117 thoughts on “Your Future Maui Vacation May Save the Island from Further Disaster”
Guy L
The Kihei Wailea side of Maui is just fine. Just as our island was recovering from The Covid debacle, we have now experienced our worst natural disaster. We do not need further economic disaster. Let’s keep the the south side viable. It will only help to rebuild the areas that need it the most.
This is absolutely correct. If we don’t get people back to work we are going to multiply this disaster. That means hosting tourists and resurrecting the marine recreation industry asap. DLNR’s response is inscrutable.
Suspending all applications for commercial use permits indefinitely? Thats how we are going to get people back to work?
I have been going to Maui since 1982, every year and sometimes twice a year. My heart breaks for the locals. This is like a catch 22. I had booked months ago and we co-own our condo in Kihei. I want to go to support the people who still need to work, so they can be supportive of those that are unable to at this time, and not become another casualty of this disaster. I do not wish to add to the unhappiness of those who were affected, so I know that if I avoid that part of the island that will help those with the cleanup and recovery process. I can only hope this does not add to their pain.
My heart is with Maui…
This is so sad and we feel for all the locals who have experienced any type of loss. I know some have loss more than others, but we love the island and culture of Maui. My family has roots in Maui and we know the community and ohana are strong in the Lahaina community. Be strong and know you can get through this together as a community and ohana.
I feel sympathy for maui and the residents loss. I have been to hawaii four times in my life and was the most beautiful place I have ever been. One employee from the Bishop’s Museum made a strong point. Even though this place seems like paradise we all have to remember it was formed by volcanoes. These towns and resident’s all reside on top of a volcanoe that formed their Island. It just was an example of how dangerous these islands can be at anytime. Touristist’s that fly or sail the this paradise risk their lives from plane accidents to ships that may sink. All and all this is a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be.
Our family is scheduled to be in Maui in early October. Like many, our initial feeling was to cancel the trip out of respect for the community. We went back and forth and consulted with a lot of people, including a few with local connections. We have decided to keep our travel plans, focus on supporting locally-owned businesses, tip well, buy from local artists, and we are planning to reach out to local non-profits in mid-September to see if there is an opportunity for us to do a day of service while we are there – maybe animal shelter, food bank, beach clean-up or something else. And to pick up goods for donation at Costco when we land (such as dog food or diapers). Hawaii will be good for our souls. We hope to leave behind our kindness and offering of service and support in return.
I hope and think the majority feel like you do KC. I mentioned elsewhere that the concept of tourists staying away beyond the recovery period could really hurt the residents and be the equivalent of kicking someone when they are down. Maui needs to be supported, not deserted. They aren’t ready yet but sooner rather then later. And for sure supporting local businesses, flying Hawaiian Air etc is part of the rebuilding of not just Maui, but all of Hawaii.
Many small businesses on Maui sell gift cards/certificates on-line. If there is a shop, store or restaurant that you want to support and plan on visiting on your next trip, please consider this option. It gets much needed cash into the economy now and could make a huge difference down the road. Donating the gift cards to an on island charity of your choice would be a double win! Thanks.
The reason the Maui officials are asking you not to come to Maui is that there is only one decent road to West. Even locals can not use it to get home. My wife and I have spends days and nights trying to get to our home. One of the problems is that when people get here, they want to witness the devastation. At least give us a month or two to deal with this tragedy.
I agree and am always amazed everywhere I travel where individuals just like t! look at devastation. I guess they call them looky loos?~ Im hoping the privacy screens will help deter those!
I have plans to visit Wailea on August 26-31st and I want to do the best thing for the people of Maui. This is actually the first visit to Maui I’ve planned that isn’t on the west side in Kaanapali. Every time I’ve visited has been amazing, and I’m heartbroken to hear what’s happened to the lovely people who call West Maui home.
At first, I assumed I should cancel my trip so people who have been displaced could be housed in my hotel room. With the latest press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, it’s become a lot less clear what I should do. I planned on mostly working during this trip, so I won’t be trying to force a vacation mindset on the people who just survived this horrible tragedy. As of now, I’m thinking I’ll be going, tipping well, and doing what I can to be respectful and compassionate towards the residents of this beautiful island… in addition to donating to the relief efforts.
On August 26th we were supposed to arrive on Maui from Canada, this time with our grown children in tow to share in the spectacular beauty of Maui. Our accommodations were in Kihei and were not directly affected by the fires, however; our itinerary included West Maui including the Nakalele Blowhole and the spectacular surrounding trails. This was to be our third time on Maui, full of shaka-laden selfies, 360 photos, and happy Instagram videos. That would have been impossible to do knowing that there was so much grieving and suffering so close, even if we had concentrated our time on the non-West Maui attractions. We postponed this vacation out of respect for local residents, knowing the need for disaster relief to flow properly, without us and our rental car adding to congestion. We know that postponing will hurt the local economy in the short-term and we hope that government can step up for tourism workers. Our VRBO host graciously provided us with a 100% refund which we used to donate to Maui Food Bank. We will not use our airline credits to go somewhere else. We will be back on Maui this time in 2024, to celebrate its recovery. “Ka Aina O Ka Makani Ka Ili Aloha.”
I’m a Maui resident. Our economy was fragile before the fires. We were finally starting to recover from covid. We are afraid we will lose our jobs, pay our bills and support the rebuilding of our beloved Lāhainā.
Please do not cancel your vacation to Maui. We will welcome respectful visitors as we always do.
Your love and support will be greatly appreciated!
I can see both sides of it but the comment “…all resorts and hotels should open for the residents who lost their homes. And the government should foot the bill.”
And where is all that $$$ going to come from? I guess the HI gov’t has a bunch of money stashed away from all the hotel taxes, fees, etc. right?
Amidst the biggest disaster I have seen here on Maui, we don’t need another economic disaster. We are just recovering from the COVID debacle so why not let the south side open and flourish as it should. There were wild fires that were nearing the Kihei roadways but those have been completely extinguished. The Kihei Wailea area is beautiful as always.
I believe that people on this site really enjoy Hawaii all of its splendor.
There is a lot of info regarding Lahaina.
I have found what I think is a good source for daily updates via Eric Wests YouTube Channel. Look under his live updates section. I do not know him personally and only have followed him on his youtube channel. He is a person that has been on Maui for quite sometime and truly has the Aloha spirt. If you want a local perspective and follow a person that is helping others I think you might enjoy his videos he is posting. I am sure that there are other good sources as well and BOH and Eric’s both seem to give honest info.
This was a difficult decision. We were booked into West Maui the last week of September. We canceled due to our proximity to Lahaina, but we were also very concerned about damage to tourism jobs. We will be donating refunds to relief.
Notably, all our travel companies refunded us even if non refundable, except Hawaiian Airlines. They refused based on their ridiculously short waiver deadline of August 31.
We booked a condo at Kaanapali Shores for the end of August through a local Vaca mgmt office. They are not offering a cancelation, and now are not responding to my emails. Even though the property is telling me its not available for occupancy.
We dont want to insert our family into such a devastating time for the people of Maui.
Thanks
Have you contacted your credit card company? With some documentation that the property is unavailable to fulfill your agreed contract, they may be able to help.
Hello, I am posting again because I don’t see my comment here anymore. I just wanted to say we are praying for all of Maui and Hawaii as they are mourning this tragic event. Our prayers go out to those who have lost their homes, are displaced and for those who have not been found. We would also like to donate but not sure what website would be the best to do that where there’s not a scam and it does go straight to the people of lahaina. We currently have a trip booked 10/26-11/1 and we’re staying just north of Lahaina near Napili-Honokowai ( next to Maui brewing). We have not heard back from our vacation rental host so we’re not really sure if it would be best to go ahead and cancel since our cancellation date is coming quick. What would you recommend? Of course we want to be respectful of all Maui locals in this time of tragedy but not sure what we should do as well.
Your trip isn’t for more than two months. Hopefully that leaves a chuck of time to see what happens, at least for the next few weeks. With the latest advice from the state saying to avoid west Maui through the end of August, they will be updating advice that should prove helpful for dates beyond August. Hope that helps.
Julie’s welfare obviously doesn’t depend on businesses staying afloat. Seth understands the big picture. This is not like covid where family’s got immediate stimulous & relief payments. The rest of the island needs to remain employed to survive and support their fellow neighbors. There are so many other beautiful areas of Maui that remain pristine (but not unaffected by tragedy). Come to Maui, be a respectful visitor, and support their community so it can rebuild Lahaina.
This to me is a fight between emotion and logic. Emotionally, people are hurting. And the concern of course is respecting the time they need to grieve.
But logically you have to ask, how will Maui be able to get back up on it’s feet if there is a financial crisis as well. For any type of grassroots support to be successful, the people of Maui need a strong economy. Remember, 17% of your lodging is a tax that goes to the state and Maui. County. Not to mention all the other jobs associated with that stay.
I look at it this way. If my neighbor lost their home, would I suggest to take away the income of them and our entire neighborhood?
And you can always make part of your trip a volunteer opportunity and look for ways to give back.
What happened in Maui is tragic and we are praying for all those that have passed away, haven’t been found and those still in need! What would be the best place or site to donate to? So we are fully booked at a vacation rental north of Lahaina near Kapalua airport (right by Maui brewing co) for 10/26-11/1 and we too are wondering if we should still go. We haven’t heard anything from our VRBO host yet and our cancellation date is coming soon. We want to be respectful of the locals but also understand they need to make a living too. What would you recommend?
If you read the comments and responses, you will see the full range of opinions about your upcoming vacation. Not sure if there’s any more we can add that we haven’t already said.
As for donations, at the top of every page on our website is a link that will lead to reputable recipients such as the MauiStrong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
The Kihei Wailea side of Maui is just fine. Just as our island was recovering from The Covid debacle, we have now experienced our worst natural disaster. We do not need further economic disaster. Let’s keep the the south side viable. It will only help to rebuild the areas that need it the most.
This is absolutely correct. If we don’t get people back to work we are going to multiply this disaster. That means hosting tourists and resurrecting the marine recreation industry asap. DLNR’s response is inscrutable.
Suspending all applications for commercial use permits indefinitely? Thats how we are going to get people back to work?
I have been going to Maui since 1982, every year and sometimes twice a year. My heart breaks for the locals. This is like a catch 22. I had booked months ago and we co-own our condo in Kihei. I want to go to support the people who still need to work, so they can be supportive of those that are unable to at this time, and not become another casualty of this disaster. I do not wish to add to the unhappiness of those who were affected, so I know that if I avoid that part of the island that will help those with the cleanup and recovery process. I can only hope this does not add to their pain.
My heart is with Maui…
This is so sad and we feel for all the locals who have experienced any type of loss. I know some have loss more than others, but we love the island and culture of Maui. My family has roots in Maui and we know the community and ohana are strong in the Lahaina community. Be strong and know you can get through this together as a community and ohana.
I feel sympathy for maui and the residents loss. I have been to hawaii four times in my life and was the most beautiful place I have ever been. One employee from the Bishop’s Museum made a strong point. Even though this place seems like paradise we all have to remember it was formed by volcanoes. These towns and resident’s all reside on top of a volcanoe that formed their Island. It just was an example of how dangerous these islands can be at anytime. Touristist’s that fly or sail the this paradise risk their lives from plane accidents to ships that may sink. All and all this is a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be.
Our family is scheduled to be in Maui in early October. Like many, our initial feeling was to cancel the trip out of respect for the community. We went back and forth and consulted with a lot of people, including a few with local connections. We have decided to keep our travel plans, focus on supporting locally-owned businesses, tip well, buy from local artists, and we are planning to reach out to local non-profits in mid-September to see if there is an opportunity for us to do a day of service while we are there – maybe animal shelter, food bank, beach clean-up or something else. And to pick up goods for donation at Costco when we land (such as dog food or diapers). Hawaii will be good for our souls. We hope to leave behind our kindness and offering of service and support in return.
Such kindness
I hope and think the majority feel like you do KC. I mentioned elsewhere that the concept of tourists staying away beyond the recovery period could really hurt the residents and be the equivalent of kicking someone when they are down. Maui needs to be supported, not deserted. They aren’t ready yet but sooner rather then later. And for sure supporting local businesses, flying Hawaiian Air etc is part of the rebuilding of not just Maui, but all of Hawaii.
Many small businesses on Maui sell gift cards/certificates on-line. If there is a shop, store or restaurant that you want to support and plan on visiting on your next trip, please consider this option. It gets much needed cash into the economy now and could make a huge difference down the road. Donating the gift cards to an on island charity of your choice would be a double win! Thanks.
The reason the Maui officials are asking you not to come to Maui is that there is only one decent road to West. Even locals can not use it to get home. My wife and I have spends days and nights trying to get to our home. One of the problems is that when people get here, they want to witness the devastation. At least give us a month or two to deal with this tragedy.
Hi Tim.
Thanks for that!
Aloha.
Hi Tim. They are asking people not to come to West Maui. Not all of Maui. And there lies the confusion and misunderstood message.
I agree and am always amazed everywhere I travel where individuals just like t! look at devastation. I guess they call them looky loos?~ Im hoping the privacy screens will help deter those!
I have plans to visit Wailea on August 26-31st and I want to do the best thing for the people of Maui. This is actually the first visit to Maui I’ve planned that isn’t on the west side in Kaanapali. Every time I’ve visited has been amazing, and I’m heartbroken to hear what’s happened to the lovely people who call West Maui home.
At first, I assumed I should cancel my trip so people who have been displaced could be housed in my hotel room. With the latest press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, it’s become a lot less clear what I should do. I planned on mostly working during this trip, so I won’t be trying to force a vacation mindset on the people who just survived this horrible tragedy. As of now, I’m thinking I’ll be going, tipping well, and doing what I can to be respectful and compassionate towards the residents of this beautiful island… in addition to donating to the relief efforts.
On August 26th we were supposed to arrive on Maui from Canada, this time with our grown children in tow to share in the spectacular beauty of Maui. Our accommodations were in Kihei and were not directly affected by the fires, however; our itinerary included West Maui including the Nakalele Blowhole and the spectacular surrounding trails. This was to be our third time on Maui, full of shaka-laden selfies, 360 photos, and happy Instagram videos. That would have been impossible to do knowing that there was so much grieving and suffering so close, even if we had concentrated our time on the non-West Maui attractions. We postponed this vacation out of respect for local residents, knowing the need for disaster relief to flow properly, without us and our rental car adding to congestion. We know that postponing will hurt the local economy in the short-term and we hope that government can step up for tourism workers. Our VRBO host graciously provided us with a 100% refund which we used to donate to Maui Food Bank. We will not use our airline credits to go somewhere else. We will be back on Maui this time in 2024, to celebrate its recovery. “Ka Aina O Ka Makani Ka Ili Aloha.”
I’m a Maui resident. Our economy was fragile before the fires. We were finally starting to recover from covid. We are afraid we will lose our jobs, pay our bills and support the rebuilding of our beloved Lāhainā.
Please do not cancel your vacation to Maui. We will welcome respectful visitors as we always do.
Your love and support will be greatly appreciated!
Me ke aloha pumehana
Hi Jamie.
Thanks for sharing that with us! We appreciate it.
Aloha.
I can see both sides of it but the comment “…all resorts and hotels should open for the residents who lost their homes. And the government should foot the bill.”
And where is all that $$$ going to come from? I guess the HI gov’t has a bunch of money stashed away from all the hotel taxes, fees, etc. right?
Amidst the biggest disaster I have seen here on Maui, we don’t need another economic disaster. We are just recovering from the COVID debacle so why not let the south side open and flourish as it should. There were wild fires that were nearing the Kihei roadways but those have been completely extinguished. The Kihei Wailea area is beautiful as always.
I believe that people on this site really enjoy Hawaii all of its splendor.
There is a lot of info regarding Lahaina.
I have found what I think is a good source for daily updates via Eric Wests YouTube Channel. Look under his live updates section. I do not know him personally and only have followed him on his youtube channel. He is a person that has been on Maui for quite sometime and truly has the Aloha spirt. If you want a local perspective and follow a person that is helping others I think you might enjoy his videos he is posting. I am sure that there are other good sources as well and BOH and Eric’s both seem to give honest info.
Best
KAB
This was a difficult decision. We were booked into West Maui the last week of September. We canceled due to our proximity to Lahaina, but we were also very concerned about damage to tourism jobs. We will be donating refunds to relief.
Notably, all our travel companies refunded us even if non refundable, except Hawaiian Airlines. They refused based on their ridiculously short waiver deadline of August 31.
We booked a condo at Kaanapali Shores for the end of August through a local Vaca mgmt office. They are not offering a cancelation, and now are not responding to my emails. Even though the property is telling me its not available for occupancy.
We dont want to insert our family into such a devastating time for the people of Maui.
Thanks
Hi Joe.
Have you contacted your credit card company? With some documentation that the property is unavailable to fulfill your agreed contract, they may be able to help.
Aloha.
Hello, I am posting again because I don’t see my comment here anymore. I just wanted to say we are praying for all of Maui and Hawaii as they are mourning this tragic event. Our prayers go out to those who have lost their homes, are displaced and for those who have not been found. We would also like to donate but not sure what website would be the best to do that where there’s not a scam and it does go straight to the people of lahaina. We currently have a trip booked 10/26-11/1 and we’re staying just north of Lahaina near Napili-Honokowai ( next to Maui brewing). We have not heard back from our vacation rental host so we’re not really sure if it would be best to go ahead and cancel since our cancellation date is coming quick. What would you recommend? Of course we want to be respectful of all Maui locals in this time of tragedy but not sure what we should do as well.
Hi Andrea.
Your trip isn’t for more than two months. Hopefully that leaves a chuck of time to see what happens, at least for the next few weeks. With the latest advice from the state saying to avoid west Maui through the end of August, they will be updating advice that should prove helpful for dates beyond August. Hope that helps.
Aloha.
Julie’s welfare obviously doesn’t depend on businesses staying afloat. Seth understands the big picture. This is not like covid where family’s got immediate stimulous & relief payments. The rest of the island needs to remain employed to survive and support their fellow neighbors. There are so many other beautiful areas of Maui that remain pristine (but not unaffected by tragedy). Come to Maui, be a respectful visitor, and support their community so it can rebuild Lahaina.
This to me is a fight between emotion and logic. Emotionally, people are hurting. And the concern of course is respecting the time they need to grieve.
But logically you have to ask, how will Maui be able to get back up on it’s feet if there is a financial crisis as well. For any type of grassroots support to be successful, the people of Maui need a strong economy. Remember, 17% of your lodging is a tax that goes to the state and Maui. County. Not to mention all the other jobs associated with that stay.
I look at it this way. If my neighbor lost their home, would I suggest to take away the income of them and our entire neighborhood?
And you can always make part of your trip a volunteer opportunity and look for ways to give back.
What happened in Maui is tragic and we are praying for all those that have passed away, haven’t been found and those still in need! What would be the best place or site to donate to? So we are fully booked at a vacation rental north of Lahaina near Kapalua airport (right by Maui brewing co) for 10/26-11/1 and we too are wondering if we should still go. We haven’t heard anything from our VRBO host yet and our cancellation date is coming soon. We want to be respectful of the locals but also understand they need to make a living too. What would you recommend?
Andrea.
If you read the comments and responses, you will see the full range of opinions about your upcoming vacation. Not sure if there’s any more we can add that we haven’t already said.
As for donations, at the top of every page on our website is a link that will lead to reputable recipients such as the MauiStrong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Aloha.