As Florida residents, we are accustomed to concerns over natural disasters. Despite an approaching hurricane, we plan to remain open for business, though travel to central and southern Florida may be difficult in the coming days.
So we’re sympathetic to the people who live on Maui and the other Hawaiian islands. For starters, travelers are not very knowledgeable about where they’re traveling. When they hear about a wildfire in Hawaii, they don’t know the difference between Maui and Kauai. In addition, it’s difficult to explain why Lahaina is destroyed but you’re still able to visit your resort in Wailea.
To clarify things for people with travel plans to Hawaii, Governor Josh Green laid things out during his visit with President Joe Biden,
“No one can travel to West Maui right now. We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers should come here now. But all of the other areas of Maui… and the rest of Hawaiʻi are safe,” Governor Green said. “When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”
Hawaii provided answers to several FAQs for potential visitors:
Q: Which of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by the wildfires?
A: Wildfires have mainly affected Lahaina in West Maui. All vacation travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kā‘anapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged for the duration of Governor Greenʻs sixth emergency proclamation (through October 17, 2023). Hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations as they are housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders.Other areas on Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pā‘ia, and Hāna) and the islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, and Hawai‘i Island remain unaffected. We urge visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this tragedy.
Q: If I have a scheduled trip to Maui in the next few weeks, should I postpone my vacation?
A: Beyond West Maui, other areas on the island (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pā‘ia, and Hāna), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lānaʻi, Moloka‘i, and Hawai‘i Island remain open and welcome visitors. Vacation travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kā‘anapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged through October 17, 2023.
You’re welcome to see a rainbow at the end of the road to Hana.
Or to get a picture of Lanai in the background from your resort on Wailea.
So there’s no stopping you from going horseback riding into the caldera of Haleakala.
Even if you were set to stay in West Maui for your vacation, I’d see if you could book a hotel somewhere on the island for your vacation. While there are many people whose lives have been devastated by the wildfires, there are many more who are suffering because people are afraid to visit Hawaii.
If we were able, I’d be planning a trip to Maui ASAP to support the residents of the island. When you live in a tourist area, that’s an essential part of the recovery from a disaster.
Don’t be afraid. The governor of Hawaii and the President of the United States give you permission to visit Hawaii.
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2 comments
Mahalo Plenty for your coverage of Maui and Hawaii in general.
You’re spot on and it’s greatly appreciated!
There were (sadly) a few “I know every thing” mouthpieces blabbing don’t come to Hawaii it’s closed etc etc…giving the wrong impression that the state of Hawaii was shut down! Truth is yes west Maui is basically shut down for now, but EPA is now in the process of removing all the burned-out cars/trucks.
It’s horrific what happened and the clean up is going to take time…but it’ll get done.
We all know that Hawaii is very tourist oriented and Maui is 80% dependent on tourism….between the hotels…restaurants…shops…fun things to do…
So Please come to Maui…your visit well be appreciated and though you may not realize it you’ll make a big difference in alot of people’s lives…
Aloha and Mahalo…
We’re can i send money & clothes ? I want to help but make sure the right people get it. Is there any way I can help a family with clothes & what ever they need? Thank you Scharlee