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Maui Travel FAQ
We hope some of these answers to your frequently asked questions will help you to plan and encourage you to visit Maui in the near future. Mahalo!
Which of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by the wildfires?
Wildfires have mainly affected Lahaina in West Maui. West Maui accommodations have begun a phased reopening and, on November 1, the rest of West Maui – except Lahaina – will be open. Please be mindful that some hotels in West Maui are still housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders, however Hawai‘i Governor Green, Maui County Mayor Bissen, and federal agencies have all assured the public that no wildfire disaster survivors will be displaced as a result of this reopening. We advise travelers to check with the individual accommodations in West Maui for their reopening plans
Other areas on Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pā‘ia, and Hāna) and the islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lāna‘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.
If I have a scheduled trip to Maui in the next few weeks, should I postpone my vacation?
With the exception of Lahaina, other areas on the island as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawai‘i Island are open and welcome visitors. Starting October 8th, West Maui communities north of Lahaina have begun to reopening to visitors again, however we advise travelers to check with the individual accommodations in West Maui for their reopening plans.
Where can visitors find the latest information and updates on the situation?
Official channels are the best sources for the latest updates, including the following:
- County of Maui: www.mauinuistrong.info
- Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/maui-recovery
- The Washington Post (Oct. 23): “5 ways to be a good visitor on Maui as tourism reopens”
- The New York Times (Oct. 8): “West Maui Is Reopening. Here’s What Travelers Should Know”
- Vogue (Sept. 20): “Yes, Maui Is Still Open for Tourism”
- AFAR (Sept. 6): “Is Now the Right Time to Travel to Maui? We Asked Locals”
What can I do on Maui right now?
With the exception of Lahaina, Maui is open, and there is plenty to see and experience. We encourage you to do some research, browse all Things to Do on Maui. There are a multitude of regenerative and voluntourism experiences to participate in during your stay on Maui and to give back to the community while on-island.
How do I respectfully travel to Maui right now?
Our communities are still healing from the disaster we have experienced. Respectfully visiting Maui right now means visiting with aloha and empathy. Expect to wait longer than normal for food or other services. Have compassion for those you interact with as trauma may greatly affect people’s behavior right now. Approach conversations mindfully and be sensitive as to avoid triggering memories that survivors may not be ready to share. Instead, please allow Maui residents to open up to you, if they choose. Mahalo for your understanding.Respectful travel also includes the following: staying away from Lahaina out of respect for the town’s residents who are still grieving and healing, supporting and buying local, participating in a volunteer experience, and donating monwy to those affected
If I cancel my trip to Maui, what options do I have?
If you decide to cancel your already booked trip to Maui during this time, we encourage you to consider the following:
- Visit another one of our Hawaiian islands: Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi
- Consider supporting one of the organizations helping those who were affected by the devastating wildfires. To do so, please click here.
- Shop Maui owned business online from the comfort of your own home. To do so, please see our Shop Local page.
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Maui Events Calendar
Find out what's happening on Maui during your trip with on the Events Calendar page.
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