Did Governor Green and the troubled Hawaii Tourism Authority miss the mark. If so, exactly what is needed?
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143 thoughts on “Perplexing West Maui “Closed” Edict Upsets Residents And Visitors”
Did Governor Green and the troubled Hawaii Tourism Authority miss the mark. If so, exactly what is needed?
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Just a thank you for this website and the information you provide. I discovered you due to this tragic fire.
Keep up the wonderful work you do providing information and a forum for discussions.
I can’t post a picture here, but when you see photos of angry locals in Maui posting large signs that say “No Tourists ” “Tourists Go Home” , that borders on a threat. At any rate its not pleasant. I would not visit Maui right now. I understand how they feel, and as many times as I have been to maui, I still am made to feel that I’m an outsider, and I am! Now that sentiment has increased exponentially.
I also travel to the Caribbean and I don’t feel as alienated there. That’s where I prefer to travel..
Maui has a long road ahead before healing can happen. I’d rather stay out of the way and help as much as possible from afar.
I had planned a trip to Maui on October 5th 2023, when the disaster occurred, I contacted Maui Resorts Rental they refused to return my payment and only offered a credit for future travel. I am a 76 year old man with some health issues, unfortunately by the time Maui is rebuilt, I will be unable to travel. In addition, Alaska Airlines also refused to refund the payment and offered a credit, Alaska Airlines has limited places they fly to where I would be interested in going too. If there is anything you can do to assist me in this matter, it would be greatly appreciated.
Isn’t the HTA based on Oahu? Under what authority are they issuing edicts, mandates or even guidelines? You are clueless and out of touch. Your job is to *promote* tourism not ruin people’s lives and businesses.
Mahalo BOH for addressing this issue. The mixed messages make less and less sense the further we get from the tragedy in Lahaina. A blanket closure of everything north of Lahaina is baffling and could cause further economic ruin for anyone employed there. Please keep us posted.
Guarantee the Mayor got a call from Newsome who advised him to lock it down, create a complete financial disaster and then apply for and receive more funds than people would by working. Watch.
Without tourism, this lovely place is lost. Aloha to all there, and allow visitors to go north of Lahaina. Mahalo.
It’s quite unfortunate that the governor is cutting livelihood to many west Maui employees. They were impacted most with loss of homes and jobs on island. The sweet ohana of west Maui want to recover and not take handouts. We have a place on the west side and know how the employees feel. Please release west Maui. Mahalo.
We’ve visited Maui at least a dozen times and mourn with you on the losses of Lahaina and elsewhere. We have reservations for a couple weeks in Ka’anapali starting a week after the apparently arbitrary date of Oct 17. Based on recent experience our spending is at least $1000/day. This messaging suggests we’d be smart to change our plans and go elsewhere, but we believe Maui needs tourism revenue now more than ever, especially after the devastating shutdown of local businesses for Covid. We want to support Maui.
Why is the road closed 10pm to 6am? It’s impossible to make an early morning flight from Kahului.
Lahaina is unbelievably tragic. Does the rest of Maui want to recover or is it time for tourists to go elsewhere? As this now stands, we’re likely to cancel our trip even though Ka’anapali and farther north is intact.
Sounds like the Governor did the politically right thing early after the disaster. However, restricting tourism now will strangle an expedited recovery and dig a deeper financial hole for everyone to dig out from
Time for the Governor to recant and not strangle the lifeline (tourism) so desperately needed Now!
Life should and must go on.
Russell S.
Is Zippy’s open? That’s a real cultural icon in Hawaii
It also takes me back to my school days. (Cafeteria food!)
I think the “town folk” should be deciding what they can withstand mentally. This is a major major disaster and many are employees of these fine condos and restaurants. I cancelled, lost my condo $$ and could not even donate them, but I Do Not want to return for at least 6 months in honor of those that died. Even with the screens up, it was a loss and it affected me deeply. This is my own person opinion. Those that dont have any connection will want to come, most who can not afford to lose their condo fees, will want to come, business are hurting, but should get unemployment for 2 months of mourning!
Maui needs the visitors to support island economy. Already layoffs are occurring in the south. It shows non Maui leaders do not under Maui needs.
FEMA is staying at the Four Seasons and other $$$ hotels, when they should be boots on the ground in Lahaina. Director whines about no money, while they golf, snorkel and do side trips for fun.
As long as there is no road checkpoint, I’m planning to go to West Maui in October. I think it is important to get money flowing again. We will tip large, and we will devout at least a couple of days to volunteer should the opportunity exist. It sounds like this is what is needed.
Thanks Beat of Hawaii for expressing my frustration. I’ve been watching what the resorts are doing, and as has already been pointed out, many of the large resorts have settled on Oct. 1st to start accepting new reservations. So I wonder who the governor and HTA were consulting prior to claiming Oct 17th the opening day. Now the tourists traveling to the west side in early October might be inclined to lay low and not go on snorkeling trips, sight seeing trips, etc. I think the Gov. and the HTA made a big mistake, and hopefully they correct it.
In Kaanapali there is no Internet Service, very limited cell service. The main grocery stores are closed Safeway, Foodland Farms, Island Grocery. Lahaina Gateway is filled with aid tents. Residents are waiting word on over 800 missing family members. Residents in mental distress that lost their homes everything are temporarily staying in local hotels, 900 are at Royal Lahaina. They do not know where they will go next. Homes will take years to be rebuilt. Can you imagine frolicking tourists, in a hotel with hundreds of grieving residents?
When will it be time for visitors to return? I don’t know, as no one has said when we can even expect Internet or reliable cell service to return. If I had to guess, it will be no earlier than the end of October before infrastructure is ready, and Residents have had a period of time to grieve and figure out what is next.
Dave W
Lahaina
We are heartbroken for all the loss of life and business on our favorite island.
My husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so we had one last vacation planned beginning Labor Day. West Maui for three weeks. Yep. We had to cancel thousands of dollars worth of plans, reservations, activities and absolutely are devastated to know we now can never return for our last trip before his disease soon keeps us from traveling.
Hugs and prayers for everyone there struggling with loss..Some day all will be well again. Perhaps I can bring my grandchildren.
So sorry you are also suffering. Worst case, try credit card chargebacks against vendors who are trying to steal your money.
Maybe you can find another place for your special trip. There are many wonderful places in the US. Bonus, they’re easier to get to, and might be less expensive.
I’m thinking Coronado next to San Diego.
If it were me, I would not give in to the misinformation the Governor is spitting out. We are planning to go to the Kahana Beach Resort on our regular scheduled arrival date of Sept. 22nd. You should go as normal. Things won’t be the same, but you can enjoy your time on the island for sure.
This is the same opinion we have, I am glad you posted this. We have been going back and forth the last week with what to do. Called our resort and have been in contact with our concierge and they both say Kaanapali Beach club are open at end of Aug and to come support the staff and community.
West side of Maui is all connected. At this time do we really need the added weight of cars and people accessing lahaina or kuhakoloa roads to “vacation” in North maui? Bodies that were not discovered on land or turned to ash from fire will likely have drawn attention to unspeakable frenzy of predators that clean our waters in the island. Do businesses really think it will not impact the illusion of paradise to the visitors passing a massive graveyard before going to have fun? Right now visitors should be more aware of our
Lahaina sorrow and grief than a frolicking splurge in area just north of Town. Natives are restless and going through the Northwood will bring alot of resentment.. be warned! There are other islands to visit at this time of peril and extreme stress.
Sophie;
I was thinking exactly the same thing. There will be some very angry residents for some time to come. I try to put myself on the ground in Kahana. The thought of the suffering and misery in Lahaina would weigh very heavily on me. I just cannot see myself going there for the foreseeable future. On the other hand those whose livelihood depend on visitors will be crushed as well if no one goes to west Maui.
This is a tragedy of epic proportions. There are no easy solutions and only loss.
There are many beautiful parts of the US. Bonus: they’re probably easier to get to, and may be less expensive.
Sad the little guys on Maui will suffer from the lack of tourism dollars. They were just trying to eke out a living, they didn’t do anything wrong.
The modern day plantation owners (resort owners) will be fine. Somehow the monied always come out on top.
I am extremely sorry for the loss of so many loved ones experienced by so many Hawaiian residents! I pray for everyone involved, and hopefully healing will come along in time. Best wishes and regards to them all!
Tom – I and a lot of folks seem to agree with you. If I was in your position, I would call the Westin and see if your are still able to come. It has been pointed out that the Gov said shouldn’t or don’t, but not “you cannot” visit West Maui in September. As we all know, the folks and businesses in West Maui need our patronage. With all due respect.
Lahaina experienced a catastrophe but the rest of Maui still survives and can thrive. The contrary should be occurring, open West Maui to support businesses so that those who lost homes but still have jobs can still work. Tourism pays taxes and taxes pay for rebuilding. No one wants to disturb the ashes of Lahaina, everyone respects this so close off the areas that need to be closed.
We vacation in Maui and Kauai every year. So we bought a floating timeshare unit at the new Westin in North Kaanapali. We are devastated by the loss of people who live there. We will donate to rebuild. We pay property taxes annually. If the property is ready, why can’t we use it?
I depend on the Kaanapali to Kapalua visitors to survive. My little car rental business will die by October 17. I’m running out of money fast. I live in Kahana, it’s fine! Josh, everyone makes mistakes, just fix it, like today!
West M – I would love to give you business when I visit. What is the name of your business?
Why can’t We do a Pay it Forward Type of thing Where Businesses are listed & We Pay for Residents there to have a “Place to Stay” or a Meal or Meals to Eat Type of thing thereby Still allowing a type of Commerce for that area of Maui without having to actually be there because of the Restrictions that are in Place
We canceled our Oct vacation to Kannapali. We have see so many posts saying that it would not be a good time to come. Hotels and condos will be used for displaced Lahaina residents and those who work in the tourist industry won’t be able to deal with tourism because of their grief. Out of respect for these voices, we decided to postpone our annual trip for at least 6 months or until we hear something official.
This messaging is group think and why it will take 10 if not 20 years to rebuild Lahaina, if it’s rebuilt at all.
Government officials making decisions on Maui have been subjected for years to safe place, diversity and hostile work place environment training.
No individual, even Governor Green, are allowed to make common sense decisions without consulting with the many factions represented on Maui.
The goal is not to make decisions that make sense, but to not offend a marginalized group or individual.
That’s why you getting such mixed messaging.
Is all of the Marriott’s shut down on Maui? It doesn’t specifically state which ones. We have a reservation in Wailea. Do we need to cancel our trip? Please advise.
Many Thanks
Hi Eleanor.
We suggest you call the hotel and confirm your reservation. That hotel is not closed.
Aloha.
What if you Hotel doesn’t answer, a answering machine picks up. We have reservations at The Westin in Kaanapali October 11th.
Wailea is still open and will be when you get here mahalo Lance
As an outsider, it seems like the safe bet is to stay away for now. I may visit other Hawaiian islands, but I’ll probably give it a couple years before I’ll be back to Maui. It seems like not everyone agrees about when it’s okay to come back, and I hear the concerns about tourists doing more harm than good. I don’t want to offend anyone and just want to be respectful.
Unfortunately, not the Mayor or Governor of Maui have ever dealt with a tradegy or multi-level governing problem as the aftermath of these fires and the devastation it’s left behind.
They need a major PR firm to assist them in what the message should be (Please come to maui in areas not affected and absolutely to any of the other islands), how it should be delivered and most importantly, that the message to residents and tourists is clear, concise and uniform. Alas, in the early days, they’re both looking inept at best… call Obama…Oprah even… get someone who knows how to deliver a good message!
Why aren’t you telling people the truth??? The governor doesn’t have the authority to close Anything!!!! Neither does the tourism board or the police!!! The people can go Anywhere they want!!! And the FAA can’t tell people that they can’t fly drones either!!! The people have God given Rights that are being violated!!! Why aren’t you telling people that???
!!! Why not a all caps too ???
Hi KP.
Those are automatically removed. Excessive punctuation is next.
Aloha.
The people of Maui should decide what needs to happen, not the government. The people that live there, and own property. Often times when there are disasters such as this, a return to normally quickly, and cleaning the damage and carrying on with routines and discipline is what pulls people through. Please send prayers and financial assistance, as well as tourism to the people of Maui, we all know that they are strong and proud people, true warriors.
There is no roadmap for how this should be handled so cut some slack to those handling it. There may be no right answers. An incredibly devastating conundrum is unfolding. What I do know, is my heart is truly broken right now!
I would hope there is financial help for those that lost their jobs, even though they did not lose their homes.
It would have made more sense for the Governor and local officials to work with the West Maui hotels and open the day after Labor Day (Sept 5) to visitors with existing reservations only. Many travelers had already cancelled or rebooked and this would have allowed for a less impactful, soft opening.
As a local, I don’t have to question if I should be here or if we are open.
Every day we have to think about the hundreds of people that our missing from us.
I leave the thoughts of locals not able to work right now, with them. Being alive and breathing here is humbling.
I wouldn’t want to have to work at a resort right now, waiting on a visitor when I can’t sleep and in mental anguish over my Ohana. This situation is not about anyone missing their vacation.
I get what you’re saying except that many work paycheck to paycheck. They don’t have the luxury of taking time to reflect. That’s just the reality I think. Ideally there would be financial help for people, but I don’t see it coming anytime soon.
Our trip is planned for the last week of Sept-Oct 3 in the area north of Kaanapali . This will be our first time to Hawaii and we are heat broken for all those effected in any way by this devastating tragedy. As tourists, we want to be respectful to those suffering unimaginable loss but also helpful to those who need the employment. We are at a loss for whether or not to cancel. We want to what is best for the people of Maui but the messages here are also, “stay away out of respect” and also “please come.”
We need to focus on helping our own. My heart goes out to Maui and all the people affected by this tragedy. Shame on our own government for not offering more assistance.
What is needed is clear and specific communication. After an unexpected disaster, there are undoubtedly going to be mistakes, but before issuing these kind of instructions they need to be sure they’ve thought out the ramifications of their decisions. That doesn’t seem to be the case here.
I would say that unless your reservations are directly in Lahaina, wait until you speak with someone at your hotel/resort or get communication from your host before cancelling. Plan a little extra and ask specific questions if you have health concerns. Know that some things you love or wanted to do might not be available, and agree to enjoy yourself anyway and try something new! My thoughts are with the citizens of Maui. ❤️
Please stop.
West Maui is still recovering.
Only two stores, Napili And Times in Honokawai are open w limited hours.
Few places have opened to eat or drink,
Water quality is questionable, drinking and ocean.
Relief stations are still operating to help those affected.
West Maui does not need visitors/ gawkers.
Let us grieve, let us recover.
Please visit the other parts of Maui unaffected by the fires.
Mahalo
Please don’t be selfish. After living on Maui for twenty years, Lahaina, Wailea, and Waiehu, I know how dependent residents are on tourism. You may not need visitors to pay your bills, but many others do.
I would be there spending money and supporting friends left behind, but I refuse to return to a state with such Archaic, unconstitutional gun laws. Hawai’i government just proves by their actions that they don’t care about your safety.
Really?
That’s your response to a heartfelt and reasoned call for a pause? Complaining about gun regulations?
As if that has anything to do with suffering or responding to Hawaiis needs.
We love Maui and feel very much at home, loving and respecting the people and communities. We have been coming for 30 years, dining, shopping, whale watching etc We share in the heart ache over the devastation and especially the loss of life.
We do not want to return until Maui is ready for visitors. We will do what Maui wants.
This is very complicated.
I lived on island for 8 years.There are “locals” that have different Needs, and Desires. Getting locals to agree as to Mauis future will be a challenge. I saw hotels go up, West side South side,
I saw mainland restaurant
take over Lahaina Town I did Not like what I saw with “change”. Listem to those with Hawaiian Blood in their veins. We mainlanders, and Japan investors stole the island spirit. It’s no surprise that Pele struck out with anger. Blessings to those families who have lost love ones,truly. Let the Hawaiian people decide how to rebuild. I hope I am allowed to return when the time is right. My heart is broken.
Brenda H.
Whole towns have been lost and rebuilt for centuries. London fire, Chicago fire, San Francisco earthquake, etc. The first two weeks everything from Lahina north should have been closed out of respect. They haven’t counted all the dead yet nor identified them for services. It is important that Lahina rebuild but also that life returns to normal and goes on around the rebuilding process. The whole thing slows down and gets dragged out beyond its years if you succumb to “whoa is me” mentality. I saw this in my town of Santa Cruz after the earthquake. It’s a poison. Bury your dead, cry, and get back to work and being Hawaiian.