Thoughts on Maui

[Dznypal]

My DS and DDIL are thinking a trip to Hawaii and thinking of Maui since they were married there just 20 years ago
But they were a liitke concerned how things are there now since the fire
Any thoughts or tips
Thanks

 

[longboard55]

Originally the residents told everyone to stay away, now they are begging people to come. As you might recall Lahaina is off the main highway and is easy to avoid. I think most things are now open.

 

[jdb in AZ]

While the former residents of Lahaina value their privacy and don't want a bunch of tourists taking pictures of the tragedy, the locals really need the tourist dollars to rebuild.

 

[QueenIsabella]

We were there in November. My husband works for the Army Corps of Engineers, he was sent out for a few weeks to help FEMA. He felt bad about being gone over Thanksgiving, so the family travelled to him--less my older son, who had work and school and didn't want to miss.

Most of Maui is great! Only DH went into Lahaina and surrounding areas--he got to see the Banyan tree and all the wreckage. They are trying to rebuild as fast as possible, while respecting the artifacts and culture of the area. I know the FEMA workers were very excited that the new elementary school is scheduled to open up this month--children are literally having classes on the beach, and this is an important symbol of restoration to everyone.

As far as regular tourism goes--the people of Maui were so gracious and so grateful, I can't say enough good things about them. We were in Kihue, DH couldn't pay to get arrested--he got so many perks and discounts, he was embarrassed to mention he was working on the restoration (he was frequently asked, "What brings you to Maui?").

We (the kids and I) mostly stayed in the Kihue area. The kids went snorkeling, had a spa day/cabana at the Fairmont, we went to the Whale Sanctuary, and hung out by the pool. We didn't get much time with DH--he was working 12-hour days, 7 days a week, but they gave him part of one day off. We went to Monkeypod Kitchen for lunch, and one evening, he went to the Maui Brewing Company with DD28. We had a really nice time, although it wasn't a fancy type vacation for us.

DH signed up to do another tour this spring--if he's called, he won't have much notice. If he happens to go in June, the family will visit him again, this time with DS26,the one who stayed home. We'd love to go back! It just really depends on the kids' schedules if we'll all make it. My youngest (turned 18 today!) even said that, if Dad needs to be there and miss his HS graduation, he's okay with that--the kids appreciate the work their dad is doing there.

If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them if I can.

 

[soccerdad72]

We were there this past October / November. There's no reason to stay away at this point - the island can use the tourism dollars.

 

[NAB]

We were there in October too . The fire area is really easy to avoid . Beautiful island.

 

[PacificCoaster]

I've been to Maui twice since the fires. Businesses are begging tourists to come back so they can survive.

There really isn't any way to take pictures of the fire damage as most of the area is walled off. You may see a bit from the highway but there is no stopping so it's not a big concern.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

Just don’t go to Lahaina and you’ll be fine

 

[PacificCoaster]

Just don’t go to Lahaina and you’ll be fine

There are many hotel resorts and condos with a Lahaina address in West Maui that are miles from the location of the fire and opened for business.

 

[evilmommie]

We were there in November and will be back to Maui in just a few days. We stay in Wailea at the Fairmont Kealani. Maui is such a treasure.

GO!!!!! Lahaina is walled off but the island of Maui is open and desperate to recover tourism dollars. They had just started to recover financially from the Covid shutdown and then the fire happened.

 

[soccerdad72]

Just don’t go to Lahaina and you’ll be fine

You won't be able to get anywhere near Lahaina Town - all traffic is using the Bypass right now.

Like the other poster mentioned, areas like Ka'anapali (where we stayed in October) are technically considered Lahaina by address, but it's miles from the actual burn area.