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West Maui Set to ReOpen - Oct 8, 2023!
Governor Josh Green, MD, announced Thursday 9/7/23, that West Maui, excluding the immediate Fire areas in Lahaina Town, reopens Oct 8, 2023. 2 months after the devastating Lahaina fire destroyed the historical town and took the lives of at least 115, the healing process has begun.
The beauty of this part of the West Side has not been impacted. Your experiience here will be different from the past in that Lahaina Town and it's harbor are off limits. Sooo many people were impacted as they not only lost friends and loved ones but saw their jobs and businesses go up in flames. Yet the community is strong and has banded together in so many ways to help those in need & create housing and jobs and LOVE as West Maui reopens.
Maui and it's amazing Ohana (extended family) invites you back to enjoy the peace and beauty that is Maui and be a part of its regrowth and recovery. Staying in West Maui you will likely interact with many who have been impacted as they transition from temporary short term to longer term temporary housing. Be gentle and respectful. Just by being there you support these folk. For those who want to do more there are many options for volunteers.
See our side bar and previous blog post for more resources and info.
Where can I go when I come to Maui?
All of Maui except Lahaina Town! Here is what a guest in one of the Wailea Ekahi condos sent us in late August:
"We come often to Maui, and admittedly, were a bit hesitant to come at this time. ... It is as it always is, an incredibly beautiful paradise that soothes the soul. .... Restaurants are open with full menus, and dare I say full bars! Traffic is much lighter, planes are more empty and the beaches are serene. It is as it must have been decades ago, and the experience is wonderful. We are so glad we came. Our visit here, incredible as it is, is made so much more wonderful by knowing we are supporting the people of Maui.
What can I do on Maui ?
In addition to the options below restaurants, shops, tours and activities and places to stay all over the island, including the West Side are available.
- Beaches Galore - Kaanapali & North on the west, Wailea, Makena & Kihei on the South:
Sugar Beach in Kihei near Maalaea is great for surfing, the Kamaole I, II, & III beaches in Kihei are great for swiming & snorkeling. Keawakapu, Wailea and many more down the South Shore to Makena's Big Beach & Baby Beach are just a few - Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea Harbor
Wonder Aquarium for all ages - Mini Golf, Rock climbing in this area too - Ma'alaea Boat Tours
Ferry to Lanai, snorkeling trips to Molokini, and more - Haleakala National Park:
Hiking trails, amazing sunsets and sunrises,moonscapes and rain forests. - Iao Valley State Park:
Lush and green - waterfalls, museums, amazing views - Road to Hana:
You have all heard of this iconic drive. Start in Paia - Shops & restaurants on Baldwin Ave remind you of Lahaina. Stop at the best waterfalls, road side stands, beaches etc. With fewer visitors, this is a wonderful time to enjoy this drive. Registration and fees for access to parking and the Black Sand beach are now required. Use the Wai'anapanapa reservation system (no same day access is allowed so make reservations at least the night before). Lots to do here - including a hike and unique geologic formations like a lava cave, blowhole and sea arch. - UpCountry
Lavender Farm (open Friday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm),
Surfing Goat Dairy (open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.)
Golf at Pukalani.
Kula: Amazing nursery's & protea farms (18 structures were lost to fires here too so be respectful)
Maui Wine (museum, tastings, open Tues-Sunday 11am-5 PM)
Ocean Vodka, and
Makawao for more art, a bakery and great food. - There is a Polo field here to as it's Cowboy country but matches tend to be in May. Also winery, vodka - Golf:
The Isthmus has the DUNES of MAUI LANI (links style course); Upcountry = PUKALANI; Kihei = Maui Nui (has an amazing driving range): Wailea Gold, Emerald & Old Blue - Kihei:
Maui Brewing Co, Kihei Boat ramp - tours to lava coves, Molokini & more - Farmers markets, Swap Meets
Prepare for your trip - understand Hawaii.
Every destination has its own set of unwritten rules regarding cultural etiquette. Hawai‘i is no different. MOC joins HTA & HVCB in sharing the do’s and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands
Maui Travel Tips: Culture, https://youtu.be/g-E-YsNZJuY
Maui Travel Tips: Ocean Conservation, https://youtu.be/5_AKQS1WFxM
Maui Travel Tips: Ocean Safety, https://youtu.be/rRJVx4Uzkx0