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.”
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.”