117 thoughts on “Your Future Maui Vacation May Save the Island from Further Disaster”
Linda
We don’t know what is the best thing to do. We are scheduled to go to Kauai 9/23, then Maui 10/14. We love Hawaii and have been many times, saving after each trip to go again. We want to be respectful, have made a donation and would like to help. We pray for the dead and all those suffering. Should we stay away out of respect or go and help support the island?
You didn’t mention whether you’re traveling to West Maui. If not, then it is a personal decision, with recent guidance from the state suggesting that travel to Maui resume for obvious reasons.
Thanks. That location, being in West Maui, would be a wait and see situation. In the next couple of weeks we anticipate more clarity and direction from the state. They just aren’t there yet.
We are in a similar situation. We are planning on visiting Kauai in late October and we had planned on spending time on Maui into the beginning of November. There are people who feel incredibly “passionate” on both sides of this argument and it’s hard to navigate.
Hoping to have some clarity from Hawaii state officials in the coming weeks.
It’s possible that those who are “incredibly passionate” for visitors not to come may have also voiced that opinion when things were normal, so keep that in mind. The few residents that don’t rely in any way on tourism (a pretty short list) are naturally going to be anti-tourist.
Is there adequate infrastructure for the rest of the island to continue tourism? Yes income for the state is important but are all services ready for an unexpected problem elsewhere?!
The islands need to start finding economic alternatives to tourism. For many decades, pineapple and sugarcane were Hawaii’s primary industries, and tourism was a drop in the bucket. We also grew our own food and raised our own livestock. We need a return to self-sufficiency; we need meaningful economic activities that keep us independent of tourism, an industry that has honestly eroded the quality of life for those born and raised in the islands.
I am in South Maui and am a member of a Mommy Maui Facebook page. I can confirm that there is a diaper shortage due to people purchasing them too aggressively for the West Side. Moms elsewhere on the island are asking other moms for any extras. Costco was out on Friday and got restocked Sunday morning by other island Costcos, but by Sunday evening I can confirm that they were sold out again. Local groups have called on people to stop buying anything until specific needs are requested. Last I heard, radios, propane, flashlights and gas were the big needs. As power is restored and Lahaina residents are eventually allowed to return, I’m guessing items like gloves, masks, etc will be a major need. However, due to asbestos in Front Street buildings, clean up might be limited to professionals. For now, cash is the best way to support Maui.
My thought is that neither extreme is correct. People that don’t need to be in West Maui need to leave and not come back until some areas are suitable again which may take months or years. Federal and State Aid needs to come as soon as possible to rebuild West Maui.
Visitors need to come back to the rest of Maui to keep the island ecomomy going and start the process of building West Maui back to the way it was. Town by Town, Street by Street, Shop by Shop, House by House. It is not an all or nothing situation. It is a slow long process to rebuild.
Here is a copy of a text message that my friend Cindy sent me a few minutes ago. She arrived today and is spending eight nights in my condo in Kihei. This BOH post is exactly what we’ve been saying to each other all week. When on the island we only rent from local car companies. Please consider what this young man is saying. The survivors need your help.
I am so happy I am here. They need to change the “dont come” status. K… said if the maui car rental business does not pick up, they are going to lay people off, he is worried about losing his job, I feel bad for him. He said “they need to stop with all the negative on social media”.
In any case thanks again. We are about to go to the beach. Have a good night.
My girlfriend and I are scheduled south Maui first week in September. We have considered option to cancel, but decided to continue with our plans. The five days we only plan to stay in Wailea resort hotels and use the restaurants within walking distance. Our original plan even before the fire was not to rent a car.
I’ve talked with hospitality workers in that area and they are pleading for us not to cancel. Many of these workers rely on tips with customers in their establishments to make a living and survive. We have utmost respect for the pain, but also want to part of the healing that needs to happen. We live in Napa Valley and have had two major fires here ourselves. Its difficult to navigate, but we encouraged return visitors when it was safe for us.
I hope this helps anyone in the same situation making this very difficult decision for themselves.
I just want to help. I wish I could get there and volunteer at shelters. Always Hawaiian at heart Mau loa. Godspeed Lahaina and it’s Ohana. I have donated from Vegas, the 9th Island. Malama Pono!
I moved from the islands to Northern California. In the last five years, I’ve seen the Camp Fire, the Sheep Fire, the Claremont Fire, and the Dixie Fire go through my communities. In the immediate aftermath of all of them, there was more help than anyone knew what do to with. Five years later, there are still not enough homes, not enough jobs, and not enough people to process rebuilding, not just in terms of materials, but also planning permits, environmental surveys and cleanup, reforestation efforts. Disasters are socioeconomic; those with money and insurance move elsewhere or rebuild, those with some money possibly move elsewhere or find somewhere to make do, the poor are still homeless five years later, every bit as when they fled to camp in a Walmart parking lot.
I’m not here to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do, or what Maui needs most five years from now, but ask yourselves: if you had tickets for Times Square on September 12, 2001, or New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, or Japan after Fukushima, would you still feel the same about your trip cancelation? Yes, part of that is on government accountability, transparency, and provision for its citizens. But we should also make sure our kuleana is genuine, and not just a need to save face. We are malihini. Visitors. Our place is not to decide. It is to listen and send aloha where it’s needed when it’s asked for.
My husband and I were scheduled to stay in Napili Bay on September 15th for 10 days celebrating our 40th anniversary and birthdays. It is with great sadness we read the official notice on our resort’s website, as they share how they have staff that are unaccounted for, as well as over 30 staff that have lost their homes (which they are providing rooms for) all of which is heartbreaking and tragic. We can’t even think about being in the way of housing and recovery efforts for the residents of Maui. Our travel person is offering another island but honestly, we feel we will be imposing and taking resources that should be dedicated to the West Maui losses and those in need. There is not consistent information available to make informed decisions. We are all for supporting tourism but celebrating during such a time of tragedy and disaster does not feel right.
I’ll take the State of Florida’s response to Hurricane Ian 7 days a week and twice in Sundays…
This is becoming an unmitigated response disaster.
I knew from hour 1, yelling at tourists to leave was a terrible idea. Hawaii’s go to tactic is the “blame others” game.
Nobody in FL yelled at tourists, their Gov got on camera and said ” we will arrest looters”, they rebuilt a bridge in 10 days and wthin 250 days Sanibel Island was open for business. The State didn’t regulate who could help, or block ” locals” from helping rebuild roofs, clean yards/roads…
This irresponsible ” get off our island” rhetoric will be the undoing of Maui.
First, my thoughts and prayers have been with the people of Maui since I Began to hear of the fire. I can’t even imagine the devastation the residents of west Maui must be experiencing. As I watch what’s happened to Lahaina I’m totally horrified. I cant possibly say that I know how they feel but, I can tell them that my heart aches for all who have lost lives, businesses.
My family and I visit the islands quite regularly. I spent 2 weeks in maui just last April. I’m so happy I got to see it recently. No matter how things are rebuilt, it will never be the same.
I intend to visit Maui again next year. In the mean time I’ve been in contact with people we have gotten to know through the years. We have been sending weekly donations to them to use to help those that have suffered such catastrophic losses. I would highly recommend others do the same. Send what you can, as often as you can.
Something that’s a concern to me is some of what I’m hearing come out of maui from the locals. Things like visitors are still coming & consuming resources needed by Maui fire victims. I would certainly hope that isn’t the case. But, what I would warn the locals of is not to start a war between visitors and locals like the one that went on during Covid. It’s very unnecessary and hurtful. Please don’t exaggerate what tourists might be doing. Remember, we all need each other. Let’s all help each other.
Mahalo,
TJ
My wife and I have reservations for a two week period during September in the Wailea area. The last thing we want to do is get in the way of the recovery for Maui from the fires. I have read the official statements and had conversations with the manager of the condo we have rented and paid for. Listening to the official statements and looking at the airline congestion my feelings tell me to cancel. I use the word cancel because the condo will not refund or postpone my reservations and I will loose the total cost of the condo unless there is an official statement to stay away. We all would be better off if Maui officials would make a specific ruling for specific areas that we can take into consideration. Lost at this point.
This is a great post. I have a reservation coming up in October on the west side of Maui, and we’ve been told that if the resort is open, we will not get any refund. No offer to split the cost, nothing. I don’t think it’s fair that the vacationer has to give up $10k+, and the condo owner pockets the money, if we are trying to do the right thing. So I guess the right thing is going and being a good visitor if the resort is open, and obviously staying home if the resort is closed.
We had a Kaanapali trip scheduled for early December and elected to cancel. We’ve donated most of that fund to Maui Strong, as we feel it’s just too soon, at least in our minds to embark on a vacation so near a tragedy that affects so many. We’ve decided to wait until early 2024 to rebook a West Maui stay, with hopes of engaging with local volunteer efforts to assist how we can. Canceling was a difficult decision because we know tourism is the driving economic force, but our hearts tell us Maui needs some time to heal. I hope we’re not wrong. We’ve been Hawaii visitors for nearly 30 years, albeit between Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and will continue to support how best we can with hopes we’re making the right decision for the residents of Hawaii. Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Hawaii whether they know it or not.
FEMA has blocked 100 rooms at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV) in Waikiki for some of their team members because there are not enough rooms on Maui (source: HHV Front Desk Management 8/13/23).
Everyday, that FEMA team has to transport to/from HNL. Go through TSA twice/day. Then transport to/from OGG. Their time would be significantly more productive if they were actually staying on Maui.
It is definitely a balancing act between emergency and economic need. However for these first terrifying days/weeks, I absolutely think it was a prudent call to evacuate Maui. They need the resources for displaced residents and emergency responders. When there is less of a need for emergency services, then a shift can be made towards economic recovery.
Valid points from Eric and Julie.
I visited Maui for the first time 38 years ago on my honeymoon and have gone back every year, sometimes multiple times. So, I consider this my “second home”…it’s my happy place! It pains me deeply to see the pain this event has placed upon these beautiful people.
But I’m leaning more towards Erics comments…the island needs tourism to resume ASAP. West Maui is definitely not a place to be right now, but the other accessible parts need to stay vibrant. The entire island will almost cease to exist if everybody stays away now. It will be just like when Covid hit, and the islands shut down…I call it the Hawaii depression!
For me, it’s a tough call. I’m scheduled to be in Maui on Sept.4. Julie stated that “airlines are honoring your plane tickets”…that’s partially correct…AA is only allowing changes or cancellations for Aug.9-18 arrivals, so right now my Sept. 4 flight if cancelled is a total loss. Oh, and guess what…my West Maui rental will probably not be accessible for my trip.
So just waiting to see how best I can support the people of Maui!
We had actually planned a move to the West Coast a few months ago and today while dropping off our truck for transport and getting a rental car at the airport we were reminded of how it was during covid. The entrance field coming into the airport was full of rental cars. When we parked and walked up to the Hertz counter we were the only ones there. The service agent said she hoped to not end up in the unemployment line again. 🥹
We were scheduled to come to Maui on the 2nd of September but we do not feel like it is appropriate for us to come to a vacation given all the life and life long work that has been lost. We will be asking for a refund on tickets and activities we scheduled. Our heats and prayers are lifted up for those impacted by this disaster in their life.
Mahalo for sharing the complexity of this situation for us travelers. Today I decided to cancel my plans to visit Maui in October. Partially, due to the fact that the hotel I was booked in Kaanapali suggested to postpone future trips. If I had booked another part of Maui I would have considered keeping my plans. But I feel West Maui needs to heal before I can come back as a tourist. I look forward to the time when the wounds aren’t so fresh.
We don’t know what is the best thing to do. We are scheduled to go to Kauai 9/23, then Maui 10/14. We love Hawaii and have been many times, saving after each trip to go again. We want to be respectful, have made a donation and would like to help. We pray for the dead and all those suffering. Should we stay away out of respect or go and help support the island?
Hi Linda.
You didn’t mention whether you’re traveling to West Maui. If not, then it is a personal decision, with recent guidance from the state suggesting that travel to Maui resume for obvious reasons.
Aloha.
We are booked into Kahana Beach for three weeks 10/14-11/4.
Hi Linda.
Thanks. That location, being in West Maui, would be a wait and see situation. In the next couple of weeks we anticipate more clarity and direction from the state. They just aren’t there yet.
Aloha.
We are in a similar situation. We are planning on visiting Kauai in late October and we had planned on spending time on Maui into the beginning of November. There are people who feel incredibly “passionate” on both sides of this argument and it’s hard to navigate.
Hoping to have some clarity from Hawaii state officials in the coming weeks.
It’s possible that those who are “incredibly passionate” for visitors not to come may have also voiced that opinion when things were normal, so keep that in mind. The few residents that don’t rely in any way on tourism (a pretty short list) are naturally going to be anti-tourist.
Is there adequate infrastructure for the rest of the island to continue tourism? Yes income for the state is important but are all services ready for an unexpected problem elsewhere?!
hi Harriett.
That is the question, to which there is not a clear answer. Also, those circumstances will change as time passes.
Aloha.
The islands need to start finding economic alternatives to tourism. For many decades, pineapple and sugarcane were Hawaii’s primary industries, and tourism was a drop in the bucket. We also grew our own food and raised our own livestock. We need a return to self-sufficiency; we need meaningful economic activities that keep us independent of tourism, an industry that has honestly eroded the quality of life for those born and raised in the islands.
I am in South Maui and am a member of a Mommy Maui Facebook page. I can confirm that there is a diaper shortage due to people purchasing them too aggressively for the West Side. Moms elsewhere on the island are asking other moms for any extras. Costco was out on Friday and got restocked Sunday morning by other island Costcos, but by Sunday evening I can confirm that they were sold out again. Local groups have called on people to stop buying anything until specific needs are requested. Last I heard, radios, propane, flashlights and gas were the big needs. As power is restored and Lahaina residents are eventually allowed to return, I’m guessing items like gloves, masks, etc will be a major need. However, due to asbestos in Front Street buildings, clean up might be limited to professionals. For now, cash is the best way to support Maui.
My thought is that neither extreme is correct. People that don’t need to be in West Maui need to leave and not come back until some areas are suitable again which may take months or years. Federal and State Aid needs to come as soon as possible to rebuild West Maui.
Visitors need to come back to the rest of Maui to keep the island ecomomy going and start the process of building West Maui back to the way it was. Town by Town, Street by Street, Shop by Shop, House by House. It is not an all or nothing situation. It is a slow long process to rebuild.
Here is a copy of a text message that my friend Cindy sent me a few minutes ago. She arrived today and is spending eight nights in my condo in Kihei. This BOH post is exactly what we’ve been saying to each other all week. When on the island we only rent from local car companies. Please consider what this young man is saying. The survivors need your help.
I am so happy I am here. They need to change the “dont come” status. K… said if the maui car rental business does not pick up, they are going to lay people off, he is worried about losing his job, I feel bad for him. He said “they need to stop with all the negative on social media”.
In any case thanks again. We are about to go to the beach. Have a good night.
Hi Richard.
Thanks for sharing that.
Aloha.
My girlfriend and I are scheduled south Maui first week in September. We have considered option to cancel, but decided to continue with our plans. The five days we only plan to stay in Wailea resort hotels and use the restaurants within walking distance. Our original plan even before the fire was not to rent a car.
I’ve talked with hospitality workers in that area and they are pleading for us not to cancel. Many of these workers rely on tips with customers in their establishments to make a living and survive. We have utmost respect for the pain, but also want to part of the healing that needs to happen. We live in Napa Valley and have had two major fires here ourselves. Its difficult to navigate, but we encouraged return visitors when it was safe for us.
I hope this helps anyone in the same situation making this very difficult decision for themselves.
I just want to help. I wish I could get there and volunteer at shelters. Always Hawaiian at heart Mau loa. Godspeed Lahaina and it’s Ohana. I have donated from Vegas, the 9th Island. Malama Pono!
I moved from the islands to Northern California. In the last five years, I’ve seen the Camp Fire, the Sheep Fire, the Claremont Fire, and the Dixie Fire go through my communities. In the immediate aftermath of all of them, there was more help than anyone knew what do to with. Five years later, there are still not enough homes, not enough jobs, and not enough people to process rebuilding, not just in terms of materials, but also planning permits, environmental surveys and cleanup, reforestation efforts. Disasters are socioeconomic; those with money and insurance move elsewhere or rebuild, those with some money possibly move elsewhere or find somewhere to make do, the poor are still homeless five years later, every bit as when they fled to camp in a Walmart parking lot.
I’m not here to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do, or what Maui needs most five years from now, but ask yourselves: if you had tickets for Times Square on September 12, 2001, or New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, or Japan after Fukushima, would you still feel the same about your trip cancelation? Yes, part of that is on government accountability, transparency, and provision for its citizens. But we should also make sure our kuleana is genuine, and not just a need to save face. We are malihini. Visitors. Our place is not to decide. It is to listen and send aloha where it’s needed when it’s asked for.
My husband and I were scheduled to stay in Napili Bay on September 15th for 10 days celebrating our 40th anniversary and birthdays. It is with great sadness we read the official notice on our resort’s website, as they share how they have staff that are unaccounted for, as well as over 30 staff that have lost their homes (which they are providing rooms for) all of which is heartbreaking and tragic. We can’t even think about being in the way of housing and recovery efforts for the residents of Maui. Our travel person is offering another island but honestly, we feel we will be imposing and taking resources that should be dedicated to the West Maui losses and those in need. There is not consistent information available to make informed decisions. We are all for supporting tourism but celebrating during such a time of tragedy and disaster does not feel right.
I have been to Maui 3 times, not going back.
I would rather go to Kauai or the Big Island
I’ll take the State of Florida’s response to Hurricane Ian 7 days a week and twice in Sundays…
This is becoming an unmitigated response disaster.
I knew from hour 1, yelling at tourists to leave was a terrible idea. Hawaii’s go to tactic is the “blame others” game.
Nobody in FL yelled at tourists, their Gov got on camera and said ” we will arrest looters”, they rebuilt a bridge in 10 days and wthin 250 days Sanibel Island was open for business. The State didn’t regulate who could help, or block ” locals” from helping rebuild roofs, clean yards/roads…
This irresponsible ” get off our island” rhetoric will be the undoing of Maui.
I agree with your comments whole heartily.
There seems to be a small yet vocal minority in this country that is leading us down a slippery slope.
First, my thoughts and prayers have been with the people of Maui since I Began to hear of the fire. I can’t even imagine the devastation the residents of west Maui must be experiencing. As I watch what’s happened to Lahaina I’m totally horrified. I cant possibly say that I know how they feel but, I can tell them that my heart aches for all who have lost lives, businesses.
My family and I visit the islands quite regularly. I spent 2 weeks in maui just last April. I’m so happy I got to see it recently. No matter how things are rebuilt, it will never be the same.
I intend to visit Maui again next year. In the mean time I’ve been in contact with people we have gotten to know through the years. We have been sending weekly donations to them to use to help those that have suffered such catastrophic losses. I would highly recommend others do the same. Send what you can, as often as you can.
Something that’s a concern to me is some of what I’m hearing come out of maui from the locals. Things like visitors are still coming & consuming resources needed by Maui fire victims. I would certainly hope that isn’t the case. But, what I would warn the locals of is not to start a war between visitors and locals like the one that went on during Covid. It’s very unnecessary and hurtful. Please don’t exaggerate what tourists might be doing. Remember, we all need each other. Let’s all help each other.
Mahalo,
TJ
My wife and I have reservations for a two week period during September in the Wailea area. The last thing we want to do is get in the way of the recovery for Maui from the fires. I have read the official statements and had conversations with the manager of the condo we have rented and paid for. Listening to the official statements and looking at the airline congestion my feelings tell me to cancel. I use the word cancel because the condo will not refund or postpone my reservations and I will loose the total cost of the condo unless there is an official statement to stay away. We all would be better off if Maui officials would make a specific ruling for specific areas that we can take into consideration. Lost at this point.
This is a great post. I have a reservation coming up in October on the west side of Maui, and we’ve been told that if the resort is open, we will not get any refund. No offer to split the cost, nothing. I don’t think it’s fair that the vacationer has to give up $10k+, and the condo owner pockets the money, if we are trying to do the right thing. So I guess the right thing is going and being a good visitor if the resort is open, and obviously staying home if the resort is closed.
We had a Kaanapali trip scheduled for early December and elected to cancel. We’ve donated most of that fund to Maui Strong, as we feel it’s just too soon, at least in our minds to embark on a vacation so near a tragedy that affects so many. We’ve decided to wait until early 2024 to rebook a West Maui stay, with hopes of engaging with local volunteer efforts to assist how we can. Canceling was a difficult decision because we know tourism is the driving economic force, but our hearts tell us Maui needs some time to heal. I hope we’re not wrong. We’ve been Hawaii visitors for nearly 30 years, albeit between Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and will continue to support how best we can with hopes we’re making the right decision for the residents of Hawaii. Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Hawaii whether they know it or not.
FEMA has blocked 100 rooms at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV) in Waikiki for some of their team members because there are not enough rooms on Maui (source: HHV Front Desk Management 8/13/23).
Everyday, that FEMA team has to transport to/from HNL. Go through TSA twice/day. Then transport to/from OGG. Their time would be significantly more productive if they were actually staying on Maui.
It is definitely a balancing act between emergency and economic need. However for these first terrifying days/weeks, I absolutely think it was a prudent call to evacuate Maui. They need the resources for displaced residents and emergency responders. When there is less of a need for emergency services, then a shift can be made towards economic recovery.
God speed Maui.
Valid points from Eric and Julie.
I visited Maui for the first time 38 years ago on my honeymoon and have gone back every year, sometimes multiple times. So, I consider this my “second home”…it’s my happy place! It pains me deeply to see the pain this event has placed upon these beautiful people.
But I’m leaning more towards Erics comments…the island needs tourism to resume ASAP. West Maui is definitely not a place to be right now, but the other accessible parts need to stay vibrant. The entire island will almost cease to exist if everybody stays away now. It will be just like when Covid hit, and the islands shut down…I call it the Hawaii depression!
For me, it’s a tough call. I’m scheduled to be in Maui on Sept.4. Julie stated that “airlines are honoring your plane tickets”…that’s partially correct…AA is only allowing changes or cancellations for Aug.9-18 arrivals, so right now my Sept. 4 flight if cancelled is a total loss. Oh, and guess what…my West Maui rental will probably not be accessible for my trip.
So just waiting to see how best I can support the people of Maui!
We had actually planned a move to the West Coast a few months ago and today while dropping off our truck for transport and getting a rental car at the airport we were reminded of how it was during covid. The entrance field coming into the airport was full of rental cars. When we parked and walked up to the Hertz counter we were the only ones there. The service agent said she hoped to not end up in the unemployment line again. 🥹
We were scheduled to come to Maui on the 2nd of September but we do not feel like it is appropriate for us to come to a vacation given all the life and life long work that has been lost. We will be asking for a refund on tickets and activities we scheduled. Our heats and prayers are lifted up for those impacted by this disaster in their life.
Mahalo for sharing the complexity of this situation for us travelers. Today I decided to cancel my plans to visit Maui in October. Partially, due to the fact that the hotel I was booked in Kaanapali suggested to postpone future trips. If I had booked another part of Maui I would have considered keeping my plans. But I feel West Maui needs to heal before I can come back as a tourist. I look forward to the time when the wounds aren’t so fresh.