no travel to west maui

Decisive Maui Travel Rules Released | No Mixed messages

We received new messaging from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and its Hawaii Visitor and Convention Bureau late Monday. The messaging from the governor and the state agencies regarding Maui travel has started becoming well unified. That is relieving for all concerned and moves us at least one step further along the road to healing after the devastating Maui wildfires.

West Maui will be closed to visitors through October 17.

The latest update came after President Biden and Governor Green toured Lahaina earlier today and held a press conference. The governor urges “visitors to refrain from visiting West Maui (including Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua) and shared the rest of Maui is safe .”

“Visitors Should Avoid West Maui For Now, Travelers Welcome Elsewhere On Maui and Other Hawaiian Islands”

Governor Josh Green is continuing to state emphatically the “need to avoid West Maui at this time, as well as the importance of travel to the rest of Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands and the economic impact it has on the well-being of Maui and its recovery.” We’re relieved to hear a more unified message emanating from the state.

HTA also comes into alignment with Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is concurring in its statement requesting “visitors to refrain from going to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) as a means of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off-limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue.

“No one can travel to West Maui right now.”

That means that all of West Maui is off-limits, period. Governor Green said, “We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers should come here (West Maui) now. But all of the other areas of Maui… and the rest of Hawaii are safe.

“When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”

As part of the governor’s proclamation today, “Governor Green’s sixth emergency proclamation, issued on August 19, remains in place, with “All nonessential travel to West Maui being strongly discouraged for the duration of the proclamation (through October 17, 2023).”

Hawaii’s mixed and confusing messages appear to be over.

Daniel said in a comment late Monday, “We were scheduled (and planning to go to Maui .. Kihei on the 18th from Kauai ). Meanwhile on the 17th Hawaiian Air texts us an urgent message stating that nonurgent travel to Maui is discouraged so we end up changing our plans. By the 19th the message changes and it seems only travel to West Maui is discouraged. Between the government advisories, local communities and other “advice” ( including the Canadian gvt advising travellers not to go) it’s not clear for a visitor who wants to respect the tragic losses what to do. We now regret not going and supporting local business.”

Please let us know your thoughts on the state’s plans.

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152 thoughts on “Decisive Maui Travel Rules Released | No Mixed messages”

I’m sure Rob and Jeff will be posting this but the Governor announced that West Maui will be open October 8th. His press conference today was quite clear as to the reasons for when and why and certainly put into perspective how difficult the situation is. All and all I thought is was a very good response. Unprecedented tragedy that has been made worse by speculators and conspiracy theorist’s. The Governors plan for rebuilding, using local business’s whenever possible and rebuilding with the people of Maui at the forefront and respect for the land and Hawaiian traditions the key component. Outside speculators will be combated in every way possible. You folks trying to say you don’t feel welcome are listening to a very small majority of disgruntled people. West Maui will a very welcoming place to visit after Oct 8th, the rest of the island is now.

As tragic as the fires have been and as much as I want to respect those that have, and will continue to suffer, there seems to be an overtone of anti-tourism in Hawaii these days that is getting louder and making it less desirable to visit. The instant message to “stay away” following the devastating aftermath of the Lahaina fire now seems like more of a short-sighted excuse to turn tourists away than anything else. Then, just a few weeks later, begging for people to come spend their money in spite of really not wanting them there is ridiculous. Many tourists plan for years to visit Hawaii. They save and plan for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation to a place they’ve dreamed of visiting only to be told they aren’t wanted, but we need your money so come on over, just don’t act like you are enjoying your stay. I wish I could see this differently as I really was a supporter of giving those affected time to grapple with the tragedy and I felt I understood the sentiment having been to the islands many times, including a day in Lahaina in May of this year, but I now feel like I may have been wrong.

My husband and I along with another couple are scheduled to fly into Kahului on Nov.19th; our flight and rental condo have been booked since April. Though we are saddened by the Lahaina fire, we still are hoping for an enjoyable vacation. If as tourists traveling from Canada and we are not welcomed, we will certainly not return and will spend our travel dollars elsewhere.

I hope things will have improved by November 19, but expecting people who lost their home to welcome you is a little much …as they say, money can’t buy love. Also, your condo is very likely owned by an off island owner and if you shop at Costco. Safeway etc., that’s not local, so if you do want your money to go to the “local” economy, be mindful and grateful that you can enjoy a vacation while others are mourning their friends and family.

My family of 7 is traveling to Kihei December! I am now reading that prices will be increased soon on activities and everything in general! The prices were already doubled since my last visit shortly before covid! If this is true, we will be very limited on the activities and many things we were hoping to do on our visit! Could you please advise me what the situation is regarding activities and food and restaurants! Thank you!

We don’t know that too be true and it is too soon to know. If you’re coming at the holidays, however, yes of course you can expect very high prices as has been the case for decades.

Thank you for clarifying. Myself ,wife, daughter and grandson will be visiting Kihei soon and will respect the guidelines. Our hearts are with all of you in your grief.

Hawaii used to be the favorite destination for my wife and myself. But the government from the state to the local level made us feel unwelcome and unwanted on our last trip. Therefore it was probably our Last trip. Which is very sad, because we used to love to come.

We have a 2 week trip to Papekea condos in West Maui 10/20-11/03. Will this still be a good idea or should we cancel.

Why is Kaanapali, Napili, Kahana and Kapalua closed? And is it discouraged or closed?

West Maui hotels are closed to tourists because they are housing those who lost their homes. You might not be able to get through because many don’t have phone and internet connection yet. The government is reaching out to local peoples by text messages and word of mouth …also, only Times Supermarket opened (closed Saturdays) As far as I know, everything else is still closed on the West side …as it was said many times before, tourists would only make it more difficult for locals to get food, water, getting to places ….

Correction: Napili Market is now open as well. Just spoke to my friend at Kaanapali Hillside (there was another fire, but contained quickly) and she wants to remind people that everything (batteries, medicine etc.) is very limited on the West side of Maui. Also, the beaches in Kahana are taken over by tents with locals who did not get rooms in hotels etc. Don’t expect Kaanapali, Kahana and Napili to be the same than the last time you may have visited those areas. By friend describes the entire area as a “war zone” although I think she meant that it resembles the “after war” era ..she lost her home in Norther California twice in the fires which is why she moved to Maui.

I sure hope Governor Green and the HTA plan to support all the businesses in West Maui that are suffering financially from being closed until 10/17/23. Those businesses barely survived the much too long closure for the pandemic. And now being closed again. Wow….

It seems that some people don’t read all the information in detail …business in Lahaina burnt down to the ground. The rest of Maui is struggling with housing people who lost their homes plus volonteers etc. There is still no internet in parts of West Maui etc. How do you think they can conduct busines for tourists? If they want to fly to Maui, they can do so and stay in Kihei, Wailea etc.

October 17th does seem like a long time to keep Kaanapali and other areas of the west side closed to visitors.

Many hotels have pushed it to November 1 and there is no guarantee that this will not be delayed further …it’s an “ongoing” development that can’t be rushed.

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West Maui Is Reopening. Here’s What Travelers Should Know.

The island’s west side has reopened to visitors two months after the devastating wildfires. But the travel industry anticipates the return of much-needed tourism to be a slow drip.

By Christine Chung

Two months after wildfires on the western shores of Maui killed 97 people, destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and burned more than 2,100 acres, a state order discouraging travel to the area was lifted on Sunday. But whether local hotels and businesses plan to welcome visitors remains uncertain.

Maui, Hawaii’s second largest island, remains in the throes of recovery, with West Maui schools still shuttered, hundreds of businesses closed and thousands of people out of work and living in temporary housing at local hotels. The state government’s decision to reopen has encountered fierce pushback among some residents, who say the step is rushed , and a petition to delay the reopening has been signed by more than 15,000 people.

The mayor of Maui County, Richard Bissen, said tourism’s return will be measured, and in late September announced a voluntary, staggered approach to reopening , one that begins with only hotels in the northernmost portion of West Maui welcoming guests. In a statement issued on Thursday, Gov. Josh Green called the phased approach “a gentle reopening that will serve both the people and local businesses.”

The absence of tourism, the island’s main economic driver, has threatened a second crisis: Since the fires, Maui has lost more than $13 million per day in visitor spending, according to one analysis by the University of Hawaii.

Here’s what visitors need to know.

What areas are now open to travelers?

The West Maui communities of Kaanapali, Napili, Honokowai and Kapalua, north of the region hardest hit by the fires, are now open to tourists, according to the emergency proclamation , posted Sept. 9 by Governor Green. The town of Lahaina and its surrounding areas remain closed to tourists.

Travel to other areas of Maui that were not damaged by the fires, such as Wailea, has not been restricted, despite initial pushback from some residents about the propriety of visiting any part of Maui . And there were no prohibitions against travel to Hawaii’s other islands.

However, the reopening doesn’t mean all hotels, restaurants and other businesses in West Maui are operating — and some state and local officials for weekswere seemingly at odds on what shape and cadence West Maui’s reopening should take.

In his statement, Governor Green appeared to clear the air, by praising Mayor Bissen and indicating that the mayor should handle the reopening.

“The recovery can be a community-led, government-supported effort to help the people of Lahaina,” the governor said.

The first stage of Mayor Bissen’s voluntary plan — opening hotels and businesses in communities from Kapalua to Kahana — will be assessed before two subsequent phases, which focus on neighborhoods farther south, where a greater number of displaced residents are being housed, start. No dates for these latter stages have been shared.

Lisa Paulson, executive director of the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, called the competing directives from Mayor Bissen and Governor Green “mixed messages” that have confused hotel operators, residents and tourists alike.

“Everybody is hurting,” she said last week. “We’re still reeling from the devastation so these contradictory messages are not helping anything.”

Mufi Hannemann, president and chief executive of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, said that most hotels want to comply with the mayor’s phased reopening, but he also emphasized that this was a guideline that doesn’t come with any enforcement.

What hotels in West Maui are open now?

Hotels in West Maui will be opening in a piecemeal fashion. Under the mayor’s guidance , businesses on a three-mile stretch from the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua to Kahana Villa in Kahana were encouraged to open starting Sunday. Only several hotels in this area — including the Ritz Carlton — will actually welcome visitors by Oct. 8, Ms. Paulson said. According to its website , Kahana Villa is asking “any reservations through October 17th be rescheduled.”

What happens after that is very fluid, Mr. Hannemann said, with hotels evaluating daily whether and when they should open.

Farther south in Wailea and Kihei, all major hotels and resorts are already open, Mr. Hannemann said. In Wailea, the Fairmont Kea Lani is offering guests a fifth night free, a spokesperson said. They’re hoping to lure guests who previously canceled, with incentives including free breakfast and room upgrades.

Overall, hotels are continuing to waive cancellation fees until they reopen.

Over the last two months, hotels operated by local and major brands, including Outrigger, Marriott and Hyatt, have sheltered emergency responders and wildfire evacuees, as well as their own staff members who were displaced. The bulk of this housing effort is concentrated in the Kaanapali area, industry leaders said. Most hotels there will not be open in early October, Ms. Paulson said. Some, like the Westin Maui Resort and the Hyatt Regency , aren’t accepting new bookings until November.

What about Lahaina and its residents?

Lahaina residents have gradually been allowed back to visit their properties. Three schools are set to reopen on Oct. 16, despite concerns about air and water quality.

But permanent housing remains a crisis. As of this week, more than 6,800 people were staying at dozens of area hotels coordinated by the Red Cross, including the Hyatt Regency and the Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali. About 545 others are staying at Airbnb rentals and roughly 100 people have acquired housing through a government program crowdsourcing available rooms and units from homeowners, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said.

Officials have stressed that evacuees will not be displaced to accommodate anyone, including the tourists they seek to galvanize the island’s recovery.

“We don’t anticipate a large number of people coming, but we also didn’t want the many people who asked us to open up to have to relocate themselves,” Gov. Green said at a news conference on Sept. 21. “We are not pushing people out.”

What should travelers expect?

Recent visitors have commented online about how empty the island feels, with hundreds of hotel rooms vacant, once bustling restaurants closed and beaches deserted.

Owners of restaurants that are heavily reliant on tourism, such as Merriman’s in Kapalua , said they can’t open without more tourists to keep them afloat.

“What we’re going to do is wait and judge the market and open when we think demand can support our restaurants,” said Peter Merriman, the restaurant’s chef and owner. “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg. Tourists want restaurants before visiting, we want customers before we reopen our restaurants.”

In August, Maui reported the lowest visitor arrival and spending numbers in more than two years, according to the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Compared to August of last year, visitor arrivals dropped to 112,259 from 266,176, or nearly 58 percent, and spending fell by 49 percent, to $247 million from $484 million.

The tourism decline in Maui has reverberated statewide, with visitor arrivals decreasing by about 7 percent and spending plummeting by roughly 8 percent to $1.58 billion last August compared to the same month last year.

Travel industry leaders said they anticipated tourism’s return after Oct. 8 to be a slow drip.

Officials are requesting respectful tourism. What does that look like?

State and local officials, industry leaders and residents have described the kind of tourism they hope to cultivate after the fires as “conscious,” “mindful” and “respectful.”

But this is not a new sentiment in Hawaii. The state has long grappled with balancing tourism and its negative effects — soaring rents and home prices fueling a housing shortage — with its economic reliance on the industry.

Until recently, locals and officials signaled that respectful behavior wasn’t limited just to staying clear of Lahaina, but avoiding all of the neighborhoods in West Maui. Now, with West Maui’s return, the boundaries and norms are fuzzier. Some officials and residents suggest that visitors should prioritize local businesses and potentially include volunteering to aid relief efforts.

“The visitor experience will be different for a while, but we welcome people back to support us and our communities, and get people back to work,” said Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance.

But officials and residents alike repeat one thing. A stop at Lahaina shouldn’t be part of any traveler’s itinerary. And remember that the entire community in Maui has experienced trauma and is grieving.

“Knowing this, proper attitude and reverence should be applied toward the place, as well as the people who live and work in Maui,” Mr. Hannemann said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Christine Chung is a travel reporter for The Times. She previously covered breaking news. She joined The Times in November 2021. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Maui Residents to Visitors: Come, but With Care and Respect

Following catastrophic wildfires that leveled the western maui town of lāhainā, the island’s residents grapple with the slow return of tourism..

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When visitors do come, locals ask that they be mindful of the trauma and devastation the island has been through since early August.

Courtesy of Unsplash

This week, Maui mayor Richard Bissen announced the next phase of the reopening of West Maui to tourism following horrific wildfires that blazed through areas of the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui in early August, completely leveling the town of Lāhainā in western Maui. On November 1, the areas of West Maui north of Lāhainā, from Kahana to Kā‘anapali, will reopen, as officials and residents focus on recovery and rebuilding efforts, including a campaign to encourage travelers to return to Maui, albeit respectfully and with compassion. The phased reopening of West Maui began on October 8.

“Here’s the reality, as much as people don’t like it, we are driven by the visitor industry,” says Tim Lara of Hawaiian Paddle Sports , a certified B-Corp in Maui that offers surf lessons, kayak tours, canoe tours, and stand-up paddleboard lessons. “If all of a sudden everyone stops coming, which they did . . . it’s going to create a bigger economic collapse. And more people are going to need assistance. Whereas if the visitor industry keeps going, not only can we sustain ourselves, but we can help with relief on the west side.”

Lara lives in Kula in Maui’s Upcountry, which experienced wildfires as well—19 houses were lost in Kula, including 10 within a mile of Lara’s house. Lara and his neighbors spent the days after the fires working together to extinguish new hot spots, cut back green waste to create fire breaks, and clear trees that had fallen onto properties. A donation center was established in the community where people could pick up bottled water, in addition to supplies and food.

In the first 10 days or so following the wildfires, Lara’s business was essentially put on pause. “I just didn’t have the headspace to deal with it,” he says. But, he adds, “We’re back [in business] now.”

Hawai‘i tourism officials have released a map that indicates the reopening progress in West Maui.

Courtesy of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

The losses due to the wildfires in Maui were staggering. Authorities reported that 97 people died, more than 6,600 acres burned, and approximately 2,403 residences were destroyed.

In the initial hours following the August 8 fires, as blazes were still burning, as rescue efforts were still underway, and as losses were still mounting, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority issued a statement that “non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time. Visitors who have travel plans to West Maui in the coming weeks are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.” Unfortunately, the distinction between West Maui, where Lāhainā is located, and the rest of Maui, which remained open to visitors, got lost in the chaos and communication efforts.

Several celebrities jumped in to reinforce that message, including Hawaiian-born actor Jason Momoa, who has 17.2 million followers on Instagram and posted to the platform on August 11, “Do not travel to Maui . . . if you were planning on traveling to Maui in the near future, cancel your trip.” (He has since posted numerous updates , including detailed clarifications about what remains open now—the vast majority of Maui—and the area around Lāhainā that had been closed.)

And many people did cancel their trips. Prior to August 8, Maui’s domestic passenger count ranged from between 4,000 and more than 8,000 visitors each day. In the weeks following the wildfires, they dipped down to between 1,800 and 3,000 daily and have finally climbed back up to above 4,000 daily visitors on most days, according to data provided by Hawai‘i’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

The number of domestic passengers flying to Maui has dropped drastically since the wildfires.

Courtesy of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

It’s estimated that the current economic loss is as much as $9 million per day due to the drop in travelers, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

“There was a lot of talk in the beginning that ‘Maui is closed. Visitors need to leave. Don’t come to Maui,’ ” says Lara, adding that more recently, there’s been a welcome adjustment in the communication. “Now people are saying, ‘Maui is open. Please come.’ ”

In September, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority approved a $2.6 million recovery plan to restore demand for travel to Maui, which includes a new Mālama Maui campaign that promotes a responsible return in tourism to Maui .

“After listening to the Maui community and visitor industry, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is supporting residents who work in the hospitality industry and business owners who count on visitor spending by ensuring that visitors return to Maui,” Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer at Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, tells AFAR. “We are asking for respectful, compassionate, responsible travel to the island at this time. Visitation is welcome and encouraged to the many open areas of Maui, now more than ever.”

Is it OK to visit Maui now?

So, what does “respectful, compassionate, responsible” travel to Maui look like?

Britney Alejo-Fishell, owner of Haku Maui in Maui’s Upcountry, a small business that makes traditional Hawaiian leis and teaches lei-making workshops, says she wants to spread the message that “it’s OK to come.”

But, she adds, “I know that people love to come to Maui to heal. You come here, and you find your healing in this beautiful place. But this is where people come from. We live here, this is what we’re made of. Come right, come respectfully. The people that come and just stay at the hotels, I get it, it’s helping the hotel. Come with the openness that you are going to travel and to explore and see what Maui has to offer and meet the people and talk to them and not just shelter in place.”

In addition to getting off the resort compound and supporting local businesses, reaching out to aid organizations that are contributing to relief efforts on Maui, and donating time and money to help (see below), Alejo-Fishell says that conscious travelers should also be aware of how severe the trauma that many residents have experienced has been.

Now, more than ever, residents are asking visitors to shop and buy local when they visit Maui to help support small businesses and their families.

Courtesy of Lo Sarno/Unsplash

Alejo-Fishell recalls that “the very first week, we were getting supplies, taking them directly to Lāhainā, and you can hear tourists complaining in the stores, saying ‘Why is there nothing on the shelves? What are we supposed to do?’ People have nothing, they just survived [this disaster], they may have lost their loved ones. Come on. Just be aware that you may be in line and there may be someone behind you in line that lost everything.”

Lesley Texeira, owner of Aloha Missions , which creates customized give-back experiences for people in Maui, says that following the wildfires, it felt like the COVID-19 pandemic all over again in Maui with rental cars piling up on empty lots around the airport and a dearth of visitors.

The difference this time around is that Maui residents experienced something so sudden and so shocking—and they are, quite frankly, still processing it all.

“If you are coming here . . . [you should be] leaving our island better than you found it. That’s how you should do anything, but especially right now. We are so fragile, and we are so emotional that you have to come here and you have to be mindful,” says Texeira. “The whole island is traumatized.”

Texeira says that for those visitors who want to reach out to local communities and volunteer or provide services and resources while they are in Maui, Aloha Missions can help make those connections between visitors and support efforts.

Says Lara of Hawaiian Paddle Sports, “Just by simply coming and spending money as you normally would, you are helping the situation because you’re stopping that many more families from needing assistance. But then—extra credit—make a charitable donation while you’re here.”

The road to recovery and eventually rebuilding will be a long one for the western Maui town of Lāhainā.

Courtesy of the Office of Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green

How to help Maui

For travelers wondering how they can help, several organizations have jumped in to provide aid and assistance.

American Red Cross

To donate: redcross.org

The Red Cross is providing assistance to thousands of displaced residents in Maui and Oahu.

Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement

To donate: memberplanet.com

This nonprofit organization that supports Native Hawaiians is raising support “for ‘ohana impacted by the devastating wildfires on Maui.”

Maui Food Bank

To donate: mauifoodbank.org

The Maui Food Bank, which distributes food to the hungry in Maui County, is raising money to help feed residents of Maui who have been displaced by the fires.

Maui Strong Fund

To donate: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on creating an equitable and vibrant Hawai‘i, has developed the Maui Strong Fund to provide shelter, food, financial assistance, and other services to residents.

Maui United Way

To donate: ignite.stratuslive.com/auw/get-involved/donate/mauirelief

Community aid organization Maui United Way has created a Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund that will assist victims of the fires.

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As West Maui Reopens, the Island Asks Travelers for ‘Patience and Grace’

By Jessica Puckett

After one of the most devastating wildfires in US history ripped through West Maui in early August, the island is preparing to fully reopen to tourists starting November 1.

On that date, the final sectors of the island, which were hardest hit by the disaster, will begin welcoming visitors once again. All of West Maui will be open, except for Lahaina Town, the most decimated area, which will remain off-limits until further notice.

The relaunch of tourism on the island has been met with confusion from travelers and mixed opinions from residents. Some Maui locals are criticizing the plan to reopen as happening too quickly, but others are eager to have travelers return and, hopefully, provide a much-needed jumpstart to the local job market.

“I know we are still grieving, and it feels too soon, but the reality is there are those in our community who are ready to get back to work,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a video message about the island’s reopening. “Bills need to be paid, keiki (children) have needs and our kupuna (elders) face continued medical care.”

Officials are encouraging travel ​​as a way to bolster the island’s economy, which was in a free-fall over the weeks after the fires struck, losing more than $13 million a day in visitor spending. “While it may seem counterintuitive, Maui’s economy is dependent on a robust visitor industry and there is still plenty to see and do while here that is away from Lahaina,” the Hawaii Tourism Authority says on its website.

Hawaii travel specialists are giving similar advice to their clients. “The best way to support Maui today is by traveling to the island, traveling mindfully, respectfully, and generously,” says Judi Glass , a travel agent with McCabe World Travel, who adds that she has been getting fewer Maui trip requests recently. “Visiting Maui will avoid one catastrophe leading to another.”

Nonetheless, it’s a fraught situation, with many nuances for both Maui business owners and tourists alike to consider. One misconception is that arriving tourists will be booting displaced wildfire survivors from their temporary housing in hotels, Airbnbs, and other rentals. Bissen’s office says this isn’t the case. “The Red Cross has assured me that housing for displaced Lāhainā residents, including those staying in hotels, is not in jeopardy,” Bissen said in a statement . “Sheltering close to 7,000 survivors remains a critical focus of our efforts and their needs are our priority. I appreciate the help our hotels have provided these past several weeks, and we’ll continue to work together with the hotel properties and American Red Cross.”

For its part, the American Red Cross says that the nearly 6,800 survivors being housed in nearly 40 Maui hotels—also called non-congregate sheltering—will continue to be prioritized as travel fully reopens. “Maui re-opening to tourism has no bearing on the non-congregate sheltering (NCS) operation,” says a statement from the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross and State of Hawaii are working together to negotiate extensions and contract details with multiple hotel groups. So long as hotels continue to make rooms available at reasonable costs, we will continue to operate NCS until all wildfire survivors have appropriate transitional housing solutions.”

Overall travelers should know that while the island needs visitors, only respectful behavior will be tolerated. “As we welcome people to our home, we want visitors to understand that our island is making its way through a devastating tragedy,” Bissen said . “The hope is that people will come to Maui with sensitivity and compassion.”

As part of the reopening, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has been distributing flyers and videos with advice for tourists on how exactly they can be compassionate travelers when visiting the island in the disaster’s aftermath. Here are some of the top ways to remain respectful and unobtrusive while supporting West Maui with tourism dollars.

Be understanding

Hospitality standards are first-class on Maui, but high-maintenance travelers should be gracious, and understanding of the service they receive—even if it isn't perfect. “Make sure you’ve packed two things on a trip: patience and grace,” HTA says. “Expect to wait for longer than you’re used to for food or other services.” Numerous West Maui restaurants, tour companies, lodging rentals, shops, and other hospitality venues are just getting back on their feet. Some are not yet open—which could mean fewer options—and most workers are still grief-stricken. Exercise empathy when interacting with anyone and everyone.

Put your dollars into the local community

Wherever you travel, it’s important to support local businesses. But on a visit to Maui, it’s now crucial. “Across Maui, local businesses are struggling from lower visitor numbers,” says a September report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. “The initial shock has sent the jobless rate surging, and Maui unemployment is forecast to soar above 11% in the fourth quarter [of 2023].” Putting money back into these businesses right now can help save livelihoods. Officials have put together Maui Nui First , an online database of local Maui businesses that visitors can patronize, including restaurants, hotels, shops, tour companies, art galleries, and more.

Volunteer—but only when and where it’s appropriate

Giving your time and resources to communities on the island is a good way to support residents and add meaning to your trip. But be sure to properly research which initiatives are accepting newbie volunteers to avoid being burdensome. “Hosting uninvited volunteers in direct recovery work may be difficult at this time,” the HTA says. Instead, look up efforts that are requesting volunteers and donations on the online database Maui Nui Strong .

Stay away from still-restricted Lahaina Town

Lahaina is still closed, and that means tourists should avoid interacting with the town in all capacities. “Do not enter Lahaina Town or take photos of the area, even from afar,” HTA advises. “Respect the privacy of survivors and the dignity of those who lost their lives.” Not only do you risk upsetting survivors, but you could also risk your own health: Conditions there are still hazardous, with toxins in the debris that bystanders could inhale.

Refrain from discussing the wildfire with locals

It’s natural to want to show empathy and ask residents about how the fires affected them. But officials say it’s best not to pry or ask intrusive questions regarding the catastrophe. “Do not ask about a resident’s personal experience with the disaster,” HTA says. “While a question such as ‘Were you impacted by the fire?’ may be intended to be supportive, many survivors are not ready to share their experiences with others.” Err on the side of caution and keep conversation topics elsewhere.

Be compassionate to residents who are still grieving

It may seem like common sense, but experts are warning tourists not to gawk at Maui residents who are still grieving. “If you come across a memorial service or other private gathering, leave the area immediately,” HTA advises. “Respect the gathered survivors and residents—do not take photos or videos.”

Even with conscientious travelers returning to stimulate the island’s tourism industry, Maui’s recovery is predicted to be slow. The University of Hawaii economic report estimates that it will take until the end of 2024 for Maui’s visitor arrivals to reach just 80 percent of last year’s levels. “Gains will be gradual thereafter, because of continued temporary housing needs and lingering reluctance of some travelers,” the report says. “Tourism businesses will remain under considerable economic pressure.” Given those statistics, it’s never been more important to be a sensitive and mindful tourist in the Hawaiian Islands.

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Should you visit Maui right now? What locals want from tourists as the island rebuilds

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Tourists were initially urged to stay away from the Hawaiian island of Maui in the immediate wake of a wildfire that killed at least 115 people and devastated the historic town of Lahaina.

But now, nearly three weeks after the catastrophic wildfire, officials and some locals are urging visitors to not cancel upcoming trips to other parts of the island, saying the tourism dollars are needed to keep locals employed.

“Maui update. South Maui resorts (Lahaina is West Maui) NEED visitors. Furloughs and layoffs starting because people think the whole island is closed. It is not,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii tweeted Thursday . “If you are planning a trip to Wailea or Kihei, don’t cancel. If you want to come to Hawaii pls consider South Maui.”

‘Āina Momona, a community organization that discouraged visitors from coming immediately after the fire, is now offering advice to tourists who do come to the island.

World & Nation

Fearing economic disaster, Maui wants tourists to return. But feelings are complicated

As Maui hotel rooms sit empty after the deadly Hawaii wildfire that devastated Lahaina, some are sounding economic alarms, asking tourists to return.

Aug. 28, 2023

“If you decide to travel to Maui, behave with solace, empathy, compassion,” a recent Instagram slideshow urges. The “bottom line,” it says, is that people should “visit,” “spend” and “go home.”

Tourism has historically been a fraught subject in Hawaii and the recent fires have brought those tensions to the forefront.

But for those who do visit the island in the coming weeks and months, officials, community leaders and other locals offer some advice for being a respectful visitor and minimizing negative effects on the island:

Do not go to West Maui

The No. 1 message from community leaders and officials is that tourists should steer clear of Lahaina, which was ravaged by fire, and nearby towns such as Kaanapali and Kapalua, which are housing relief efforts and displaced fire survivors.

Don’t “rubberneck” around the affected communities, said Kainoa Horcajo, a cultural consultant and organizer with mutual aid organization Maui Rapid Response. “But the rest of the island is open and it needs support,” Horcajo added.

After Lahaina fire, 16 relatives crowd into one Maui house

Jowel and Relyn Delfin have taken 13 relatives into their central Maui home.

Aug. 21, 2023

Stories about tourists taking selfies in front of the destruction in the immediate aftermath of the fire compound the anger and frustration of people in the community who have already lost so much, said James Kunane Tokioka, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Tokioka reiterated the message that the rest of the island and state are open, but urged tourists to act with respect.

Popular South Maui towns such as Kihei and Wailea are far from the destruction, as is Paia on the North Shore.

Travelers are welcome in Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana, as well as the neighboring Maui County islands of Lanai and Molokai, according to official state guidance.

Act with sensitivity and empathy

“Come with respect, humility and reverence for our Maui community, especially West Maui. There is a lot of cultural and emotional sensitivity at this time,” said Jeana Naluai, a Native Hawaiian who runs a spa in Maui’s Upcountry that specializes in traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi techniques. “The families are hurting and deserve your consideration and care.”

Trisha Kehaulani Watson, ‘Āina Momona’s co-founder, underscored the fact that many people tourists encounter — including hotel, restaurant and retail workers — may have a personal connection to the fires.

“We really need tourists to be patient and kind and compassionate and understand that people here are deeply traumatized and really beginning to cope with this,” said Kehaulani Watson, a natural and cultural resources management consultant.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ʻĀina Momona | Moloka’i (@ainamomona)

Tourists should know that recovery remains the island’s priority and expect that some places could be short-staffed and some attractions may be closed, Kehaulani Watson said.

Gemma Alvior, a local designer who has a boutique at Maui Mall Village in Kahului, also urged visitors to “always remember to watch how you speak about your vacation because you don’t know who is listening. Everyone is emotional and hurt.”

Patronize small businesses and tip well

“Support the economy by shopping at local stores, restaurants, food trucks and shopping Hawaiian products,” said Naluai, who runs Ho’omana Spa. She suggested that tourists use the Kuhikuhi database to find Native Hawaiian-owned businesses or shop them virtually and take as many selfies as they want supporting local businesses in unaffected areas.

Many people are looking for jobs, and local businesses need to absorb the workforce until things rebuild, Naluai said. “Only thriving business can continue to offer opportunities. We all need to survive so we can continue to serve for the long haul towards restoration.”

How to help Maui residents displaced by the devastating wildfires

Wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui have killed at least 36 people, displaced thousands of residents and destroyed hundreds of structures, including homes, businesses and a school, prompting President Biden to declare a “major disaster.”

Aug. 10, 2023

Volunteer or donate

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism urges visitors to check mauistrong.hawaii.gov for the latest Maui emergency management and recovery information, as well as information about how to help.

‘Āina Momona suggests that tourists consider volunteering with Maui Food Bank , Maui Rapid Response or Common Ground Collective.

Pets still wander the ruins of Lahaina. Weary animal rescuers are on a mission

More than two weeks after the fires in Lahaina displaced thousands of residents and their pets, owners continue to search and hope for a reunion.

Aug. 26, 2023

Alvior, the Pulelehua boutique designer, also suggested that people consider volunteering with the Maui Humane Society or donating goods.

“They can also bring an extra luggage full of items that are needed here. Don’t come empty-handed,” Alvior said. (Needs have shifted relatively quickly over the last few weeks, so it’s best to connect with local groups beforehand or on social media .)

Kilakila Nunes, a Maui resident whose pool services business works with local resorts, suggested that travelers consider making “a small monetary donation to a credible agency if possible” while enjoying the rest of the island.

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Julia Wick is a political reporter at the Los Angeles Times. She and her colleagues won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in breaking news for reporting on a leaked audio recording that upended Los Angeles politics. She was also part of the team that was a 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist for work covering a fatal shooting on the set of the film “Rust.” Before joining the Times, Wick was the editor in chief of LAist.

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West Maui Fully Reopens to Tourism, But Travel Recovery Lags

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

October 31st, 2023 at 3:37 PM EDT

Public officials sped up the full reopening of West Maui to help save the pivotal holiday season for all of Maui. Hopefully, it's not too late.

Dawit Habtemariam

Maui’s western region will be fully reopened to tourism on Wednesday. Yet the recovery of the island as a whole remains uncertain two months after a wildfire devastated Lahaina and left nearly 100 people dead.

“It’s still slow right now, and we know that come November 1st, the reservations won’t be coming in fast and furious,” said Sherry Duong, executive director of Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau . “It’s going to be a slow trickle.” 

Scheduled airline seats for the months ahead remain below their 2022 level. Total domestic air seats to Maui are down 23% in November and 21% in December, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

After the August 8 wildfire in West Maui, the region was closed to visitors to allow for clean-up, a search for survivors, and respect for grieving residents. 

About 70% of every dollar in Maui County is directly or indirectly generated from tourism, according to the Maui Economic Development Tourism Board .

Tourism to the whole island, which drives roughly 40% of its economic revenue from tourism, plummeted.

The nosedive has stopped. But it likely won’t move in a positive direction for quite some time.

“Booking trends stabilized in the weeks that followed, and cancellations have abated, but it will be a while yet before demand fully returns to the robust levels we saw earlier in the summer,” said Peter R. Ingram, Hawaiian Holdings president and CEO, during a third-quarter earnings call. 

Some financial executives are optimistic about December, a peak tourism season.

“I do believe you will start to see activity start to come back over the holidays, maybe not as soon as Thanksgiving, but probably over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays,” said Robert Scott Harrison, CEO and president of First Hawaiian Bank, during an earnings call.

@jennagjohnson Today on Maui #westmaui #maui #sunset #hawaii #waves ♬ original sound – jenna

Opening West Maui

The November 1 opening signals to employees and businesses that they could start to generate revenue again.

Roughly 8,000 residents across the island are out of work, and many residents have had to migrate, said Duong. 

Amid the quick reopening, most of the 3,000 displaced residents staying in Kalaipuli hotels will not become homeless. Local officials are looking for long-term housing for them. Some of the displaced whose homes didn’t burn down are waiting for their homes to be cleaned up of smoke left by the fire, said Duong.

Slow Recovery

The previous plan was to open the region in three phases. Phase 1 started on October 8 for select island areas. But that didn’t do much to speed things up for West Maui.

“I spoke with my general manager partners that were from Kapalua to Kahana, and all of those accommodations between all of them, they only had 30 reservations,” said Duong.

Residents assumed there would be a swarm of tourists similar to when the island opened up after the pandemic, said Duong. They didn’t take into account that international travel back then was restricted. Now, Americans have been rushing to travel abroad more than domestically.

Skift’s Rolling Maui Coverage

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Tags: disasters , hawaii , hawaii tourism authority , maui , tourism

Photo credit: West Maui has been fully reopened to tourists. Farid Askerov / Unsplash

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When will Maui be ready for tourists again?

The governor urges visitors to forego travel plans as the effects of the devastating wildfires are becoming clearer

The devastating Maui wildfires forced thousands of residents and visitors to evacuate as acres of land — including the historic town of Lahaina — have been severely damaged or destroyed. The fire has been mostly contained, but hazards remain. While the island is not currently closed to tourists, Governor Josh Green in a recent proclamation has urged visitors to reconsider travel plans so the federal, state and county government and the West Maui community can focus resources and attention on the recovery of residents who lost loved ones, homes, their belongings and businesses.

Is Maui currently closed to tourists?

Maui is not closed to tourists, however the Governor strongly discourages non-essential travel to West Maui (including Lāhainā, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) and tourists who are already there are encouraged to depart if possible. Hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations as they are housing their employees and families, evacuees and first responders working on disaster recovery. Visitors are encouraged to wait until the situation stabilizes before attempting to reach West Maui accommodations for reservation adjustments. Visitors with travel plans to other parts of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena) should reach out to their accommodations for status updates. Travel to the other Hawaiian Islands— Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island—is not affected at this time.

The situation is not fully clear at this time. The focus in Maui is currently on recovery and helping those affected by the wildfires, so travel to the island is strongly discouraged. A “wait and see” approach is best through September, but tourists will be welcomed once again when possible, as much of Maui’s economy is based on tourism. Find updates at mauicounty.gov .

Are flights still going to Hawaii?

Currently the focus of many airlines is helping get visitors off the island. Major U.S. airlines serving Kahului Airport have implemented flexible travel policies for changing or canceling flights. Find a list of major carriers serving Kahului Airport here .

How much of Hawaii’s economy is tourism?

Tourism is the largest industry in Hawaii, around 21% percent of the state's economy. Tourism is even more important in Maui; about 80% of every dollar is generated directly or indirectly by the visitor industry.

How can I help?

Find additional info and how to help here .

• Gerrish Lopez Contributor, New Orleans

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Can You Travel to Maui Right Now? It’s a complicated answer

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

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The Lahaina Fire that started on August 8, 2023, devastated the culturally significant and close community of Lahaina. It has also left questions for visitors as to whether they should keep their plans to visit Maui, reschedule their trip, or cancel it completely.

This is an extremely complicated and difficult situation but we’re laying out what you need to know to help you answer: Can you travel to Maui?

Can You Travel to Maui Right Now?

The short answer is yes, you can travel to Maui right now and Maui is still open for tourists but West Maui is closed until October 8th, 2023.

We traveled to Maui in mid-September and here are our 8 Takeaways on Visiting Maui After the Fires .

Trips to Lahaina, Napili, Kapalua, Honokowai, and Kahana should not be taken at this time. Other areas of the island like Wailea, Kihei, Paia, Hana, and parts of upcountry Maui are open for visitors. But there are nuances to that answer which we’ll cover below. 

If you’re not sure where West Maui is on a map, we’ve included one below: 

Right after the fire, the current messaging from the Hawaii Governor was that all non-essential travel to Maui should be postponed for the near future. This was necessary for them to close down West Maui and pour resources into helping those who were affected by the fire. And this was important — every beach rescue or medical emergency not related to the fire was straining the already limited rescue personnel.

In addition, they were focused on getting thousands of people out of West Maui, whether that was getting them home and off the island or getting them into temporary housing. It was and continues to be a big undertaking. 

Now, the official messaging is that West Maui is closed to tourism but the rest of Maui is still open and operating. This change comes as arrivals to Maui have plummeted and concern for the Maui economy. While the entire island of Maui is grieving the loss of Lahaina and trying to help with whatever resources they have available to them, tourism is the main economic driver of the island and many are worried about their ability to earn a living.

Maui’s reliance on tourism accounts for an estimated four out of every five dollars made there, according to the Maui Economic Development Board .

The Effects of Travel to Maui Stopping

A tour operator that we have used and consistently recommend is Valley Isle Excursions . The owner, Nichole, gave us a glimpse of how this fire is impacting her employees:

“Today, I had to put 30 staff members on Unemployment. They were not directly impacted by the fire, but are now being indirectly impacted by it. These same employees who one week ago did not hesitate when we called upon them to drive into Lahaina and evacuate visitors, bring supplies to the door of local families who were stranded in West Maui and had no means of transportation to get to supply drop locations. Those who worked 12-14 hours to service the needs of our West Maui community who lost EVERYTHING, will now not know if they themselves can stay here.” Nichole from Valley Isle Excursions

Nichole isn’t the only person to raise concerns about the impact this will have on the economy and the people trying to earn a living on Maui. Chef Kyle from Maui Fresh Streatery shared his thoughts as well as Daniel from food truck owner LikePoke. 

Is Travel to the Rest of Hawaii Impacted?

We’ve had a number of people ask about travel to the other islands and wonder if they should cancel their trip to Hawaii. There is no impact on the other islands and travel to the other islands is open. 

The island of Hawaii (the Big Island) did experience some fires but it was contained quickly and travel there is currently safe. 

We have seen a number of people re-book their travel to other islands and go without issue. If you do choose to travel to another island, our free island travel guides for Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island can help.

• Oahu Travel Guide
• Island of Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Guide

If You Do Travel to Maui

If you do decide you can travel to Maui (continue with your trip), we have some tips that Nichole from Valley Isle Excursions graciously shared:

Kokua (to help)

If you are planning to come to Maui, please give at least one day out of your itinerary to volunteer in assisting efforts to get supplies out to those in need. Look for organizations that have supplies but need hands to organize and sort through the supply inventory to help make the delivery of supplies more efficient and get to the ones who need CERTAIN THINGS.

Editor’s Note: Here is a list of Maui Volunteer organizations that have opportunities for those on vacation.

Consider “adopting a family” who lost everything and connect with them to assist in their specific needs.

​ Donate directly to families impacted ​

(A note from Erica and Jordan: We can’t vouch for the authenticity of the campaigns on the list. As this list is being circulated by many local Maui residents we feel comfortable sharing it but donors should do their own due diligence.)

Although most visitors will be coming to “vacation”, please understand that this Island community is experiencing devastation and grief ISLAND WIDE. Everyone here has to some degree a connection to a dear friend or family that has experienced loss. And our history in Lahaina town is leveled. Please be patient with our people and show them ALOHA too.

One thing that is not at the forefront of our community right now because of the grief and devastation that we are still trying to understand and come to terms with, is the trickle-down effect of not having visitors come. If our Island economy which is largely reliant on the visitor industry spirals, it will leave our Island more vulnerable to the displacement of local families, and the “land grabs” will happen more swiftly and easily. If local families who lost everything, also lose their jobs because the visitor industry collapses, they will not be able to stay and rebuild. They will be forced to leave.

No matter how beautiful the landscape of Hawaii is, what makes Hawaii so special is ITS PEOPLE. If our people leave, it will not be the same Hawaii.

Donate/Support Local

If you are traveling here, maybe pack an extra suitcase with items that you would like to donate. Then fill that same suitcase with products that you purchased from LOCAL Businesses. Bring all your travel essentials so that you don’t have to visit Walmart, Target, or Costco and buy things that you don’t want to pack. Save those resources in our store for our community. Instead of shopping for groceries at Costco, EAT OUT. Support other local restaurants, food trucks, and eateries. These are the companies that pump economic support directly back into the local economy and keep our locals employed so that they have the financial resources to stay here and REBUILD.

I would recommend Hawaii Community Foundation-Specifically the “ Maui Strong ” fund.

They are giving immediate disbursements to smaller nonprofit organizations to help the impacted community, but they are also one of the organizations that have been working on keeping local families here in the Islands by supporting loan programs and land/home purchase education for local families. Long term, this is what we are going to need to rebuild our Lahaina community and keep Lahaina lands in the Lahaina community’s hands.

If You Choose to Postpone Your Trip

Consider postponing your trip rather than canceling outright. See if you can reschedule for a later date rather than asking for a refund. Maui will need visitors to return and hundreds of local businesses are struggling to survive while processing thousands of dollars worth of cancellations. 

There is no clear-cut answer as to whether you should be visiting Maui right now or in the near future. We hope this was helpful in making your decision as it’s highly personal. We love the Maui community and want to see them survive economically but we also know there is a lot of grief around the entire island.

We are traveling there in September to both support our local partners as well as give you a look at what a vacation on Maui looks like now.

Related articles:

• Maui Fire Updates – daily updates on the fire response and visiting Maui
• 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaiian Experience
• Hawaii Volunteer Programs (we will be adding Maui volunteer programs when they are posted)

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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What to do if you have a trip planned for Hawaii

Maui was hit hard by devastating wildfires fueled by hurricane-force winds. The fires caused catastrophic damage. Heartbreakingly, they are the deadliest the U.S. has experienced in many years.

The worst fires occurred in West Maui, as the historic area of Lahaina was completely destroyed by flames that are still only 90% contained. According to the Maui Emergency Management Agency's most recent alert Monday, a fire in the Upcountry area of Kula is still only 85% contained.

President Joe Biden signed an emergency disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is coordinating recovery operations. On Monday, the president and Jill Biden traveled to Maui to survey the damage firsthand.

During the president's visit and joint press conference, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green again addressed the growing community concern about ensuring the economic well-being of Maui and the state, emphasizing the importance of travel.

"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 Hawai'i are safe," Green said. "When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now."

A statement from the Hawaii Tourism Authority said that Green's sixth emergency proclamation , issued Aug. 19, remains in place, with all nonessential travel to West Maui being strongly discouraged for the duration of the proclamation (through Oct. 17).

Daily update videos on the disaster recovery are also being posted to the governor's Facebook page .

Given Maui's popularity as a vacation destination, numerous would-be tourists likely have upcoming trips scheduled. Given the scale of the disaster on the island, they now need to make some decisions about their upcoming plans to visit to allow the island to focus on recovery efforts.

Here's what to know if you have an upcoming trip to Maui.

Is it safe to travel to Maui right now?

It is currently not safe to travel to West Maui due to the multiple uncontained wildfires and evacuation orders that are in place.

Still, the governor has declared other areas of Maui safe and open for travel.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority released an updated travel advisory after Green's press conference, along with a map of the affected and restricted areas.

In alignment with Governor Green, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) as a means of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue.

We encourage travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.

Even when it is safe to travel to West Maui again, that part of the island will have limited resources and infrastructure.

Residents and visitors with upcoming travel bookings are encouraged to check with their airline for any flight changes and cancellations, or assistance with rebooking.

When might it be OK to travel to Maui?

At this time, it is unclear when West Maui will reopen, but the devastation to historic Lahaina is very substantial. As a result, disaster recovery operations will likely be very lengthy.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority released a statement last week that included a section devoted to common questions and answers and appears to be updated on a regular basis.

At this time, hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations and are housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders working on disaster recovery – well over 1,000 people so far with more to come.

Other areas on Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island remain unaffected. We urge visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this tragedy.

Based on the updated information shared by the governor and the statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, they are encouraging travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui. Such areas include Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana.

Some hotels in other parts of the island, such as the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, have posted regularly updated statements on their websites.

It has been over a week now since wildfires decimated the historic town of Lahaina. Disaster recovery efforts are ongoing in West Maui, and supplies are flowing into the affected areas on a regular basis. And while the restoration of the land and community will take years, we know that Maui's tight-knit community will get through this together. We are grateful that the Wailea region of South Maui was not impacted and that all of our team members are safe and accounted for. Grand Wailea continues to welcome guests with aloha.

As we look toward the future of our island, it is more important now than ever that guests and groups continue to visit Maui. In a statement, the HLTA [Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association] noted, "Yes, we must be sensitive to the plight of those suffering from the wildfires. But bear in mind that so many of the victims and their families depend on the visitor industry for their jobs and futures. While they may have lost their homes and more, losing their incomes would only add to the pain and hardship of their situation. That's why it's important to keep tourism functioning to keep our economy alive and give our people hope and the ability to rebuild their lives." Governor Green shared in his daily briefing that, "what we're saying now is travel should not be to West Maui. But the other parts of Maui are safe."

Is it safe to travel to the other Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii?

Travel to the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Lanai and parts of the Big Island is not affected at this time in terms of safety. However, there may be some near-term capacity issues with so many tourists trying to relocate from Maui and even Maui residents seeking shelter on the other islands.

If you have a trip planned to another Hawaiian island, operations are likely currently unaffected. However, contact your hotel or check its website or social media channels for any updates should the situation change.

Additionally, be aware that while statements from officials say other Hawaiian islands are open and available for tourism, there is a sentiment among some Hawaiian residents that now may not be the time to vacation in the state. The area is grappling with this tragedy and working to support Maui with the resources and infrastructure that it needs.

Airlines allowing changes to Maui flights

A previous update from the Hawaii Tourism Authority stated that 46,000 residents and visitors have already been flown off the island since the fires began. If you have a flight to Maui booked in August or September that you wish to change, you are encouraged to contact your airline and revise your travel plans if needed. The airlines have all updated their travel waiver policies, with some extending dates into September or November.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has instituted a flexible travel policy for guests who would like to change or cancel flights to or from Maui. Currently, it is processing changes if your ticket was purchased prior to Aug. 11 and your plans are between now and Sept. 16.

American Airlines

American Airlines passengers can change their origin or destination to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) or Lihue Airport (LIH) at no cost for tickets bought by Aug. 9 for travel originally scheduled through Sept. 16.

New flights must be booked for travel by Nov. 18 for the same cabin. Alternatively, passengers can cancel their originally scheduled trips and request a refund. This only applies to flight changes made by Sept. 16 for travel completed within one year of the original ticket date.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has issued a change policy specific to flights in or out of OGG, HNL, KOA, LIH.

The fare difference will be waived when rebooked travel occurs on or before Nov. 18 in the same cabin of service as originally booked. A fare difference may apply when the waiver is class-to-class restrictive and the original booking class is not maintained in the rebooked itinerary. There are additional conditions and restrictions listed as well.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines travelers can reschedule their flights at no cost for flights in and out of OGG between Aug. 9 and Dec. 15 to new dates. There will be no change fees or fare differences on the same city pair and the same cabin of service.

Tickets can be booked for new travel to or from the following airports: OGG, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (ITO), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Lihue Airport (LIH). However, tickets must be rebooked into the same compartment (Main Cabin or Business Cabin) by Sept. 1; travel must occur between Aug. 9 and Nov. 16 or between Nov. 29 and Dec. 15. The airline notes that itineraries with travel outside these periods would not be eligible for a waiver of a fare difference.

Alternatively, these travelers can cancel their flights in exchange for a future flight credit, expiring one year from the original date of purchase. Those with flights booked to or from OGG between Aug. 9 and Sept. 15 can also request a refund . The request must be submitted by Sept. 1.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines customers with reservations to, from or through OGG between Aug. 9 and Oct. 17 can rebook in the original class of service or travel standby for free; this is as long as the new travel falls within 14 days of the original date of travel between the original city pairs.

Additionally, these customers can change their original departure or arrival flight to any of the below Hawaii airports without charge:

United Airlines

United Airlines is allowing travelers to reschedule trips and will waive change fees and fare differences for trips originally scheduled into Maui through Sept. 16. You can then alter your plans to travel by Nov. 18 at no additional cost to one of these airports:

If your new trip is after August 10, 2024, or is to a different destination, United will still waive any change fees, but you might have to pay a fare difference depending on the flight. Alternatively, if you cancel or don't take your trip, you can request a full refund .

What to do if you have a hotel or an Airbnb booked in Maui

Most of West Maui is still without power and has limited phone service, so you may not be able to contact your hotel directly to cancel your reservation. It is recommended to call the central reservations number for your hotel company. If you are unable to reach the hotel, your next best option is to monitor your specific hotel's social media channels and websites for any updates.

According to the latest statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority , hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations. Hotels are being used to house their employees and families, evacuees and first responders working on disaster recovery — more than 1,000 people so far, with more to come.

Additionally, vacation rental owners and operators and anyone with available space are encouraged to make these accommodations available to temporarily house displaced West Maui residents. Since Aug. 14, the state has offered a referral program to make those connections possible to support West Maui residents in need of housing, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority statement.

Hotels in the Kaanapali area have now updated their websites with further guidance. The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa added an alert that the hotel is temporarily closed and that cancellation fees will be waived through Sept. 15. The Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka'anapali Beach posted that all reservations through Sept. 3 have been canceled, and the hotel is allowing guests beyond that date to cancel or reschedule by contacting them. Any deposits and prepayments for canceled stays between now and Sept. 30 will be refunded.

If you booked a chain hotel directly, you can work with the corporate 1-800 number to alter your plans. If you booked through a third-party online travel agency or aggregator like Expedia or Travelocity, it's important to understand the cancellation policy. The OTA still owns your reservation prior to your travel , so contacting the hotel directly will likely result in you being referred back to the OTA or travel portal for assistance.

For those travelers who booked accommodations with Airbnb, the company has activated its " Extenuating Circumstances Policy " for parts of Maui. Eligible guests with reservations will receive a full refund, and both hosts and guests can cancel bookings penalty-free, the company said on Wednesday.

Will your credit card or trip insurance cover changes?

Generally, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance will cover nonrefundable expenses, such as airfare, accommodation and activities, if you need to cancel your trip (or the remainder of your trip) due to a natural disaster like the wildfires. However, credit card insurance policies can vary, so check the benefits guide for the card you used to book your airfare for specific exclusions.

Also, note that you must have booked your trip before the natural disaster starts in order to be covered. This means that if you booked a new trip today, it likely wouldn't be covered due to the wildfires already being labeled a declared emergency.

If you need to file a trip cancellation or interruption claim:

• Check your credit card's benefits guide to see if you are eligible for coverage and what the limits are.
• Call your credit card's benefits administrator, or start a claim online.
• Determine which documents you need to collect.
• Submit the documents within the required timeline.

"Many travel insurance policies can cover travelers who need to cancel or interrupt their trip due to a natural disaster, such as the Hawaii wildfires," Steven Benna, marketing manager for Squaremouth Travel Insurance, told TPG. "This can include cancellation coverage for travelers who are unable to travel because their destination is uninhabitable or under a mandatory evacuation due to the fires, as well as interruption coverage for travelers whose trips are cut short."

"However, travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events," he added. "In order for coverage to be available, the traveler must have bought their policy before the fires began."

Depending on the needs of your trip, sites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth allow you to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs and compare coverage and pricing for multiple policy options at once.

Various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA and Costco, also offer travel insurance policies for purchase. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for any future trips.

There's also a type of coverage referred to as "cancel for any reason" coverage . You might only get 75% of the trip cost back, so depending on the trip, it might not be worth the hefty premium.

Related: 4 times your credit card's travel insurance can help with travel woes, and 7 times it won't

What to do if you have a cruise to Hawaii

For cruise passengers, it's important to understand the cancellation or rebooking policy for the specific cruise line you will be traveling on.

Cruise lines might reroute to avoid Maui and affected areas. Per the terms of the cruise contract to which you consent before sailing, cruise lines do not owe you compensation if they alter your itinerary. If changes are made, you will be refunded for any shore excursions you booked through the cruise line that were to take place in the ports you're skipping. (Check with your tour provider directly if you've booked a third-party excursion.)

TPG's guide on what happens if a cruise gets canceled is the next place to refer to for guidance if you receive notice that your cruise is canceled.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line shared this statement with TPG regarding Pride of America, its Hawaii-based cruise ship that sails weekly on a seven-night all-Hawaii cruise from Honolulu:

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui. We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences. We are closely monitoring the situation in Maui, impacting the west side of the island, opposite the Kahului Harbor, where we call. At this time, there is no impact on our scheduled itineraries. As always, our top priority is the safety and security of our guests and crew. We will communicate further updates as appropriate.

Princess Cruises offered the following statement:

Given the severity of these fires and their significant strain on local resources, Emerald Princess will cancel her scheduled call to Maui (Lahaina) on Monday, August 14, and will instead call to Kona.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we are actively reviewing the itineraries of our upcoming voyages. If any adjustments need to be made to our published itineraries, we will advise guests and our Travel Advisor partners.

Related: What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

How to help support Maui's recovery efforts

In collaboration with the Hawaii Community Foundation, state leaders and nonprofits, the Maui Strong Fund is accepting donations to assist with recovery and relief efforts.

"The Maui Strong Fund was created to provide community resilience with resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery," according to the Hawaii Community Foundation. "The fund is currently being used to support communities affected by the wildfires on Maui," with 100% of funds being distributed for community needs.

TPG and Lonely Planet have teamed up to donate $25,000 to the Maui Strong Fund, and if you also want to help, you can learn more about the organization and donate here .

Aloha United Way has established a Maui Fire Relief Fund on its website , and 100% of the proceeds are directed to Maui United Way. The organization's partner agencies — such as the Maui Food Bank, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army — are distributing relief funds according to the community's most urgent needs.

Donating miles or cash via airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has updated its website with a message allowing loyalty members to donate HawaiianMiles, which will be used to transport volunteers and staff to Maui. Up to 30 million miles in donations will be matched by the airline for the month of August. You must log in to your account to donate.

American Airlines is also supporting the American Red Cross' disaster relief efforts, and American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn 10 AAdvantage bonus miles for every dollar donated to the Red Cross via its microsite . (Note there's a minimum donation amount of $25.)

Alaska Airlines has contributed 5 million miles to Kanu Hawaii and Maui Rapid Response, which are leading the efforts to relocate displaced Maui residents while they work to rebuild. Alaska Airlines will match the first 1 million miles donated by Mileage Plan members through Aug. 31. Donate miles to Kanu Hawaii .

Bottom line

This is a devastating, life-altering event for the people of Maui. The most important things to consider right now are the safety of everyone on Maui and efforts to help those affected by the disaster, both by considering tangible donations and allowing space and time for relief and recovery efforts.

Now that local government officials have released updated travel guidance, only West Maui communities are off-limits. Other areas of Maui are open and accepting guests.

Based on the updated information shared by the Hawaiian governor and the statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the economy would suffer without tourism in the Hawaiian Islands. They are encouraging travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui, including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana.

Related reading:

• Hawaii declares emergency due to wildfires, discourages all nonessential travel to Maui
• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• The best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner, Matt Moffitt, Erica Silverstein and Meghna Maharishi.

5 ways to be a good visitor on Maui as tourism reopens

WEST MAUI — For visitors headed to Maui, the etiquette lessons begin in the air.

Shortly before an American Airlines flight landed at Kahului Airport, a video appeared on the seat-back screens. In the short film, passengers learned about “kuleana,” the Hawaiian word for “responsibility.”

“Kuleana is at the heart of our culture,” the narrator intoned over images of a group joyfully digging their hands into mucky earth. “And as guests in our home, we ask that you share our kuleana during your stay.”

The video is part of the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s “Mālama Hawai‘i” campaign . (Mālama means to care for, protect and preserve.) To alleviate the pressure of overtourism on its culture and natural resources, the state is asking visitors to give back. This appeal has grown even louder following the August wildfires that devastated Lahaina.

The phased reopening of West Maui, which started on Oct. 8, has ushered in a new era of tourism , so these instructions may be more important than ever.

“We want you to leave the place better than you found it,” said Mufi Hannemann, president and chief executive of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association .

For visitors new to regenerative tourism , Hawaii officials and residents offer tips for traveling “pono,” or righteously. And unlike the islands’ fruits and vegetables , which must remain in the state, you can take these best practices home with you and even carry them on future travels.

Be kind and patient

As we learned during the coronavirus pandemic, you don’t know what hardships someone may be experiencing. In Maui, this is especially true.

When engaging with locals, be thoughtful and kind. Even a seemingly benign question like, “How are you?” can be loaded. When interacting with hospitality workers, exude empathy and practice patience. Some establishments are still short-staffed or have recently welcomed back islanders who lost loved ones or their homes.

“Please be mindful of what everybody’s going through,” said Gregg Nelson, general manager of the Napili Kai Beach Resort , which reopened on Oct. 8. “The staff is ready to welcome people back, but at the same time, they are a little apprehensive and worried about what guests are going to ask them.”

Keep exchanges simple with an “Aloha” and “Mahalo,” if you feel comfortable using the Hawaiian language.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture

For a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s centuries-old culture and traditions, go beyond surfing the buffet at the luau.

“People come here and want to experience the paradise,” said Paula Martinez, volunteer coordinator at the Hua Momona Farms , “but it would be more valuable if tourists immersed themselves in more of the culture and really learn about the history of Hawaii.”

Though wildfires destroyed Lahaina’s historic district, the island is home to many other historical and cultural attractions, such as the Īao Valley State Monument (reservations required for out-of-state visitors) and the Sugar Museum . In addition to an art gallery, the Maui Center for Arts and Culture hosts some of the island’s biggest events, such as the Maui Ukulele Festival, the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival, which combines two tenets of regenerative tourism — a cultural deep dive centered on local products.

To graduate from observer to participant, attend a cultural workshop. Whalers Village in Kaanapali has resumed its free classes in ukulele, coconut-frond weaving and hula dancing. On a recent Friday morning, Ron Mikala Ancheta taught a group of Californians and Canadians how to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the Hawaiian Kingdom’s national instrument.

Volunteer in the kitchen or with pets

On Maui, dedicating a few hours of your vacation time to helping others is more critical and appreciated than ever. Once the urgent needs subside, visitors can continue volunteering.

“Tourists who come might do a beach cleanup or they might do a tree planting,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “They can do something that benefits the island.”

Maui visitors can easily find volunteer opportunities that match their interests and schedules. Maui Nui Strong and Hungry Heroes Hawaii (HHH) are valuable hubs of information. For instance, HHH has sign-ups for Upcountry Kitchen in Kula and Hua Momona Farms, which in addition to meal-prep shifts seeks help with harvesting.

For guests more keen on working in nature than in the kitchen, Maui Cultural Lands holds volunteer outings every Saturday. Guests help with preservation projects in the Honokowai Valley, an archaeologically and ecologically rich area. Tasks have included clearing rock walls and heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple, and planting native flora.

“We do 90 minutes of work and have lunch and talk story,” said Ekolu Lindsey III, the organization’s president. “I will walk people around and introduce them to whatever they’re interested in.”

Maui Humane Society rescued so many animals from Lahaina’s burn site that it had to open a second facility. At its main center in Puunene, volunteers can comfort cats recovering from singed whiskers and burned paws. The nonprofit suspended its Beach Buddies program but is still running Dog on Demand, a similar experience. Depending on availability, visitors can take a dog on a day-long adventure. Each pup comes with a doggy backpack filled with supplies and recommendations for canine-friendly beaches and hikes.

Because of the airlines’ restrictions on transporting animals from Hawaii, the organization is seeking volunteers who can escort a dog or cat to the mainland. Upon arrival, the receiving shelter will oversee the animal’s care and adoption, unless you happen to fall in love with your travel companion.

For volunteer opportunities on other islands, check Hawaiian Airlines’ Travel Pono and the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s voluntourism sections .

Protect the ocean environment

As director of sustainable tourism with Trilogy Excursions , Capt. Riley Coon has strong opinions about skin care. “Spraying sunscreen is not cool,” he said, referring to the harmful nanoparticles contained in some types of sprays that can hurt the environment. For an eco-friendly alternative, he recommends sun-protective or UFB clothing and a little zinc oxide on the face.

If you can’t change your sunscreen preferences, choose a reef-safe variety. Since 2021, Hawaii has banned products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which endanger coral.

On the beach and in the water, give marine life a wide berth to avoid stressing the animals and, depending on the species, violating the law. (Hawaii laws protect endangered, threatened and indigenous species including humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, numerous species of dolphins and all turtles.) Also, don’t use the coral as a bench or step stool.

Before heading to the beach, pick up a marine debris monitoring collection bag at the PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ Ocean Store in Wailuku. The MOC Marine Institute also offers beach cleanup kits with 72-hour advance notice. Elsewhere in the state, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii organizes large-scale cleanups and outreach events. The Ocean Conservancy offers a guide for DIY beach missions.

The marine institute rescues, rehabs and releases injured sea turtles. Because of limited access in Lahaina, its staff have not been able to keep as close an eye on the sea turtles as before the fires. If you notice a turtle in distress, call the hotline at 808-286-2549.

Support local businesses

When a bag of potato chips costs $6, you can’t be faulted for pulling out your Costco card for essentials. However, for all the rest — restaurants, souvenirs, activities, lodging, tropical apparel — support local businesses.

“ Wearing Hawaiian shirts is okay,” Coon said, “just don’t buy them at Target.”

Maui Nui First created a directory of “Support Local” businesses for dining, shopping, playing and staying. The Maui Ocean Center and Pacific Whale Foundation, which occupy the same shopping complex in Wailuku, stock locally made and sustainable products, such as bracelets made from recycled ocean plastic, earrings constructed out of cereal boxes and Aloha Collection pouches and totes, a Hawaiian company that donates 5 percent of its profits to conservation organizations.

After the fires, the Napili Farmers Market , which celebrated its 10th anniversary in August, moved to the Sugar Train parking lot and is providing free produce to displaced residents. However, you can still swing by to see what’s in season (star fruit, papaya, coconut) and donate. The Upcountry Farmers Market is still going strong after more than 40 years.

Things to do in West Maui: 18 Amazing Stops

West Maui is one of the most popular parts of the island and my favorite part because I get to call it home as I live in Lahaina.  There are tons of things to do in West Maui from ridge line hikes to erupting blowholes, that everyone should set aside a day to pilot the West Maui loop drive, 

Driving the West Maui loop really showcases Maui’s diversity and is a great alternative to driving the road to Hana  or getting off-the-beaten path on the back road to Hana .

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Driving the West Maui loop

Driving the West Maui loop is one of the best roadtrips on Maui.  In order to drive the West Maui loop, you will need your own set of wheels.  Renting a car on Maui allows you to have the freedom to explore at your own pace and experience things that wouldn’t be possible if you didn’t have a rental car.  You can rent a car here.

Warning, the Northwest Maui road gets sketchy at some parts.  Meaning the road gets very twisty and narrow.  There’s one section of the West Maui loop that is a long stretch of one lane road on the side of a mountain without guardrails.  If there is people going both ways, someone will have to backup.  So be aware and alert when taking on this section of road on West Maui. 

If you would prefer to follow along to an audio tour I recommend the Shaka Guide !   The Shaka guide tours are great for independent explorers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms, but like to learn about the spots they’re visiting.  

The tours use GPS to offer turn-by-turn directions and audio narration with stories and music.   This will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii.

Get the Shaka Guide App →

Best Things to do in West Maui

For this West Maui drive guide, I have the stops listened in order driving north from Maalaea Harbor.  Some of the West Maui stops are directly on the side of the road while others can be an exhausting hike.

If you want more information on a specific thing to do in West Maui, just click on the blue links below for a detailed post.

• Maalaea Harbor
• Lahaina Pali Trail
• Lahaina town 
• Kaanapali Beach 
• Cliff House
• Kapalua Bay 
• DT Flemings Beach 
• Kapalua Coastal Trail
• Slaughterhouse
• Honolua Bay 
• Windmills Lookout
• Nakalele Point & Nakalele Blowhole
• Olivine Pools
• Julias Banana Bread 
• Waihee Ridge Trail

1. Maalaea Harbor

The Maalaea Harbor is our first stop on our West Maui loop drive.  Located on the southwestern side of the island, the harbor is full of things to do including Maui’s Aquarium (one of the best things to do in Maui when it rains ), shops, restaurants and of course a variety of boats.

There are a variety of boat tours and recreational activities available and there’s no better way to experience Maui than on the water.  From fishing excursions to sunset cruises and whale watching tours, Maalaea Harbor is a great place to kick off your Maui adventures.

Maalaea has a tendency to get very windy so early morning boat excursions are recommended.  Lahaina town also has a harbor where many tour operators depart from but we’ll talk about that in a couple sections.

2. Lahaina Pali Trail

The second stop on the West Maui loop and one of the best things to do in West Maui if you are looking for a caloric burn.  The Lahaina Pali Hike  is one of the best West Maui hikes.

This isn’t a quick stop as the whole hike is 5 to 10 miles depending on if you hike all the way through or turn around at the top when you reach the windmills.

The Lahaina Pali Trail offers ocean views where you can see Lana’i , Kahoʻolawe, and Molokini.  I do this hike often by myself.  It is 2.5 miles uphill to get to the windmills and of course 2.5 miles to get back to your car.

This area is highly susceptible to brushfires and strong winds.  Going earlier in the morning or checking the weather before you hike is crucial.

On a clear, hot day the sun becomes a challenge as the trail is open and offers little shade.  Hiking on a partly cloudy day always make this hike more enjoyable.

🥾 Read Next:   Best hikes on Maui

Olowalu is the only place you can stop for refreshments between Maalaea Harbor and Lahaina.  There is a small general store and a pop up market selling fresh fruits and smoothies.

Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop   can also be found here and they bake amazing fresh pies every morning.  They also serve hot and cold sandwiches.  You must try the lilikoi (Hawaiian for passion fruit) if its in season or the Olowalu lime.

If you’re traveling Maui on a budget , with a large group or just enjoy camping in style, Camp Olowalu is a great option.

⛺️ Read Next:   Camping on Lana’i  Camping at Waianapanapa State Park 10 Awesome Places to Camp on Maui

4. Lahaina Town

You can’t visit West Maui without stopping by Lahaina.  Lahaina town has such a special place in my heart.  Not only have I been blessed to call it home for the majority of the past decade but its one of my favorite places in the world.  That says a lot as I’m making it my mission to see as much of the world as possible.

Lahaina is a historic whaling village and was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early nineteenth century.  You can’t look for things to do in West Maui and passup exploring this charming Maui town .

Today the main drag Front Street is packed full of boutique shops, bars, restaurants, and art galleries.  Near the beginning of town is the iconic banyan tree that spans an entire block.  This is a great place to take shade from the cruel, relentless sun.

You could easily spend a morning exploring this charming Hawaiian town.  Lahaina is a great place to stay on Maui if you want to stay in an area that you can walk to several restaurants, bars, activities and the harbor.  There are several West Maui condos, boutiques hotels and vacation rentals that dot the area and offer epic views of the West Maui Mountains.

🐳 Lahaina Travel Guides:  Best Restaurants in Lahaina  Top 20 Things to do on Front Street A Local’s Guide to Lahaina

5. Kaanapali Beach

If you love soft, golden sand beaches that stretch for as long as the eye can see then you’ll instantly fall head over heals for Ka’anapali Beach.   Make your way to the end of the beach to black rock which is closest to the Sheraton .  

Black Rock is a popular spot where you can jump off the black lava rock into the crystal clear waters below.  This is one of the coolest things to do in Kaanapali .    The highest jump is about 15 feet.  

Don’t forget a mask or to wear reef safe sunscreen !  Check out this article for what to bring to the beach .  This is a great place for a snorkel and a common area to spot sea turtles! I mean who doesn’t love turtles! 🐢

Kaanapali Beach is also home to several of the best  must eat restaurants and shopping in West Maui.

6. Cliff House | West Maui Cliff Diving

If you dream of cliff jumping in Hawaii and black rock wasn’t enough, then don’t miss Cliff House.  If you’re staying at the Montage (one of the best resorts in Maui for your honeymoon ) in Kapalua in West Maui then you’ll spend all of your free time here.

There are several spots where you can dive off the cliffs into the ocean below.  When you are gathered on the rocks you will see the Cliff House building on the left which is also a lovely place to enjoy brunch and champagne.

7. Napili Bay

Napili Bay is one of West Maui’s most charming beaches.  This sandy cove is close to several resorts including the Napili Kai and Napili Shores .   This family friendly beach is perfect for swimming and West Maui snorkeling on a calm day.  

The Sea House restaurant sits on the East end of the beach and has one of the BEST happy hours on Maui.   If you are looking for things to do in West Maui for the whole family, enjoy the calm waters of Napili Bay for a day of sunshine and water.

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8. Kapalua Bay

Another popular beach on West Maui is Kapalua Bay.  The golden-white sand and crystal clear waters give the beach an almost surreal feel.  The bay is a popular spot for snorkeling, as the shallow waters are teeming with vibrant coral and marine life.

The bay is surrounded by lush vegetation, including palm trees and tropical flowers, creating a picturesque experience.  Meriman’s restaurant is located on the point at this cove which is the perfect spot to enjoy drinks on the deck and watch the sunset.

⛱ Read Next:   The Best Beaches on Maui

9. Dt Flemings Beach

Another stunning beach on West Maui is DT Flemings Beach.  You can find this beautiful beach at the foot of the Ritz Carleton Resort in Kapalua .   The quarter mile golden sand beach is a perfect place to spend the day basking in the sun or body boarding some waves.  Not to mention the Ritz-Carleton is one of the best places to stay in Hawaii on your honeymoon .  

The black, lava rock on the south side of the beach is fun to walk out onto and see the powerful waves crash against the shore.  Winter time brings big swell to this beach.   The Mahana Ridge Trail also starts in the far right corner of this parking lot. 

10. Kapalua Coastal Trail

The Kapalua Coastal Trail on West Maui is a beautiful and serene walking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai.  Along this easy trail on Maui, you can enjoy a variety of different terrains, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs and lush vegetation.  

This trail is especially enjoyable at sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the sky create an awe-inspiring backdrop.  The trail is also perfect for bird-watching and spotting local wildlife like whales if you are on Maui during whale season.

11. Slaughterhouse Beach

If you are looking for an adventure on this things to do in West Maui list, Slaughterhouse Beach feels like an adventure to get there.  You’ll first set eyes on this picture perfect Hawaiian beach from an aerial view above.   To access the beach you’ll have to make the 80 some stair trek down to sea level.  

The large white sand beach is perfect for sun bathing.   Explore on the rocks on either side of the beach for the ultimate experience.    Parking is scarce so earlier the better.   And remember if you pack it in, pack it out!

12. Honolua Bay

A must stop on the West Maui loop is Honolua Bay.  Every time I take a stroll through Honolua Bay I feel like I’m inside a fairy tale with princesses locked in tall towers and dragons.   In the sudden dream like state you’ll forget you’re even on Maui!

Parking will be on the left hand side directly after a one lane bridge.   It’s a short 10 minute walk through wooden area to get to Honolua Bay.   Although the walk is short, it will take much longer as you’ll be mesmerized and want to take pictures of all the magically trees.

Honolua Bay is a great spot to go snorkeling when there’s no surf .   It’s rocky where you get in so water shoes are never a bad idea.   If you do choose to snorkel down here you MUST wear  reef safe sunscreen .   There will probably be a local Hawaiian sitting down there to make sure you follow the rules.   Plus who doesn’t want to save the reef?

13. Windmills Lookout

Three minutes continuing down the road from Honolua Bay is the lookout over Windmills Beach and break.   On the left hand side of the road just before a sharp right hand bend.  

On a winter day when there’s a large swell you can possibly see some gnarly surf.   This is a short and quick stop that can be enjoyed on the return trip if you’re not doing the full West Maui loop.   You will be on the right hand side of the road on way back to Lahaina.

14. Ohai Trail

The Ohai Trail is a perfect stop on the West Maui loop to take in the views, “stretch” your legs, and walk around.  This trail is 1.2 miles round trip and is suitable for every fitness level.

I run this trail often because its nice to get out of town, there’s hardly anyone ever here and it makes me re-appreciate the gorgeous island that I live on.

As you walk the loop you’ll get sweeping coast line views.  On a clear day the greens of the foliage and blues of the sky and ocean are very vivid. 

15. Nakalele Point & the Blow Hole

Another iconic stop along the West Maui loop is the Nakalele Blowhole & Nakalele Point.  The Nakalele Blowhole is located just before mile marker 38 on the left hand side of the road if you are going north.

There’s a small parking lot and wooden sign that says “Blowhole Parking.”   Parking is limited as with many of the stops on this road trip.

The path down to the blow hole takes 20 minutes and can be very slippery at times.   The path is sandy/slidey on a slicker rock.   If your knees are weak you don’t have to walk all the way down to the blowhole as you can see it from far away.  

Shortly after beginning the decent the blow hole will come into view.  Don’t miss out on this top thing to do in West Maui as it’s an amazing adventure.

16. Olivine Pools

🌊 Travel Tip: It is pertinent to check the surf and not to venture down on a rough day.  People have been swept away by the waves which resulted in death.  Always be aware of your surroundings and do your research!

17. Julia’s Banana Bread

This is always a highlight stop of the West Maui loop.  I take my friends and family here often when we are exploring this part of Maui west side.

Just when you think you should turn around and go back the way you came you’ll see a small stand on the left hand side of the road.  This is Julia’s and she bakes and sells the BEST banana bread on Maui.

The drive to get there is an adventure in itself and Julia’s banana bread is just icing on the cake.  Make sure you have cash and buy one for me…I don’t get out there as often as I’d like.

🔎 More off-the-beaten path Maui: Unusual Things to do in Maui  Driving the Backside to Hana

18. Waihee Ridge Trail

The Waihee Ridge Trail is a popular hike on Maui.  If you follow my blog, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of hiking so this is one of my favorite things to do in West Maui.

The trail offers scenic valley and coastal views as you descend up the ridge.  The hike itself is about 5 miles up and back with 1,500 feet in elevation gain.

The trail takes you through several different forests including pine, koa, and rainbow eucalyptus.  At the top of the top on a clear day you’ll see sweeping views of Maui’s coastline and the island of Molokai.

Maui Travel Tips

📍Plan your Trip: The Ultimate guide to Maui 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii 🗺 How long to travel Maui?   1-2 Week Maui Itinerary  ☔️ Best Time to Visit:   Best Time to Visit Maui 💰 Average Daily Budget:  How to Travel Maui on a Budget 28 Things to do on Maui on a Budget 10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures ⛺️ Maui accommodation Guides Best Area to Stay on Maui West Maui vs. South Maui – Where to Stay  Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget Best Airbnbs in Maui Where to Stay in Hana, HI Top Honeymoon Resorts in Maui 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii The Coolest & Most Unique Airbnbs to Stay in Hawaii 🪂 Highlights Driving the Road to Hana  Sunrise over Haleakala  Exploring Exotic Beaches  Waianapanapa State Park Haleakala National Park Whale Watch Hike the Pipiwai Trail Snorkel Molokini Drive the West Maui Loop Lahaina Town Learn to Surf 🧳 What to Pack : What to Pack for Maui 🎥 Watch our Maui Series on YouTube 📧 Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!

Those are the best things to do in West Maui.   Have you gotten to experience any of these epic activities?   Let me know in the comments below!

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West Maui Region

Kaanapali, waihee, etc.

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West Maui Region Sights, Tours, & Information

Things to do & visitor tips for west maui.

With plenty of sunshine and an abundance of rainfall (as much as 390 inches a year), West Maui was once a major Hawaiian population center and the proverbial playground of royalty (the ali'i) in old Hawai'i. Today, west Maui has become the playground of visitors from around the world and is a popular location for a Molokini snorkel cruise.

— article continued below —

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Along the shores of West Maui you'll find the resort area of Kapalua (northwest), Kahana and Honokowai (mid-way), visitor community of Napili, and while technically located within west Maui, our  Kaanapali  region (located in the southwest of this region) has been devoted a section unto itself. Ultimately, west Maui is one of the more developed portions of the island, with several resorts and small towns. The most north-western portion of this region is almost completely undeveloped and is raw and somewhat barren terrain. 

As visitors continue clockwise along west Maui, while driving north along the coastline, as soon as you begin to move east again, around the northwestern tip of the island, the road deteriorates quickly and many rental agencies prohibit your driving in this area (Kahekili Highway - State Route 340). The road improves again near Waihee Valley (popular for the  Waihee Ridge Trail ) as you get closer to Kahului and the rest of Central Maui . The popular trailhead can fortunately actually be accessed from good roads heading out of central Maui.

Past Waihee Valley driving north however, the road quality again deteriorates quickly.

West Maui Top Things to Do

Best things to see & do in west maui.

• Nakalele Point & Blowhole

#4 Rated in West Maui

The North West drive from Kapalua around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is amazingly beautiful - if the road doesn't scare you off.

When high tide and high surf combine you are likely to witness an explosive show from the Nakalele Blowhole. This phenomenon is caused by the ocean undercutting the shore and forcing seawater up through a large hole in the lava shelf.

The blowhole is variable with the tide and surf, high tide is best. There is a short trail down from the overlook to the blowhole itself, but use caution approaching this area.

• Nakalele Point and Blowhole
• Launiupoko State Park

#3 Rated in West Maui

This peaceful park is great for family outings. There is a large, man-made wading pool for kids that is protected from the waves.

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the neighboring islands of Kaho'olawe, Molokai, and Lanai from the park's picnic area.

There is paved access and parking available as well as telephones, restrooms, and grills. This is not the best place to snorkel but surfing and swimming are decent.

Waihee Ridge Trail

#2 Rated in West Maui

Waihee Ridge Trail, located in northwest Maui, takes you along a journey up the spine of Waihee Valley, and while it can be quite a climb (especially at first), the journey is very Kauai-esque if you ask us.  Kauai is the oldest and westernmost major island in the chain, and this hike has scenery we feel resembles that island.

If it’s clear of clouds when you reach the top, the views are surreal. Even if the clouds do sock you in, it’s a mystic experience to sit there in the silence and focus on the energy of Maui.

This is one of our favorite hikes, and if not for the steep incline at the beginning of the trail (and it is really steep) we think this trail would be a lot more popular.

Kaanapali Beach

#1 Rated in West Maui

Nearly all of the seaside resorts in the Kaanapali area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three-mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock.

Black Rock  slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock.

There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skis.

All West Maui Attractions

Categorized by type, west maui sights.

• Whalers Village Museum
• Dragon's Teeth
• Waihee Ridge Trail  - Excellent, top-rated hike!
• Makamaka'ole Falls

West Maui Sights Guide

West Maui Beaches

• Puamana Park
• Kaanapali Beach  -  #2 Best Beach  on Maui
• Napili Bay Beach  - #3 Best Beach on Maui
• Kapalua Bay Beach - Previously rated "America's Best Beach" in 2018
• Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach
• Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
• Olowalu Turtle Reef

West Maui Beaches Guide

West Maui Hikes

• Waihee Ridge Trail  -  #3 Best Hike  on Maui

West Maui Hiking Trails Guide

West Maui Travel Tips

Information for visitors to west maui, other recommendations in west maui, recommended maui tours, terms of use & disclosures.

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How to Drive the West Maui Loop Drive: An Incredible Hawaiian Day Trip

Circumnavigating the northwest part of Maui, the west Maui Loop drive (known as the Kaheliki Highway or the West Maui circle drive) is one of the best day trips on the Island. Spend the day hiking, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and more all along an incredible scenic drive along the northwest coast. While this loop is not as popular at the Road to Hana , the driving is easier and there are far fewer people making this an incredibly enjoyable drive. The rugged lava coastline is truly stunning!

In this article, you can find complete directions on where to stop on the west Maui loop drive as well as general information about this day trip. In addition to the amazing scenery, parts of this road are also very narrow, windy with drop offs. If you aren’t an adventurous driver, you may want to consider doing this drive as an out and back up the west coast (avoiding the more remote north shore). If you are feeling adventurous, this is a fun and beautiful drive.

Quick Look at the West Maui Loop Drive

The drive can be done in either direction, but the best beaches and things to see are on the west coast. This is just a quick snapshot of what to expect on this drive – scroll down for complete details. We recommend driving this is a clockwise direction. Start your drive on route 30 and drive up the coast to Lahaina. This stretch of the drive has many beautiful beaches.

Lahaina is a fun town with shops, tours, and surfing. Continue north from here to visit Kapalua and stop at one of the beaches, walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail and take the short hike to the Dragon’s Teeth.

Drive north from Kapalua for some incredible views. Stop at the Nakalele Blowhole then drive the short distance and hike the Ohai Trail . Make sure to stop at one of the stands to grab some fruit of goodies (such as the banana bread).

Finish the day by driving along the narrow, but beautiful and winding road as it makes its way around the northside of the point and back town towards Kahului.

Map of the West Maui Loop Drive

Details of the West Maui Loop Drive (Clockwise)

Below you can find a step by step itinerary of the best stops on the Kaheliki Highway (or the West Maui Scenic Drive). This includes a list of some of the best things to do in west Maui. It’s important to note that this is a very full day and you will likely not be able to do everything on this itinerary – you will see some of the stops listed as optional and you can pick and choose what interests you the most. You can also do this drive as an out an back and you will suggestions on where to turn around.

Start your drive by heading north on route 30. This first stretch of road follows directly along the coast and you will see stretches of a beautiful but narrow beach. There are opportunities along this stretch to stop, surf, or snorkel and you will see some car pulled over although there were very few people on these beaches. You will pass Ukumehame Beach Park, Olowalu Beach, and Launiupoko Beach Park.

After about 20 minutes you will arrive in the small town of Lahaina. This is a busy town with many boats leaving for tours. You can find lots of information on different tour options. Lahaina also has a good surf break and you can rent boards in many places in town, or simply walk around and visit some of the shops. Don’t miss the large Banyan Tree right in the heart of Lahaina. There are plenty of places to grab a snack or a coffee in town.

Leave Lahaina and continue to head north on route 30. The next beach you will come to is Kaanapali Beach. This is a long beach directly alongside a series of resorts. You can surf and snorkel at this beach. We stopped here briefly and the kids saw a turtle while snorkeling.

From here drive a short distance north to Kapalua Bay Beach. Kapalua is a gorgeous high end resort area with beautiful beaches and a few good walks. Spend some time at Kapalua Bay Beach and walk the Kapalua Coastal Walk. This path takes you about 1.5 miles (each way) along the coastline with beautiful views of the lush and rich coastline.

Kapalua Bay Beach is a lovely beach that has a nice area to snorkel.

See more about hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail.

While you are in Kapalua, you should also explore the Dragon’s Teeth. This impressive rock formation looks like the jaw bone of of a Dragon. The short walk takes you to Makaluapuna Point where you can see the Dragon’s Teeth as well as the Labyrinth. The trail borders private property, so make sure to stay on the path and respect all signs.

Leave Kapalua and drive north. You will pass several lovely beaches and a few scenic overlooks. Consider optional stops at Slaughterhouse Beach, Pipoa Point and Punalau Beach. This part of the drive starts to feel more remote although the roads are still easy to drive.

Make your next stop at Nakalele Blowhole . This is a short hike to the impressive blowhole right on the coast. The waves along the coast shoot into an underwater cavern and up through a hole in the rocks making it appear as if there is a whale’s blowhole. Use caution here as the walk is steep and the footing difficult and people have been swept out to sea here. If you don’t want to walk all the way down to the blowhole, you can also see the blowhole from a viewpoint not far from the parking lot.

Continue just a few minutes further along route 30 to the Ohai Trail. This 1.2 mile hike and offer tremendous views of the rolling hills and dramatic coastline. This is a short hike and worth exploring if you still have time in the day.

See more about hiking the Ohai Trail.

At this point of the drive you can make the decision to continue around the top of the loop or turn around and retrace your steps. The next part of the drive is the most difficult with narrow and windy roads. It is still slightly longer to turn around, but would be easier if you don’t love driving dangerous roads.

If you do decide to continue on, take your time. In many places the road is a single lane road with passing areas. Be ready to slow down or back up as needed. There is also a steep drop off on the side of the road. As you drive further south, the road does get better and you get a unique perspective on this part of Maui. Despite the road, we enjoyed this part of the drive – make sure to stop at Waihee point lookout for the views or check out the Olivine Pools.

Things to Know about Driving the West Maui Loop Drive

Below are a few things to know to help you plan you drive along the coast.

Length : The drive is approximately 65 miles long and can be done in 2 hour or you can easily spend the entire day exploring the West Maui Drive.

Road conditions: The road is narrow, winding, and often steep, with hairpin turns and blind corners. It is not recommended for nervous drivers or those prone to motion sickness.

Scenic views: The drive offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush green valleys, waterfalls, and rugged volcanic cliffs.

Best time to go : The best time to drive the West Maui Loop is in the morning when the weather is usually clear and the road is less crowded. If you plan to do the entire drive you should start by at least 9 in the morning.

Weather : Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the drive takes you through different microclimates. The drive starts on the dry leeward side of the island and makes it’s way around to the windier and wetter windward side of Maui.

Safety : Drive carefully and follow the posted speed limits. Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass and be cautious of oncoming traffic, especially around blind curves.

Wildlife : Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as goats and chickens, which can often be found along the roadside. Be cautious when driving through areas with wildlife and do not approach or feed them.

Is the West Maui Loop Drive Dangerous? Assuming you use caution the drive is not dangerous however there are several areas where to road is dangerous and the waves along this part of the coast have been known to wash people into the ocean.

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About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

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• Monday, March 25, 2024
• Today's Paper

Kaiser’s temporary Lahaina clinic to open Thursday

• By Nina Wu [email protected]
• March 22, 2024

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COURTESY KAISER

For months, Kaiser’s two mobile health vehicles served West Maui patients from the tennis courts of the Royal Lahaina Resort. The vehicles close at the end of today, as Kaiser opens its temporary new clinic at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kaanapali. The clinic opens on Thursday.

Rendering of Kaiser Permanente’s temporary, new clinic at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kaanapali. The clinic opens on Thursday.

Kaiser Permanente is closing up its mobile health vehicles at the end of today and moving about a mile away to its new clinic at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort.

The new, 5,200-square-foot, temporary clinic at Kaanapali, which Kaiser announced earlier, opens its doors on Thursday.

It will offer adult, pediatric, OB-GYN, behavioral health and optical/optometry services for Kaiser members, as well as an on-site pharmacy and lab area.

“From the outset of this tragedy, the people of Kaiser Permanente have been unified in determination to support the Lahaina community, for which we’ve served and been a part of for more than a half-century,” said Greg Christian, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Hawaii, in a statement. “It has been incredible to witness the sheer grit and determination of our Lahaina Clinic physicians, providers, nurses, and staff, who’ve been working out of mobile health vehicles, hotel ballrooms, and tents for many months. Their commitment to caring for the people of Maui has been remarkable, and we’re deeply grateful for their compassion and resilience.”

After Kaiser’s Lahaina Clinic was destroyed in the Aug. 8 wildfires, the health care provider brought two mobile health vehicles to the area to continue providing critically needed medical care.

For the past six months, Kaiser operated from the mobile vehicles parked on the tennis courts of the Royal Lahaina Resort, where physicians and staff recorded more than 5,000 patient visits.

The clinic at the Hyatt Regency is to serve as a temporary home until a permanent site in West Maui is identified and secured.

During the transition, members are encouraged to visit other Kaiser Permanente locations on Maui.

Members will be able to schedule an appointment at the Lahaina clinic at kp.org or by calling 1-833-833-3333.

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March 30, 1959: Plans to develop 'model city' on Oahu called Hawaii Kai announced

Revenge tour? Purdue is rolling as it overcomes previous March Madness disappointments

As much as Purdue needed to make a statement against No. 16 Grambling State , it really needed to not only advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, but do it in commanding fashion.

Consider Step 1 of the revenge tour done , and now the real test begins.

Purdue showed it's taking no prisoners on its Final Four-or-bust run this March Madness as it completely outmatched Utah State in a 106-67 victory Sunday to advance to the Sweet 16.

A season ago, endless memes were made about Purdue after it lost to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the first round. Now, there isn't much to make fun of, as the Boilermakers beat the Tigers and Aggies by a combined 67 points. In both games, Purdue put the game out of reach early in the second half and it was practically on cruise control until the final whistle.

Sunday was just another day of Purdue executing what it does best. The nation's leading scorer, 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey , had a game-high 23 points. He had 14 rebounds for a team that dominated the glass to continuously create second-chance opportunities. The second-best team in the country in 3-point shooting was 11-for-23 from downtown. The excellent ball movement resulted in 29 of its 38 made baskets coming off assists. It scored the most point in the team's NCAA Tournament history.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

Simply put, Purdue is clicking on all cylinders at the right time.

"It kind of proves the country what I've already believed," Edey said. "We got a lot of guys that can go and a lot of guys that can sustain a high level of play."

Perhaps no player has more pressure to deliver this postseason than Edey. L ikely to be the first back-to-back national player of the year since Ralph Sampson in 1980-81 and 1981-82, the star center has been exceptional. After the win against the Aggies, Edey became the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was feasting at UCLA in the late 1960s to put up 50 points and 35 rebounds on 65% shooting in the first two games of the tournament.

"He's just performed like he has here the last couple of years," coach Matt Painter said. "He's just continued to get better. We expect it."

What Purdue is doing right now is very reminiscent – perhaps identical – to what Virginia did in 2019. After it became the first No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed in men's tournament history, the Cavaliers followed it up with a dominant season that ended in Virginia winning its first national championship in school history.

Fast-forward to this season: Purdue has been one of the best teams in the country and has had no doubt in its first two games of the NCAA Tournament. That's a much better experience than losing to double-digit seeds, which has happened in Purdue's last three tournament trips.

Like how nearly every athlete in a postseason has adopted the famous Kobe Bryant line of "job's not finished," the Boilermakers just aren't satisfied with getting this far.

"I didn't come back to make the Sweet 16," Edey said. "I came back to make a run and deep run. Nobody's satisfied with where we are now. Everybody wants to keep pushing."

Purdue's Sweet 16 matchup

Awaiting Purdue in the Sweet 16 is a Gonzaga team that is nothing like the team it faced during the Maui Invitational. In November, Purdue knew its identity as it beat the Bulldogs by 10-points in the opening round of the preseason tournament. Gonzaga was still trying to figure itself out and didn't resemble a March Madness team.

In the past two months Gonzaga has put together one of the best teams in the country and like Purdue has been exceptional so far in the tournament with no-doubt wins against McNeese State and Kansas. The March Madness magician Mark Few has now taken one of his least star-studded rosters to the Sweet 16 for the ninth straight NCAA Tournament .

It'll be a matchup of teams that have been scoring at will while limiting opponents from keeping up. It has all the makings of being a big-time March Madness game.

"(Few is) a fabulous coach. It's gonna be a very, very difficult game, on both sides for us," Painter said. "They're a different team than we saw. But I also think we're a different team and we've made some improvements."

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Mike Lopresti | NCAA.com | March 25, 2024

16 questions to ask with the sweet 16 men's ncaa tournament field set.

Consider the classics already witnessed, in the month that never, ever disappoints.

Houston outlasted Texas A&M Sunday night with four starters fouled out, needing an overtime basket from one player who had been in a single game all month and a free throw from another who had taken four all season. This after blowing a 10-point lead in the last 80 seconds of regulation.

Creighton and Oregon put on a battle where neither team led by more than six points for more than 47 minutes, then Creighton went on a 15-0 run in the second OT. This while Oregon put up 73 points and took 77 shots and two players — Jermaine Couisnard and N’Faly Dante — scored 60 and shot 53 of them, basically trying desperately to claw to the Sweet 16 with four hands. And nearly did. “We got a couple lucky bounces there. I lost my mom this year. I'm pretty sure she helped with a couple bounces tonight,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said afterward. All Dante could say was, “It just hurts, man.”

North Carolina State and Oakland traded magic for 45 minutes before the Wolfpack finally escaped a game that had 61 3-pointers and only 15 turnovers. “I don’t think you can play harder than we played,” Oakland coach Greg Kampe said.

⛹️ 2024 MARCH MADNESS:  Men's 2024 tournament schedule, dates

Auburn went down to Yale getting three shots in the final seconds for salvation and having none fall. “We knew it was March Madness, we know what the situation is,” Auburn’s Chris Moore said. “Everybody playing like their life depended on it.”

Yes they certainly do, and that’s why we watch. But there is so much more to come. Here are 16 questions for the Sweet 16.

1. Is this to be a chalk tournament?

Despite all the drama, all four No. 1 seeds remain so here come Connecticut, Houston, Purdue and North Carolina. All four No. 2 seeds, too, so make way for Arizona, Marquette, Tennessee and Iowa State. This 100 percent first week survival rate among the top two lines has been matched only twice this century.

2. Any ideas how to slow down UConn? Anyone?

The defending champions are on a roll. The Huskies led their first and second round games by 39 and 30 points and never trailed a second. They had 42 assists and only 16 turnovers in two games. They defended Northwestern star Boo Buie into 2-for-15 shooting Sunday, just like they bothered Stetson’s big scorer Jalen Blackmon into 4-for-17. They went 3-for-22 in 3-point shooting Sunday against the Wildcat and still won 75-58. They have lost once since Dec. 20. They have now won eight consecutive NCAA tournament games by double digits going across last year’s victory march.

“We have a big picture that we want to get to and we have to take it one step at a time,” Tristen Newton said. “Getting to the Sweet 16 is another step to our main goal, and it feels good.”

San Diego State, you’re up.    

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3. Is Purdue 2024 starting to look more like Virginia 2019 every day?

The Cavaliers went from losing to a No. 16 seed to a national championship in 12 months. The Boilermakers have heard the comparison all season and now they’re four wins away from a remake of that movie and the closer they get, the more it will become a narrative. “We’re never going to forget it because we want that fuel, we want that fire, we want that edge,” Purdue’s Mason Gillis said this weekend in Indianapolis. “It wasn’t fun taking that loss but that’s life. Sometimes you have to learn to maybe later do something big.”

One difference between them so far: Virginia had to step carefully to its atonement, dominating no one, winning its first two tournament games by 15 and 12 and its last four by a combined 18 points, two of them in overtime, one of those against Purdue. The Boilermakers are on a rampage, winning their first two games by 28 and 39 — albeit before a hugely pro-Purdue crowd — outrebounding Grambling State and Utah State by 48, forcing them into 36 percent shooting. Routs led by You Know Who, but he had lot of help, and maybe that was the message from Indianapolis. Zach Edey played barely 26 minutes in the dismantling of Utah State. Braden Smith, the floor leader at guard with early foul trouble, under 22. The carnage continued anyway.

“The game kind of speaks for itself,” Smith said. “We went on a scoring run with me and Zach on the bench. If that doesn’t tell you something about this team, I guess you don’t know ball.”

Which brings up an addendum to the question, and it’s 7-4 tall.

4. Is there justice in the college basketball world if Zach Edey comes and goes without playing in one Final Four?

He put up 30 points and 21 rebounds against Grambling State. He had a double-double 15 minutes into the game against Utah State. A fine start to his last March.

“There's no satisfaction,” he said Sunday. “Like I didn't come back to make the Sweet 16. I came back to make a run, a deep run. Nobody is satisfied with where we are now. Everybody wants to keep pushing.”

Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle is a believer: “There hasn't been many guys like that in college basketball history. That's why I think they can just take it to another level.

5. Does the Big East now have a message for the selection committee?

Well, maybe. The league was mortified to get only three tournament bids, so the fact the trio — Connecticut, Marquette and Creighton — are 6-0 does warm Big East hearts. “Seton Hall (was) good enough to beat us and they were good enough to beat Marquette,” said UConn coach Dan Hurley. “There should have been five or six Big East teams in this tournament. You’ve seen how other leagues that got the bids that our league deserved have underperformed.

6. Will anyone ever feel safe with an NCAA tournament lead against Texas A&M again?

The Aggies are gone but not forgotten. In 2016, they came from 12 points back in the last 44 seconds of regulation and eventually beat Northern Iowa in double overtime in the second round. Sunday, they were down to Houston 83-73 with 1:20 left and found a way to score 13 points in 70 seconds against the nation’s bet defense, the last three on a shot at the buzzer.

The Cougars reserves saved the day in a 100-95 rock fight that had 75 free throws. It was the kind of trial by fire that makes a team feel destined. Time will tell for Houston. "We're very fortunate tonight to win. Texas A&M could have won that game," Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson said. "But only one team can advance, and I've learned not to autopsy wins this time of the year."

7. No one here really thought Gonzaga was really going away did they?

The Zags have grown from a bubble team listed on a lot of last four out bracket projections to blowing past Kansas and into their ninth consecutive Sweet 16. “We know our legacy,” Nolan Hickman said after the second round. Said coach Mark Few, “We knew we had to finish strong. We did that . . . Lo and behold, we finally figured it out.”

So it seems. Gonzaga put five players in double figures scoring in each of its first two tournament games and shot 57 percent. But Friday in Detroit they’ll be shooting over Zach Edey.

8. Can the ACC’s hot hand last another week?

The ACC owns one-fourth of the Sweet 16 field with Clemson, Duke, North Carolina and NC State. No. 6 seed Clemson surprisingly came along to make it a foursome by dumping No. 3 seed Baylor. The Tigers went to Memphis last weekend with a purpose, trailing New Mexico for only 30 seconds and Baylor for none. 

9. Duke’s kids had so much fun in the first week, but what happens Friday against the steely veterans of Houston?

The balance of power has supposedly swung to older teams with all the pandemic geezers around, right? Not at Duke, the Blue Devils blasted James Madison Sunday with 30 points from freshman Jared McCain, 18 from sophomore Tyrese Proctor, 14 more from sophomore Kyle Filipowski. “It’s an art form, I don’t think it’s an exact science,” coach Jon Scheyer said of counting on the kids these days when 23-year-olds roam the land. Duke’s defense has become a force. In the first two rounds, Vermont and James Madison came in averaging 72 and 84 points. The Blue Devils held them to 47 and 55. That makes 29 of 34 games this season, they have held opponents under their average.

At least now they know it’s possible to play in a Sweet 16 without Mike Krzyzewski as coach. The last time they did it was 1980.

10. What would Jim Valvano say?

Forty-one years after his national championship dash around the court, NC State is in survive-and-advance mode again. The Wolfpack just won seven elimination games in 12 days, two in overtime. They had dropped 10 of 14 and four in a row heading into the ACC tournament to finish in 10th place but now magic is in the air.

Four different players have scored at least 21 points in a game since the run began. Six ACC teams have won a national championship, and North Carolina State beat the other five in five days to take the league tournament for the first time in 37 years. At No. 11, they’re the lowest seed still alive in the bracket by five lines, and to put this surprise in perspective, care to guess what the famous upstarts of ’83 were seed? No. 6.

Listen to Michael O'Connell, who had only three double-digit scoring games in 31 regular season contests but hit double digits in all five ACC tournament games: “We kind of left everything in the past and we had to take one game at a time.”

Or Casey Morsell: “For us it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but we’ve seen a lot and we’re not going anywhere. We’re here.

Or DJ Burns Jr., who had 24 points in the overtime win over Oakland about the skeptics: “They didn't really believe in us. They probably still don't but that doesn't matter to us. We're just going to stay together. If you're supporting us, thank you. If not, that's what it is.”

They’re starting to sound a lot like the 1983 bunch.

11. Who will be the most dominant player in the Sweet 16, other than the big fella who wears No. 15 for Purdue?

Lots of candidates since 12 of the 15 players named on the Associated Press first, second or third All-American teams are still around. Only Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson, Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II and Auburn’s Johni Broome are missing. Sign of the times: Of the 12 All-Americans still in the hunt, eight began at another school and transferred in.

12. Whose redemption tour other than Purdue has continued another week?

This is North Carolina’s 31st official Sweet 16. It is the first ever after a season that saw the Tar Heels crash dive from preseason No. 1 to missing the tournament, since no one had ever done that before. And they’re picking up steam. The rally from 12 points down to beat Michigan State in the second round was North Carolina’s biggest NCAA tournament winning comeback in 17 years. RJ Davis now has 23 games of 20 or more points in a season, the most for a Tar Heel in 16 years. “We're going to ride his back the remainder of the season,” coach Hubert Davis said.

13. How will it end for the Pac-12? 

Arizona, it’s up to you. As the last conference team standing, when the Wildcats go down, Pac-12 men’s basketball is pushed into the history books. Probably fitting since their 1997 title is the last for the league and they’re the only non-UCLA Pac-12 team to win it in 64 years.

14. Who has been waiting a while to get back to this level?

Illinois hadn’t been to the Sweet 16 since its run to the national championship game in 2005. This will be Marquette’s first trip in 11 years. “We feel like it's been a long time coming,” said Marquette’s Tyler Kolek, who handed out 22 assists in the first two rounds. “Coming back this year we had a vengeance. I told the guys before the game, this moment has been in our nightmares, and we're not running from it anymore.”

15. What Sweet 16 games seem especially fascinating?

Duke vs. Houston. One team has five national championships and is the bluest of bloods. The other has labored for decades trying to get just one and got by Sunday with utter grit.

UConn vs. San Diego State. A sequel to the 2023 championship game. Nothing much has changed as far as who’ll be the favorite.

Purdue v. Gonzaga. This is in Detroit. Back in November, the Zags lost to the Boilermakers 73-63 in the much less pressurized but vastly more tropical surroundings of Maui. Edey had 25 points and 14 rebounds. “They’re a different team, we’re a different team,” Edey said. The stakes are different, too. P.S. Gonzaga lost to Purdue last season, too, by 18 points.

North Carolina vs. Alabama. They played last season, and the Tide won 103-101 in four overtimes.

16. What Elite Eight games would be particularly unique?

Houston vs. NC State. Would that wake up the echoes from 1983? Which brings to mind an eerie aftermath. Valvano and Lorenzo Charles were always connected in that fairy tale with Valvano the coach and Charles the Wolfpack player whose last-second dunk won the game and set off Valvano’s race around the court. Now, they will be eternally linked. Valvano was lost to cancer in 1993, Charles died in a bus accident in 2011. They’re buried maybe 20 yards from one another in a Raleigh cemetery.

Alabama vs. Clemson. But will the coin toss winner opt to receive or defer to the second half?   

Purdue vs. Creighton or Tennessee. Either way, it will the Hunger Game. There might not be a top program out there more starving for a Final Four after 44 years than Purdue. Unless it’s Tennessee or Creighton, who have never been to one.

But then, in a tournament that turned absolutely electric Saturday and Sunday nights, 16 teams have a healthy appetite to go on. But there’s only food enough for four.

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