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Maui is appealing to visitors to come back and be a part of the recovery as residents and businesses continue to struggle economically in the face of a significant drop in tourism on the island. Despite challenging times and some complicated feelings, residents are hoping this message resonates with past, current and future visitors.
Last year, on August 8, an out of control wildfire fueled by winds from Hurricane Dora ripped through the town of Lahaina on the west coast of Maui. Yet now a year later, rebuilding is slowly appearing but long-term stability for Maui remains elusive.
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The immediate task before us is clear
“We are here today to let visitors know that it’s a great time to return and rediscover the island of Maui,” said the public affairs officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “Our aim is to ensure that residents have the jobs and financial opportunities to heal and thrive. Job and financial security are directly tied to housing and food security, which are vital to physical and psychological recovery. It’s our sincere hope to restore a sense of security and normalcy to Maui residents after they’ve faced such extreme loss and uncertainty.”
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Lahaina Maui Before And After
The impacts of the economic downturn were highlighted last month in a study conducted by the Hawaii State Rural Health Association. It found that a significant number of Maui County residents are suffering from mental health issues and financial strain.
Many longtime residents are considering leaving the island because of the poor economic conditions (due to the huge drop in tourism) since the fire.
Government officials and tourism executives are seeking to restore tourism to Maui, a year after wildfires destroyed much of the island’s Lahaina tourism hub and battered the its key industry. Initially, tourists thought they should stay away from Maui. Later they were told to come to Maui but not to West Maui. Then they were told to come, but to be sensitive to what residents were going through, as part of a “Malama Maui” campaign.
Now tourism officials are rolling out an unequivocal welcome mat. The authority is hoping to make the confusing messaging a thing of the past. “We really feel all that (mixed messaging) is behind us.”
Visitor numbers and spending remain sluggish since the August 2023 wildfires. According to the most recent available data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, for June, the number of visitors to Maui was down 22% compared with June 2023 and visitor spending was down 27%.
A recent Hawaii Tourism Authority study found that over a third of air travelers interviewed in May said the Maui wildfires will impact their likelihood of visiting Hawaii in the next two years. Eight percent said they previously were likely to visit but are “no longer likely to visit in the next two years due to the fires.”
How to help Maui recover with your visit
When visiting, officials advises against staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental at this time because of the ongoing housing crisis. To help locals with housing, many vacation rentals have been converted to long-term housing for displaced residents, with more changes possibly on the way.
Instead, it is recommended to stay at one of the many beautiful Maui hotels that employ locals and to seek out small locally owned shops and restaurants. “Don’t just stay at an Airbnb and shop for groceries at Walmart,” he said. “Come out and see us.”
When choosing activities, visitors should seek out local companies who are promoting Hawaiian values in their programming, prioritizing environmental awareness, using local catering and instilling a “sense of place” in their employees and clientele.
“I think there’s an opportunity for visitors to be selective about the way they participate with providers on Maui,” a resident said. “Choose vendors that show an extra layer of mindfulness of the cultural environment.”
The most rewarding trip is one that gives back
Go a step further during your visit. If you want to up your game, directly contribute and engage direct action in the local communities, the HTA has ongoing volunteer programs that can also earn you discounts on your stay. Many hotels also offer such packages. Be sure to inquire at each property when planning and booking.
The Hawaiian Islands itinerary that can change your life can’t be found in any guidebooks. That’s because what makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is not only our stunning natural beauty or our vibrant culture – it’s the deeply rooted relationship that connects them.
That relationship between people and place grows stronger every time you mālama (give back). When you give back – to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the fishpond, the community – you become part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone. Including your experience as a visitor.
Numerous organizations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more. Engage in some of our volunteer opportunities below, and in exchange, experience Hawaii on a much deeper and connected level. Through the Mālama Hawaii Program, you could qualify for a special discount or even a free night from a participating hotel when participating in its dedicated volunteer activity. Ready to dive in?
It’s because of past visitors to Hawaii like you, that our beautiful islands have been able to extend the Hawaiian culture beyond it’s shores through your memories and stories! So if you can, please consider revisiting us soon. Mahalo.
One of life’s great pleasure – traveling safely & traveling well
Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends. But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.
Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something familiar. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the necessary, familiar and reliable stuff in your bag.”
A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended Hawaiian trips or weddings where you may need numerous outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s always better to cut when it comes to traveling.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clam-shell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s know the value of packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but female testers noticed the improvement right away.
Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. But rest assured we had this pack tested, love it and are confident you will too. Besides, with Amazon’s flexible return policy, your satisfaction is almost certainly in the bag!
Safe Travels August 2024 Update
Many Parks And Top Attractions In Hawaii Now Require Reservations To Visit
More will certainly be added to the list in the next year or two. This is to help keep crowds down, reserve space for residents and help maintain some environmental balance.
Also, some areas have become off-limits except to approved tour companies. So, though Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island isn’t a park and doesn’t have a public reservation system, you do need to book a tour in advance to visit that particular area.
But at time of publishing, reservations are mandatory and required at top parks and key locations that have been overwhelmed with visitors – especially since the post-COVID visitor surge.
In most cases, these aren’t make-or-break fees for many people. Rather, it’s a few bucks that you need to pay online to secure your spot. But don’t hesitate to book early all spots are on a first-come basis and do not stay available – especially during peak travel dates!
What Are You Paying For When You Make a Reservation?
Some reservation systems require you to pay a full entry fee when you sign up online. Others like Hale National Park Sunrise Reservations require you to pay a couple of dollars online and then pay your remaining entry fee at the gate. Review what you’re paying for as you make your reservations so there are no surprises later.
How Far In Advance Can You Reserve?
Most parks have a revolving window where you can make reservations. For example, you can make Pearl Harbor reservations up to 8 weeks in advance, with additional tickets becoming available the day before.
Heading back to Hawaii soon or know someone that is?
There are new 2024 mandatory traveler requirements that ONLY apply to Hawaii VISITORS! These requirements will adversely impact your ability to access top attractions & more in Hawaii! A lot has changed for visitors since the pandemic. Uncertain about the changes? We suggest you choose to get the requirements, plus updates whenever enacted, by our convenient messaging service. We assure you, the simplicity & added peace-of-mind is well worth it.
