Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency after hundreds of small earthquakes have rocked the Reykjanes Peninsula - the island nation’s most populated region - for more than two weeks.
29.10.2023 - 02:23 / forbes.com / Josh Green / Richard Bissen
Here is important travel news that everyone should know — the intoxicatingly beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii – our 50th state – is open and making a concerted effort to welcome compassionate travelers to the island right now. This comes in the wake of the devastating August wildfires that recently destroyed the town of Lahaina and surrounding areas. I consider this news as important, because so much discussion that we’ve heard of Maui on the mainland has been to a large extent misinformed and under the wrong impression: Many people believe that the entire island of Maui was affected by the wildfires, and as a result, there arose a misconception that the entire island was closed. Many people believe that they cannot visit Maui at all, and as a result, many could cancel long-planned trips to the island.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Lahaina, the picturesque town that was destroyed, and the immediately surrounding area of Lahaina, was the only area victimized by the wildfires. There are many other beautiful areas of Maui that, thankfully, were left untouched. Couples, families, honeymooners and business groups should know right now that they would be well-advised to keep the island of Maui in their travel plans, for vacations, conferences, destination weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals — and a lot more.
West Maui – which includes the areas of Kapalua, Kahana, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kāʻanapali – has begun a phased reopening to welcome visitors again. Of course, Lahaina Town itself remains fully closed to the public out of respect for the town’s residents, who are still grieving and healing from the devastation.
Maui county government and civic officials, recently announced a three-phased reopening of West Maui hotel and tourist accommodations. Phase One of the reopening plan began on October 8. On October 25, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the rest of West Maui located north of Lahaina from Kahana to Kā‘anapali — will begin reopening on Wednesday, November 1. This will constitute Phases 2 and 3.
The decision to reopen West Maui was made following discussions with the Mayor’s Lahaina advisory team, the Red Cross and other partners, and the community feedback that followed the first phase of reopening which began on October 8. As many displaced wildfire survivors were provided short-term accommodations in area hotels, Governor Josh Green, M.D., Mayor Bissen, and the Red Cross continue to assure the public that housing for displaced survivors will not be in jeopardy as a result of the phased reopening.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advises travelers to double-check in advance with individual accommodations, activities and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of
Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency after hundreds of small earthquakes have rocked the Reykjanes Peninsula - the island nation’s most populated region - for more than two weeks.
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The Aztecs, Mayas and Incas might have been the most renowned pre-Columbian builders, but various Native American societies weren’t far behind when it came to designing and erecting impressive structures.
For many air travelers, sitting in a cramped economy seat for a long-haul flight isn’t exactly their idea of a good time. But a handful of airlines are making it easier to snag some extra space in economy, thanks to what are generally referred to as “neighbor-free seat” offerings.
Back in 1990, I had the privilege of attending the opening of the beautiful Grand Wailea Resort on Maui. I had dreamed, as a kid, of perhaps someday visiting Hawaii – and there I was, on my first trip, greeted by gorgeous grandeur, the likes of which I had never seen before. I was a Contributing Editor to The Robb Report magazine at the time, and the press trip was a “wow” every step of the way. The resort’s owner at the time had spent about a million dollars to bring in journalists just for a weekend. All invited travel journalists were given convertibles to drive, taken on snorkel sails to Molokini, trips to Haleakala, received spa treatments galore, and dined on ever-present – and perfect – food and beverage. My experience was, in a word, as spectacular as the resort itself.
If you’re visiting Kaanapali now or in the near future, you may find yourself in the midst of a protest that could impact your ability to enjoy the popular West Maui beach, where the majority of the island’s resorts and hotels are located.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated from a coastal Icelandic town and a world-famous spa has closed as experts fear a nearby volcano could erupt in a matter of days. Travelers should watch the situation closely, but there’s no need to alter travel plans—yet.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, November 10. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and, along with it, some of the busiest travel days of the year. According to Transportation Security Administration checkpoint data, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving see some of the highest passenger screening numbers of the entire year; the dates leading up to Christmas don't fall far behind.
Through a variety of fundraising efforts including mileage donations and collection boxes from customers and employees in Japan and throughout the U.S. including Hawaii and the mainland, Japan Airlines raised over $132,000 to support relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the devastating Maui wildfires that occurred in August 2023. The airline held a check presentation ceremony to the Hawaii Community Foundation on November 2 at the Governor’s Ceremony Room at the Hawaii State Capitol building.
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.
Less than three months after a deadly wildfire destroyed the town of Lahaina, all hotels in West Maui are now back open to the public.