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Lahaina Fire & West Maui Updates
The Lahaina Fire - West Maui: Who can go where & when, Ways to help with recovery, What's Ahead.
The Lahaina Fire - West Maui: Who can go where & when, Ways to help with recovery, What's Ahead.
When is it Appropriate to Travel to Maui?
Now - Except for the immediate Fire areas in Lahaina (about 15% of Maui's land area) & 18 structures in Kula, the rest of Maui is wanting you to come. Maui is not large and tourism is vital to our economic health. Your presence provides jobs for who are now sheltering friends and family and helps all of Maui in their recovery process. Be gentle.
Where can I go when I come to Maui?
Come to South Maui! Here is what a current guest in one of the Wailea Ekahi condos just sent us:
"We come often to Maui, and admittedly, were a bit hesitant to come at this time. Here in Wailea, you would never know that the fires existed. It is as it always is, an incredibly beautiful paradise that soothes the soul. There is no smoke, no ash, no supply problems. 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.
Governor Josh Green, MD, the Mayor of Maui, Richard Bissen and the Hawaii Tourism Association (HTA) have all put out the message that while Maui is open and welcomes volunteers and encourages visitors to South, East & North Maui, West Maui is closed to all but residents & essential personnel. The Governor's emergency proclamation REQUESTS "only essential travel to West Maui until October 17. The disaster emergency relief period shall commence immediately (Aug 19) and continue through October 17, 2023, unless terminated or superseded by separate proclamation, whichever shall occur first.".
SIXTH PROCLAMATION RELATING TO WILDFIRES, August 19, 2023
Will this info change? Quite likely. The hotels and condos along the coast north of Lahaina were not damaged by the fire, but were impacted with loss oof utilities & communication. West Maui is already getting power and Internet back, stores & restaurants are beginning to reopen and a fence to help keep the ash from the fire contained has been erected around the borders of the fire area in Lahaina. The road to West Maui is open without check points to all except at night when it is only open to residents and essential personnel.
Visitors, no matter how respectful they try to be, will be competing for resources (including vital communications like Internet, phone, medication, basic supplies & food.) with displaced residents. Time is needed to see how things settle. We suggest you wait til October if you want to stay on the West Side.
To reach the resorts in West Maui you have to drive by Lahaina. Most hotels (condo hotels too) have taken in refugees while others have found temporary housing with family and friends or long term rentals in other parts of the island. Many residents will be able to return to homes that are not damaged but in the evacuation areas. BUT - Maui has long had a shortage of affordable housing and the Lahaina Fire did not help. Governor Green expects 2000 condo units will need to be at least temporarily converted to long term rentals, most on the West side, to house those displaced
What can I do on Maui - not on the West Side?
- Beaches Galore - Wailea, Makena & Kihei:
Sugar Beach in Kihei near Maalaea is great for surfing, the Kamaole I, II, & III beaches in Kihei are great for swimming & 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: Wonderful 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 view
- Road to Hana: You have all heard of this iconic drive. Start in Paia - Shops & restaurants on Baldwin Ave remind you of Lahaina Consider a tour (small group or family) to help with congestion and stops at the best waterfalls, road side stands, beaches etc
- UpCountry:
- 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 Meet
- 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 Meet
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
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