawaii are heartbroken.
We are so much like you, we go twice a year to see the Ohana and then twice also to Maui. If ??? our budget is ok, then 3 trips a year.
We have been visiting Maui since 1976 and never in our wildest dreams thought we could afford the Westin Kaanapali that we purchased in early 2004.
Enjoy and safe travels going home to Maui
Best wishes
This à hardship for everyone that has been without income since 8.8. Those of us that are not housed may lose are rental because we are not being housed. We need a better solution then to rmlet people go without income for 3 months.
The Maui & Hawaii government agencies have mishandled the entire fire debacle making Maui seem like a 3rd world country without any concern for the Maui residents. It has been one misdirected message after another. The lack of planning, no water in fire hydrants, police closing streets not allowing people to exit the fire, no emergency sirens and not turning off the electricity when notified of the high winds is nothing but a very sad state of affairs under poor leadership & direction. We love Maui and hate to see the people treated this way.
Whats the availability of affordable housing, free medical care, education without taxes, to the Maui residents and their veterans who are living on the street. Hawaiis Governor and his elected officials and appointees have beautiful homes, great salaries that are adjusted each year for the inflationary necessities Their children are enrolled the best schools and are guaranteed employment on graduation. Im sorry to say, Maui and its residents will not overcome this disaster for years under this leadership.
HOA fee’s in that area are thousands per month, Government offering help to owners?
I am very confused. My family and I have been visiting West Maui at least once a year for the past 25 years. It feels like our second home. We love it there. We are scheduled to visit on 12/29 and I just do not understand if we will be welcomed or shunned. I dont want to upset anyone, but we would be able to volunteer and add some dollars to the economy. What is the right thing to do?
Aloha Patti !
We totally understand.
Just returned home from Honolulu to see Ohana and canceled West Maui and kept our Kihei 5 night reservation.
The entire state is heartbroken and the people of Maui are 1000% more.
Everyone in Kihei told us how happy they were to see us and how tourism is part of the healing.
We’ve decided to visit our timeshare at Westin Kaanapali about 3 weeks before you go in December.
We really thought about and asked the Oahu Ohana for their opinions.
We are going to give people of West Maui our Love and Sympathy and let them know how much they are loved.
Please go, The people of Maui, especially West Maui need you.
Best wishes,safe travels
Bill and Karen
Thank you so much for the encouragement and sense of approval, we will return to this land we love so much and do our best to be helpful and respectful.
I’ll add this nugget, and, Jeff and Rob, you can weigh in — Maui Hotel and Lodging Survey put West Maui occupancy for next week at 3% to 4%. Thanksgiving numbers, if I read them correctly, are around 35%. The “Tourists Keep Out” message was heard loud and clear.
Did the plan include designated sights for construction new housing?
I guess what bothers me the most is these questions about whether West Maui open? Yes, it’s open. It was never really closed. Traveling through West Maui from Lahaina to Kapalua (via Kaanapali) has open since about a week after the tragic fire. If you’re going to West Maui and the resort confirms they are open, there’s nothing the govt is doing to stop you from visiting West Maui except in the fire neighborhoods of Lahaina. In fact, the governor wants you to come.
Seems to be a whole lot of wishful thinking with blinders on going on here by all parties concerned. Where in the world will the state find 8000 units of long term housing on Maui??? You can barely find 10 or 15 rentals at a time on the whole island and most of those come with a nose bleed level of pricing.
This Gordian Knot doesn’t have any short or medium term answers ( and no – the way Alexander dealt with it isn’t an option). In fact I’d be willing to bet a case of good Pali Road Whiskey that 10 years from now this will still be a current and ongoing issue. Stay tuned.
JMHO
Best Regards
I don’t think its 8000 units. 8000 people. It includes families. The units are in the range of 1800 to 1900 based on the math from early reports.
I was referring to 1 unit being the equivalent of adequate living space for one individual (~8000 being broken down into discrete household units). If the state / county government is providing/contracting for the housing, I’m sure they have to follow Federal HUD square foot per person requirements for such.
Sorry I didn’t make that distinction in the OP!
Best Regards
How many times do you think the airlines will change tickets. I have had tickets to Maui for 10 months. I’m going to Maui come hell or high water, so I’m not thinking about trying to exchange tickets – again, which I’m sure other people are experiencing. How generous are the airlines going to me? What happens to the people who got their tickets for October 8 and now are told that Maui isn’t opening yet by then.
Make up your mind and stick to it!!! Get your island open before you have no people that want to play your games anymore and have moved on to vacation in a reliable spot!
We just visited Maui. It is heartbreaking. Although we were scheduled to stay in Kaanapali, we were moved to a different resort in Kihei. We drove to kaanapali for lunch one day and chatting with the staff. These folks are hurting and are desperate for visitors to return and for their lives to get back to the new normal. We pray that the powers responsible for reopening are listening to the Majority of Maui residents and Not the loudly vocal minority.
There is no easy answer to this tragedy.
Thank you for constantly updating all. I will be there next week but almost canceled my wedding as we wanted to be sensitive to the needs there. I am afraid we won’t be welcomed by locals so don’t plan to visit that side of the island. I understand that businesses need our business and I would love to see that part of the island as I missed it last time I was there but if there is no news nor plan on how visitors can visit that area respectfully and provide business, then I am afraid others won’t anyway.
Is the Red cross anywhere to be found, Helping with housing?
Yes, all over the island. I’m one of the helpers. 🙂
They have moved most of the support for that to the Civic Center north of Lahaina. They also have several organizations (FEMA, Maui Strong, etc.) that have funding for the housing of the displaced.
The Red Cross’ main focus is in the immediate aftermath of the fires, and ongoing psychological and emotional support. They still have centers all over the island where the displaced can go for help and support (Kahului, Wailea, etc.)
Courage; much of it is missing in the Government Officials in Maui. The Mayor’s latest declaration to open in phases without any specifics on timeframe is a cop-out. How are individuals supposed to plan…the answer is they can not. I am afraid these recent changes are going to do irreparable harm to West Maui’s Businesses and hotels/condos for most of 2024. Our only hope is that visitors have a short memory and will eventually give West Maui another shot.
Let me get this right… people who pay thousands of dollars a week for a condo vacation and taxes and fees in Kaanapali are told they can’t come so tragically displaced people can stay free in their units indefinitely? Who is paying that cost of hundreds of dollars a day and renovations if necessary? Taxpayers? Condo owners? Why aren’t other places in cheaper areas of Maui sharing the burden of this “hospitality?” There will be a vicious cycle of less money spent, more businesses closed and more unemployment with ever increasing numbers of homeless prople.
It’s affecting South Maui as well. People are afraid to make decisions due to the indecisiveness of the leadership. To them, it feels like walking on eggshells, and feels like it won’t be a relaxing vacation, and that they may have a negative experience.
However, the visitors that are here are having a wonderful time, even better than if they had come when it was more crowded. Reality is quite different than the misguided expectations set by those who are too clueless to know what’s really going on.
Why is it so difficult to multitask and manage both the displaced residents and their needs with the critical continuity of their economy? Understand and agree the displaced families and their basic needs should be prioritized (long term housing, kids back in school, etc). But this has been so incredibly frustrating to navigate. We’ve waited out the last 7+ weeks with the varied messaging and ugliness toward visitors and finally just cancelled our mid-Oct trip today. We really wanted to come support local businesses, volunteer, & hug all the wonderful people we’ve come to know and love since the 1980’s. It’s a 2nd home for us and they’re our beloved friends. We will absolutely return. Just not right now. Love to Lahaina 🌺
I am so tired of hearing locals making comments that tourists need to treat them with respect and visitors in return defending about how they are always respectful and volunteer, etc.
The reason for my perspective on this is that from what I have observed is even though Hawaii has more tourism than most places do and locals can become understandably frustrated, they also have tourists that love their culture, people, and islands. These “disrespectful” tourists have donated more to the Hawaiians following the disaster and shared more aloha than most have experienced following a tornado/hurricane/fire on the mainland.
Whether this is vocal minority or the perspective of most locals, the lack of respect resides with Hawaiians.
The residents of Maui must come first. Visitors can stay other places. The residents have lost so much and have nowhere to go. It’s a no win situation for all of Maui. God bless you all.
…Hearing Andy and Red in my mind. “It usually comes down to one simple choice. Get busy living, or get busy dying.”
The reopening of West Maui is a catch-22. You need business and commerce to have jobs that can pay for daycare, housing, and rebuilding schools. To have all of that, we need tourists. While everyone understands the need to pause and reflect, we can’t get stuck in the pause. Those lucky enough to obtain housing in a resort should feel blessed that a business is for going millions in profits to give them a place to continue to live until they can get back on their feet. But they need to understand that the world keeps spinning and the people who are giving them a place to live need to make money in order to help them.
The question I as those who want to keep West Maui closed, is to what end?
Can you post a map of the three phases?
There is another glitch with respect to the state commandeering timeshare properties for which owners hold a fee simple real property deed, as contrasted to the more usual timeshare ownership based upon a point scheme and a contract with the developer.
I own a fee simple deed to my timeshare located in one of the developments in west Maui and am not pleased with the prospect of the state taking over my timeshare via eminent domain without due process (in which I would strongly protest even if the compensation were at fair market value).
How many other fee simple deeded owners have similar circumstances?
Jim E
Just returned yesterday from a 2 1/2 week stay in Kihei. The overwhelming sentiment prevailing in the papers, TV news and radio was “come on over”. We supported small businesses and restaurants while tipping liberally. All we spoke with where thankful and gracious. The anti-tourism sniping is hard to figure. Like it or not, 82% of Maui’s economy is dependent on visitors (according to the New York Times). I’ll be back to Kihei in December for another long stay. Trying to support Maui/Lahaina in that manner. Aloha to all.
I am a small town gal from mid-west Mainland.. THE Big lesson Learned are priorities were always Focused on the well-being of Hawaiians’ people.This (was) the most beautiful experience. It even healed froma traumatic childhood as most people visiting there gravitated to this attitude! It obviously still goes on, but with all the corporate resort/restaurant,etc. growth, it is diluted just like world-wide.I’ll give up my vacation to heal these folks.They Should Not ever be displaced!Let’s face it, the resorts are overcharging anyway. The phase out system is a plan!Let 8K stay; any open rooms be rented.The displaced also need to be welcoming open rooms that have to be rented for tourists, there are more than 8k rooms on W. Maui!
The last thing Governor Green & Maui Mayor Bissen want to deal with is social media videos of displaced Lahaina residents being thrown out of temp westside housing tourists with no place to go.
As long as the displaced have free temp housing there will be no motivation on their part to find permanent housing off island.
Nice catch 22
Who’s the winner here? Why Wailea resorts who are charging astronomical prices for booked stays.
Why would they want to find permanent housing off-island? Hawaii is their home; they’re fighting to stay home!
Our tour group was scheduled to stay at the Hyatt Regency resort on Kaanapali Beach the last weekend in October, but the travel agency moved us to AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea.
Selfishly I feel this has gone on too long. I have a timeshare at a great expense – Hyatt and when we visit at the end of October – the pools are still likely to be closed as to spare the people being housed at the Hotel side. Being from an area that has had thousands of homes burnt to the grown twice and nothing ever closing down, I can’t see the point of losing so much money either by the County or the people personally. It is time to start living again. (I know – easy for me to say). I weep for Maui and the people on a daily basis when I think of what is and has happened. We have supported with donations to sever agencies beginning on the very first day and will continue to do so and will volunteer when we get there.
This is exactly what I expected to happen, and I was very surprised to see that both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are offering flight specials that include the very hotels that will most likely be the last to open. The Honolulu Civil newsletter, which we have been receiving regularly, has the most thorough, thoughtful, and up-to-date articles about what is happening in Maui, and reading it has convinced me that putting the people who need housing first will take priority over opening West Maui, as it should. And the articles make it clear that arbitrary opening dates are not helping anyone, including visitors who might be booking the flight/hotel specials without realizing they could then have to cancel (again, for some of us).
I hate to tell the mayor that they cannot announce an opening for weeks and then, just days before, change the plans. I have reservations and time off work. I guess I will have Kaanapali to myself. I just hope I don’t get threatened or harassed.
The one thing that I have discovered by following other social media is that the ones whining the most about reopening of the west side are those that have no stake whatsoever in whether or not it reopens at all because their anti tourism sentiments have been spewed all over the place. And sadly, the one thing that they just will not accept is that the Kingdom of Hawaii is Never coming back so still carrying on about it is about as effective as “sign waving”!
After the flooding of New Orleans from Katrina, tens of thousands of the people from New Orleans moved to adjacent and far away states and other Louisiana cities in northern Louisiana until the recovery and rebuilding were well underway or completed in New Orleans.
The jobs and buildings in Lahaina are not going to come back for years. The people of New Orleans got on with their lives elsewhere until they decided it was time to come back.
The people who are displaced from Lahaina who do not have jobs in the Kaanapali area should relocate to Wailuku, Kahului, other towns in Hawaii, or on the mainland ASAP so they can get on with their lives and let the recovery of Lahaina get underway.
Sorry, but no. New Orleans is a large city on the mainland from where it is easy to drive in almost any direction and find other major cities willing and able to accommodate refugees. Maui is a small island and, excepting Honolulu, almost a five hour flight to any metropolitan center with the housing, schools, food and other infrastructure that is needed. Also, the expectation from you and other commenters here that this crisis, merely eight weeks old, should have been resolve by now is breathtaking in its naiveté.
I see “Hawaiian Time” laziness in government combining with anti-tourism local attitude and ignorance of where government money comes from. Shooting oneself in the foot makes walking difficult. Continuing to do so and you bleed to death.
As someone who is traveling to kaanapali starting Oct 19th (after pushing it out to as requested by the gov) I’m more confused then ever after reading this. I thought kaanapali was “open” after 10/8 ? The mixed messages are really confusing and concerning.
We also are scheduled for Kahana 10/19-10-26 and the Westin 10/26-10/31. I just spoke to the Westin concierge desk and they expect us as scheduled. This is all very confusing and I have to cancel by 10/3 to not lose my time share points, shich would be quite expensive.
My thoughts exactly, Paul! It’s just never ending with their decision changes.
Here’s a question: If we own a time share or any other residential property in Maui, are we called tourist as well?
You know…We pay property taxes and high fees for our stays and look forward to going to be at peace without offending anyone. What part of this doesn’t make sense here?
The Hawaiin Government has really made a mess of this beautiful Island.
I have been an owner since the late 90’s in the Kahana area paying taxes and fees. We are scheduled to visit our place the end of October. I called the property to express our sincere condolences and see how they were doing. I was told I shouldn’t visit. The person said they were the manager went on at a very loud and aggressive voice to tell me we are being inconsiderate; they are still grieving. I tried to express my sympathy & empathy but was told not to speak. I told this person I had put together care packets I was planning on bringing with me and was told they don’t need them not to bother there “Own” are taking care of them. She said all they need is housing. Any guess on where they are currently being housed?
The information come out of Hawaii is misleading. Maui above Hyatt Kaanapali Beach -is open to owners of time shares now. So really not sure why this misinformation is being sent out. If they don’t want any tourists then you might consider closing the airport or not allowing any flights from the mainland to land at OGG until all of the island is open for tourists.
And yet, the HTA is planning to spend $2.6 MM to woo tourists back, for what? The continual pitting of tourists vs. residents will cause irreparable economic damage with the message that tourists are not welcome, people will vote with their dollars and go elsewhere. The FEMA support is not limitless, and then what? Will the residents be able to foot the bill to stay in the hotels that were ironically available due to the tourists and federal gov’t they so despise? The response and reaction by the local government and residents is comical.
Hello, we just returned from West Maui yesterday. First, let me say how welcoming and grateful the people were. We were thanked continually for coming. Everyone I asked, encouraged us to get the word out that visitors are welcome and needed now.
This said, West Maui is not ready for the normal influx of visitors but, with the availability of lodging being restricted to the north and to privately owned rentals, that won’t happen. If you can secure lodging, please go. You will be welcomed. In fact, West Maui needs you. All you need to do is show respect at all times. Even volunteering somewhere as we did. Several restaurants opened while we were there, including the Hula Grill. The beaches were beautiful and uncrowded. Go!
Thanks for the information. I am going on October 8, and this latest proclamation blew my mind. Your experience eases my concerns about not being welcomed.
We are headed there in a week. Where did you volunteer and is it suitable for a well behaved 9 year old? Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement ! I will be arriving in Kaanapali on October 20th . I have my reservations at The Hula Grill on the 23rd I hope long time hostess’s ” Sharky and sister Kini are OK. I need suggestions on where I may (volunteer) as I will be in Maui for 23 days . Suggestions are welcome ! Mahalo
We are here now. Everyone has been welcoming and many thanked us for being here, even on the west side. Not sure if its been mentioned, but you can see the devastation traveling by lahaina town. Volunteer for a day…maui strong and the humane society are a couple but there are many more that need help. Mahalo
Another poor decision by Governor Green. More concerned about the $13M loss of tourist revenue than about the displaced residents of Lahaina that are currently being housed at the tourist resorts. Prior to the Lahaina fire there was minimal affordable housing available to Maui residents. What is his plan to house these displaced families.? What tourists would enjoy their vacation in Maui knowing that a family who has lost everything was evicted from the room they are now vacationing in. Governor Green always about the $$$. Oh and lets add more taxes and fees on the returning tourists. Business as usual and damn the residents
Seven of us rescheduled our vacation at the Westin Kaanapali from 9/15 for two weeks to 11/1 for two weeks. Flights, car rentals etc. had to be changed bc of the lockdown. Now their is uncertainty again. Any more information would be very helpful.
I belong to a private Facebook group for Westin Ka’anapali owners. They are taking/honoring bookings of Westin owners. Several people have posted about their experiences (starting a couple weeks ago) and they are enjoying fairly empty resorts, dining at Hula Grill, Duke’s, etc. (leaving big tips), and they specifically express how welcomed they have been. Also to a person, those who have already headed to Maui have purchased gift cards for local stores (and Amazon) to give employees, and also have connected with various organizations with whom they can volunteer. Sounds like a win-win to me. Thank you BOH for keeping us updated in a complex situation.
As a visitor with an October trip to West Maui this has been extremely complicated to follow. First it’s closed until 10/17, then it’s “it’s not technically closed it’s just discouraged” and that businesses need tourist dollars to keep going. Then there’s this side that just wants visitors to stay away indefinitely. Now there’s a phased approach announced a little under two weeks before the reopening? People plan these trips months and sometimes a year or more in advance it’s not easy to just change up the dates/location.
I would never in my life Ever go to gawk at a disaster area. Kind of wish I cancelled my trip and went somewhere else.
You’re right, planning trips such as Maui are time consuming and changes are disruptive. However, empathetically, Maui locals have been significantly impacted by this tragic event. Can you imagine the changes they that are adjusting to? Maybe canceling your Maui trip is wise, because based on your comments, you’re the kind of tourist locals don’t want visiting at this time.
I’ve mentioned in an earlier response to a post that many local business I have reached out to via social media are welcoming tourist and locals alike. Many have said they have had to lay off employees. I am deeply saddened by the loss of the lives and land. That being said though we will be in the Kapalua area next week and will try to patron as many local shops as possible with respect and understanding of what some may be going through. Everyone grieves in different ways.
Those 8000 displaced, Where will they go? Will the state fund them staying in the hotels?
I don’t have all the answers . But FEMA and the Red Cross had applications to fill out for displaced Mauians for long term housing aid ! I would think phase 3 reopening in Kaanapali “Black Rock ” my happen in November to allow more time to gets this sorted .
There is only so much money the state and FEMA can pay out. Hawaii does not have enough housing for the displaced resident. That said, the displaced residents will need to move to other areas on the island, other islands or the mainland to live until Lahaina can be rebuilt. It will take years. . Hopefully the state and FEMA can help out with discounted rents, moving costs, etc. Ironically Hawaii depends on tourism and without it, many residents have no jobs to live on. This happened in the pandemic. There are many organizations receiving donations and hopefully that money is going to the residents. We love Maui and have a timeshare in Kaanapali. We will come back eventually.