117 thoughts on “Your Future Maui Vacation May Save the Island from Further Disaster”
Sue Calderone
I have reservations for the beginning of March at a small condo complex in the Honokowai area. I know it’s just outside the area directly affected and am having conflicted thoughts about whether or not to keep my reservation. I completely get both sides of the argument. I want to help – I’ve donated what I can – but I’m still not sure what’s right. There are too many pros and cons at this point. I love Maui. I visit every year. Just not sure what to do
We have reservations for two weeks in November at a West Maui resort condo, where we frequently enjoy a relaxed stay. Our visits, like those of most others, have taken advantage of the now non-existent whale watching and snorkel boat trips, dining out options, entertainment, recreational activities and shopping for supplies, groceries and gifts at local Lahina establishments.
We love Maui and cherish the memories of the wonderfully helpful and friendly people we have encountered during our many years of infrequent visits to the island.
With a heavy heart, concern and respect for the residents, business owners, employees and support services, who all depend on tourism trade, we just cancelled our airline reservation. And we’ll need to do the same with the condo owner. Our concern – we don’t want to be a burden on what will surely still be limited resources for that part of Maui. But equally concerning, is the lack of revenue that cancellations like this from us and others will do to the overall island economy.
So, I proposed the following to my wife… “What do you think about us donating a good portion of what we’d normally spend for a typical Maui visit to help support the local residents?”
If we can identify the appropriate organization(s) where we know our dollars can be put to use and help rebuild the community, then that is most likely what will will do.
Erick, this is the list that Civil Beat (a local news organization) compiled for cash donations:
*Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong fund: Focusing on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs.
*Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County.
*Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits.
*The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division: Providing food and resources for evacuees.
*Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation: Partnering with the state Department of Education to support school communities in West Maui through Oct. 1.
*Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching up to $1.5 million in donations for Maui fire victims as of Friday evening.
*Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced people and animals, and caring for injured animals.
*World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations.
*Hawaii Lions Foundation: Matching up to $25,000 in donations for Maui disaster relief efforts.
People who make statements on social media of not wanting tourist on Maui do not understand the economics of their statement.
Many had no skin in the game before the fire, no job, no debt, no mortgage, no car payment or payroll to meet. They don’t own businesses, pay taxes, annual permits or license fees.
They’d be the first ones to complain when Costco, Walmart, Target, Safeway etc. all closed for lack of business.
Individuals who survived the fire that worked in the customer service industry are going to need employment.
Owners of customer service businesses located in areas not affected by fire who’ve had staffing issues since covid will welcome these individuals with open arms.
It’s a fluid situation and you’re going to get some mixed signals, but don’t kill the golden goose that will rebuild and save Maui.
Don’t think I could enjoy vacation with all those lives lost down the street. Just saying it’s pretty morbid. Was there any decision a government official made that was correct at any point?
So sorry for the Lahiana families whose homes and businesses were destroy or lost loved ones. They need time to grieve and renew their spirits. That said, the other local family and friends should be allowed to go help there Lahiana family or friends. I heard other family members who lived on the other side of the island were not allowed to come in to help their relatives. Better communication needs to be established to help the grieving families. Tourist should NOT be given more privileges over the Lahiana families. Maybe a specific time should be allotted to Lahiana family and friends to move freely in the area.
Although Tourism is the economic lifeline of Maui, they should be advised to act with understanding and compassion towards those affected by this great tragedy. The Lahiana people are hurting. Please be respectful and helpful.
Thank you for all your efforts on keeping us updated! I truly appreciate it.
I’m just as many other time share owners in Maui trying to make the best decision for the island and the residents there.
I do have reservations booked in west Maui towards end of October and I feel split on what’s the right decision at this time. I want to help besides donating money… maybe we can offer our assistance in other ways as well! Any and all thoughts would be appreciated.
It would be great if tourists are welcomed back, if the airlines would waive the bag fee for any packed bag/box filled with clothes, toiletries and other non perishable items that could be donated to displaced Maui residents.
Reality is that tourism is the economic engine that supports Maui (and the whole state). So yes, tourists need to return to the 85% of Maui that’s undamaged. Tourists can have a typical Hawai’i vacation and support the people and businesses who desperately need help. It’s a win-win.
This is a tough one. We live on the big island and had planned to travel to Maui for a couple of days for a change of scenery but given what happened we are postponing. I have a lot of friends on the island and they are still devastated and in shock. I do think that tourism needs to come back and as quick as it can however right now a message from the governor on Facebook saying to come back isn’t enough. We’ve already seen that the governor doesn’t have the information. We need to hear from the mayor who is boots on the ground. The island needs basic infrastructure back in place – cell service, water, and electricity. The island doesn’t need a bunch of Looky-loos coming to see the fire damage of Lahaina which will only impede the progress made to restore vital functions and deliver much needed supplies. unfortunately we cannot expect the tourists to take this into consideration.
With about 60,000+, or more, visitors/tourists on Maui on a given day, let them in where they can fit. The residents who need a place to stay, wonderful idea to house them at vacation properties. Using units for visitors not needed by those who need a place to stay it will be the visitors who will pay the bulk of the cost. We need to remember that the “government” is us, us taxpayers. So when the “government” pays, we pay.
I am all in favor of helping all those who had loses but there is a huge resource in tourist dollars to help fund what is needed. Tap into it!
We love Maui, the people and have been there on vacation 25-30 times. You don’t have to convince us to go! One of my vendors is having a large gathering in Wailea in December which I am silently begging them to not cancel. Anyone who feels the same should donate if you can and as much as you can.
We have reservations in West Maui for one month from today. We have not yet cancelled as it is not in the window where airlines or timeshare condos are automatically cancelling and in fact, the timeshare company will penalize us if we cancel. The Maui people are our Ohana and we are heartbroken with them. We spend 4 – 6 weeks in West Maui each year and we want to be there spending our money to help the Maui tourism if they want us. We know our favorite restaurants in Lahaina are gone but we are willing to travel to the other side of the island to help keep them open and the employees employed. If they want us there, we will come. #Mauistrong
500+ people incinerated. No warning despite a multi-million dollar warning system and the exact same weather conditions that sparked the hurricane Lane fire, from which the state and county officials learned nothing. Emotions will be fraught for a long time. Tourists will be an easy target of the anger, even though this has nothing to do with tourists. Like kicking the dog. “Please come but walk on egg shells and be highly respectful (or else)” is not a vacation. The whole situation is awful.
I picked my flight date to coincide with my mother’s (Rosemary) birthday. God rest her soul. She passed on mother’s day over 20 yrs ago. Maui (LaHaina ) was my home town for 5 yrs and it would have been a wonderful birthday present for her,to see me happy. I watched the fire on descent into Maui on my flight. Heart broken doesn’t convey the feeling.
Fire hydrants no water,hot power lines in high winds,no warning sirens ( even though they test them every 1st of each month). There certainly is alot of explaining to do (Mr.Green) rather than jumping on the climate bandwagon. Like it’s never been hot and windy on Maui before.Hmmmmmmmm
I’ve lived in Maui from 1969-1972 (Summers)Been bringing the family there since 1985. With many lifelong Maui residents as friends, I understand the needed protections for the island. As usual in every community, 80% are hard-working, caring law biding families. It’s this 20% that brings the visitor hate and claims Aloha stuff, but it’s just talk. Every city has these crazies.
Let’s not judge Maui, by this 20% and let them create fear in tourism.
It’s a give & take for all of us to help get things back to where they were. I’m coming back for Thanksgiving w/family to spend as much money as possible, helping the Maui economy.
Been to Lahaina many time I live in Australia I cried with you all I still can’t believe Lahaina has gone I pray the people of Lahaina can get through this I cried so I know how you feel sending lots of prayers
We have booked a vacation to Maui in the coming November. We feel and empathize with the people of Maui. However, we are torn between to cancel or still going to Maui. The travel information and comments out there are conflicting. We want to support Maui by bringing business, but on the other hand we don’t want to be a burden. A vacation seems so irrelevant in relation to all the lost lives and the challenges the people of Maui are having to deal with. I am struggling for an answer.
I saw a video today from Maui 24/7 stating central and south Maui are fine and need your stay. However to come and volunteer and help out where needed.
I am in the same situation, reservations for late November. We’ve been coming to Maui for 40 years and love the island and it’s people. So do we come to Kaanapali and support the island or cancel and come back at a future date? We’ll wait and see what happens over the upcoming weeks/months before deciding. Ultimately it might be up to the resort/airlines if they’ll allow us to cancel for a date that far out. Our prayers are with Maui.
Well said. I would be torn too. It’s probably best that the local government makes a decision and sticks with it. I agree that we need to be respectful and give the needed space and support in the short term, but after that, I think supporting Maui’s economy in a tasteful manner by traveling to the island is the best way forward. The timing has to be right.
As a very recent visitor of Maui, one of my first thoughts was to return in the future and support tourism for the island. However, I also questioned, “How soon is too soon?”. Considering the information we have so far, I think you should be okay to travel in November. Just like some of the locals have mentioned, you can definitely support other parts of the island. As long as you’re mindful of local residents and stick to other areas away from West Maui, you are supporting the island as a whole. I’m more worried about the hotels profiting off the locals.
Aloha…..I say, stay away from Maui out of respect for the people of Maui. Be reminded that a lot have lost a lot including family members, property etc. Ask yourself, what Would you do if you were in their place?
So, are there any levels of government from Maui County on up that aren’t currently decision-making via knee-jerk?
My first thought when they announced that they were asking all tourists to leave the island was that they were about to trash the local economy, but I also figured they probably knew more about the local infrastructure and what it could support than I do.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Government officials were asking visitors to leave because power was out at West Maui hotels. There were fires in Kula that came close to some inns. And a fire in Kihei, although that wasn’t close to any of the resorts. There’s a concern that the hotels, timeshare units, B&B, etc. are needed for displaced local residents. But all residents need to keep working and the visitor industry employs many of them. Hotels in south Maui are open and not sold out.
BOH reported visitors who left Maui are crowding Waikiki, but I know of only two major hotels that were sold out this weekend. Not sure where that report came from.
Where did it come from? We were there. It was nuts in Honolulu and largely over the top as a result of those coming from Maui. There were no rental cars either.
On another site, I’ve received three private posts that were extremely nasty – even obscene and threatening – because I espoused the idea of continuing to support Maui tourism. I realize that visiting other islands contributes just as well to the State Relief Coffers as does visiting Maui but as Seth said in your post, taking away people’s jobs on Maui just does further damage to their lives and futures. Having said that, I’ve also been told by a friend that her cousins, who had lost family as has she, were threatened with their jobs if they didn’t show up to do hula at a local resort’s luau and when they at times cried, they were further threatened. So the conundrum continues.
That is just really sad for you to have experienced that. I have a feeling those folks have misplaced anger on behalf of the people of Maui and aren’t Maui residents themselves. In the case of the employer threatening the employees, the problem is the employer. They’re the selfish ones with no empathy. They should be exposed for their selfishness.
I have reservations for the beginning of March at a small condo complex in the Honokowai area. I know it’s just outside the area directly affected and am having conflicted thoughts about whether or not to keep my reservation. I completely get both sides of the argument. I want to help – I’ve donated what I can – but I’m still not sure what’s right. There are too many pros and cons at this point. I love Maui. I visit every year. Just not sure what to do
We have reservations for two weeks in November at a West Maui resort condo, where we frequently enjoy a relaxed stay. Our visits, like those of most others, have taken advantage of the now non-existent whale watching and snorkel boat trips, dining out options, entertainment, recreational activities and shopping for supplies, groceries and gifts at local Lahina establishments.
We love Maui and cherish the memories of the wonderfully helpful and friendly people we have encountered during our many years of infrequent visits to the island.
With a heavy heart, concern and respect for the residents, business owners, employees and support services, who all depend on tourism trade, we just cancelled our airline reservation. And we’ll need to do the same with the condo owner. Our concern – we don’t want to be a burden on what will surely still be limited resources for that part of Maui. But equally concerning, is the lack of revenue that cancellations like this from us and others will do to the overall island economy.
So, I proposed the following to my wife… “What do you think about us donating a good portion of what we’d normally spend for a typical Maui visit to help support the local residents?”
If we can identify the appropriate organization(s) where we know our dollars can be put to use and help rebuild the community, then that is most likely what will will do.
Erick, this is the list that Civil Beat (a local news organization) compiled for cash donations:
*Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong fund: Focusing on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs.
*Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County.
*Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits.
*The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division: Providing food and resources for evacuees.
*Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation: Partnering with the state Department of Education to support school communities in West Maui through Oct. 1.
*Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching up to $1.5 million in donations for Maui fire victims as of Friday evening.
*Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced people and animals, and caring for injured animals.
*World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations.
*Hawaii Lions Foundation: Matching up to $25,000 in donations for Maui disaster relief efforts.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
People who make statements on social media of not wanting tourist on Maui do not understand the economics of their statement.
Many had no skin in the game before the fire, no job, no debt, no mortgage, no car payment or payroll to meet. They don’t own businesses, pay taxes, annual permits or license fees.
They’d be the first ones to complain when Costco, Walmart, Target, Safeway etc. all closed for lack of business.
Individuals who survived the fire that worked in the customer service industry are going to need employment.
Owners of customer service businesses located in areas not affected by fire who’ve had staffing issues since covid will welcome these individuals with open arms.
It’s a fluid situation and you’re going to get some mixed signals, but don’t kill the golden goose that will rebuild and save Maui.
That’s tourist dollars……
Don’t think I could enjoy vacation with all those lives lost down the street. Just saying it’s pretty morbid. Was there any decision a government official made that was correct at any point?
So sorry for the Lahiana families whose homes and businesses were destroy or lost loved ones. They need time to grieve and renew their spirits. That said, the other local family and friends should be allowed to go help there Lahiana family or friends. I heard other family members who lived on the other side of the island were not allowed to come in to help their relatives. Better communication needs to be established to help the grieving families. Tourist should NOT be given more privileges over the Lahiana families. Maybe a specific time should be allotted to Lahiana family and friends to move freely in the area.
Although Tourism is the economic lifeline of Maui, they should be advised to act with understanding and compassion towards those affected by this great tragedy. The Lahiana people are hurting. Please be respectful and helpful.
Thank you for all your efforts on keeping us updated! I truly appreciate it.
I’m just as many other time share owners in Maui trying to make the best decision for the island and the residents there.
I do have reservations booked in west Maui towards end of October and I feel split on what’s the right decision at this time. I want to help besides donating money… maybe we can offer our assistance in other ways as well! Any and all thoughts would be appreciated.
It would be great if tourists are welcomed back, if the airlines would waive the bag fee for any packed bag/box filled with clothes, toiletries and other non perishable items that could be donated to displaced Maui residents.
Reality is that tourism is the economic engine that supports Maui (and the whole state). So yes, tourists need to return to the 85% of Maui that’s undamaged. Tourists can have a typical Hawai’i vacation and support the people and businesses who desperately need help. It’s a win-win.
This is a tough one. We live on the big island and had planned to travel to Maui for a couple of days for a change of scenery but given what happened we are postponing. I have a lot of friends on the island and they are still devastated and in shock. I do think that tourism needs to come back and as quick as it can however right now a message from the governor on Facebook saying to come back isn’t enough. We’ve already seen that the governor doesn’t have the information. We need to hear from the mayor who is boots on the ground. The island needs basic infrastructure back in place – cell service, water, and electricity. The island doesn’t need a bunch of Looky-loos coming to see the fire damage of Lahaina which will only impede the progress made to restore vital functions and deliver much needed supplies. unfortunately we cannot expect the tourists to take this into consideration.
State of Hawaii and Maui county need to open up ASAP to get the economy moving, and Maui will rebuild a beautiful front street!
With about 60,000+, or more, visitors/tourists on Maui on a given day, let them in where they can fit. The residents who need a place to stay, wonderful idea to house them at vacation properties. Using units for visitors not needed by those who need a place to stay it will be the visitors who will pay the bulk of the cost. We need to remember that the “government” is us, us taxpayers. So when the “government” pays, we pay.
I am all in favor of helping all those who had loses but there is a huge resource in tourist dollars to help fund what is needed. Tap into it!
We love Maui, the people and have been there on vacation 25-30 times. You don’t have to convince us to go! One of my vendors is having a large gathering in Wailea in December which I am silently begging them to not cancel. Anyone who feels the same should donate if you can and as much as you can.
We have reservations in West Maui for one month from today. We have not yet cancelled as it is not in the window where airlines or timeshare condos are automatically cancelling and in fact, the timeshare company will penalize us if we cancel. The Maui people are our Ohana and we are heartbroken with them. We spend 4 – 6 weeks in West Maui each year and we want to be there spending our money to help the Maui tourism if they want us. We know our favorite restaurants in Lahaina are gone but we are willing to travel to the other side of the island to help keep them open and the employees employed. If they want us there, we will come. #Mauistrong
500+ people incinerated. No warning despite a multi-million dollar warning system and the exact same weather conditions that sparked the hurricane Lane fire, from which the state and county officials learned nothing. Emotions will be fraught for a long time. Tourists will be an easy target of the anger, even though this has nothing to do with tourists. Like kicking the dog. “Please come but walk on egg shells and be highly respectful (or else)” is not a vacation. The whole situation is awful.
I picked my flight date to coincide with my mother’s (Rosemary) birthday. God rest her soul. She passed on mother’s day over 20 yrs ago. Maui (LaHaina ) was my home town for 5 yrs and it would have been a wonderful birthday present for her,to see me happy. I watched the fire on descent into Maui on my flight. Heart broken doesn’t convey the feeling.
Fire hydrants no water,hot power lines in high winds,no warning sirens ( even though they test them every 1st of each month). There certainly is alot of explaining to do (Mr.Green) rather than jumping on the climate bandwagon. Like it’s never been hot and windy on Maui before.Hmmmmmmmm
I’ve lived in Maui from 1969-1972 (Summers)Been bringing the family there since 1985. With many lifelong Maui residents as friends, I understand the needed protections for the island. As usual in every community, 80% are hard-working, caring law biding families. It’s this 20% that brings the visitor hate and claims Aloha stuff, but it’s just talk. Every city has these crazies.
Let’s not judge Maui, by this 20% and let them create fear in tourism.
It’s a give & take for all of us to help get things back to where they were. I’m coming back for Thanksgiving w/family to spend as much money as possible, helping the Maui economy.
Been to Lahaina many time I live in Australia I cried with you all I still can’t believe Lahaina has gone I pray the people of Lahaina can get through this I cried so I know how you feel sending lots of prayers
We have booked a vacation to Maui in the coming November. We feel and empathize with the people of Maui. However, we are torn between to cancel or still going to Maui. The travel information and comments out there are conflicting. We want to support Maui by bringing business, but on the other hand we don’t want to be a burden. A vacation seems so irrelevant in relation to all the lost lives and the challenges the people of Maui are having to deal with. I am struggling for an answer.
I saw a video today from Maui 24/7 stating central and south Maui are fine and need your stay. However to come and volunteer and help out where needed.
I am in the same situation, reservations for late November. We’ve been coming to Maui for 40 years and love the island and it’s people. So do we come to Kaanapali and support the island or cancel and come back at a future date? We’ll wait and see what happens over the upcoming weeks/months before deciding. Ultimately it might be up to the resort/airlines if they’ll allow us to cancel for a date that far out. Our prayers are with Maui.
Well said. I would be torn too. It’s probably best that the local government makes a decision and sticks with it. I agree that we need to be respectful and give the needed space and support in the short term, but after that, I think supporting Maui’s economy in a tasteful manner by traveling to the island is the best way forward. The timing has to be right.
As a very recent visitor of Maui, one of my first thoughts was to return in the future and support tourism for the island. However, I also questioned, “How soon is too soon?”. Considering the information we have so far, I think you should be okay to travel in November. Just like some of the locals have mentioned, you can definitely support other parts of the island. As long as you’re mindful of local residents and stick to other areas away from West Maui, you are supporting the island as a whole. I’m more worried about the hotels profiting off the locals.
Aloha…..I say, stay away from Maui out of respect for the people of Maui. Be reminded that a lot have lost a lot including family members, property etc. Ask yourself, what Would you do if you were in their place?
So, are there any levels of government from Maui County on up that aren’t currently decision-making via knee-jerk?
My first thought when they announced that they were asking all tourists to leave the island was that they were about to trash the local economy, but I also figured they probably knew more about the local infrastructure and what it could support than I do.
Maybe not.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Government officials were asking visitors to leave because power was out at West Maui hotels. There were fires in Kula that came close to some inns. And a fire in Kihei, although that wasn’t close to any of the resorts. There’s a concern that the hotels, timeshare units, B&B, etc. are needed for displaced local residents. But all residents need to keep working and the visitor industry employs many of them. Hotels in south Maui are open and not sold out.
BOH reported visitors who left Maui are crowding Waikiki, but I know of only two major hotels that were sold out this weekend. Not sure where that report came from.
Hi Alan.
Where did it come from? We were there. It was nuts in Honolulu and largely over the top as a result of those coming from Maui. There were no rental cars either.
Aloha.
On another site, I’ve received three private posts that were extremely nasty – even obscene and threatening – because I espoused the idea of continuing to support Maui tourism. I realize that visiting other islands contributes just as well to the State Relief Coffers as does visiting Maui but as Seth said in your post, taking away people’s jobs on Maui just does further damage to their lives and futures. Having said that, I’ve also been told by a friend that her cousins, who had lost family as has she, were threatened with their jobs if they didn’t show up to do hula at a local resort’s luau and when they at times cried, they were further threatened. So the conundrum continues.
That is just really sad for you to have experienced that. I have a feeling those folks have misplaced anger on behalf of the people of Maui and aren’t Maui residents themselves. In the case of the employer threatening the employees, the problem is the employer. They’re the selfish ones with no empathy. They should be exposed for their selfishness.