It’s been over 20 years since we visited the island of Maui. However, our only visit was on our honeymoon, so the island does have some memories for us. Like everyone, I’ve been watching the pictures and videos of the massive destruction due to wildfires, particularly around the city of Lahaina.
Maui was the first Hawaiian island we visited. We rode horses into Haleakala Crater and went to the Old Lahaina Luau.
We also got to stand under the famed Banyan Tree.
Reporting in the New York Times says that the 150-year-old tree is scarred but may be able to recover. The surrounding buildings were not so fortunate. Many historic buildings and museums are gone forever. Along with them are countless businesses, homes, not to mention the many lives lost in the fires.
I remembered an article I wrote several years ago about visiting places after disasters. Now is not the time to travel to Maui. The residents need time to recover. However, once they have started to rebuild, do not be afraid to visit. That’s when they’ll need people to come and support the local economy.
While Lahaina is a major tourist attraction, it’s not the only place in Maui. Many other locations have not been affected by the fires but people will be hesitant to visit anywhere on the island in the following months or even years. Once things are normalized and the disaster is under control, don’t be afraid to visit because you’re going to be a bother to the locals. We made the mistake of avoiding New Orleans for years after Hurricane Katrina.
Once the area is welcome to visitors, make it a point to travel there. Even if the experience might not be what it was, the people of the area will be glad that you’re willing to support them during their time of need.
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1 comment
I have visited disaster, too. I saw old news photos of the Arab terrorist attack at Vienna airport (Rome and Vienna airport simultaneous attacks in December 1985). I when to the exact sites of the photos.