Maui Tourism’s Path to Recovery

Maui is slowly recovering following the fires of August 8, 2023, that killed at least 97 people, with residents starting to return to Lahaina to see the remains of their homes. Many displaced residents are still staying in hotels and short-term rentals. The Maui Tourism Authority and government officials have been updating their recovery information, including a phased reopening allowing some nonessential travel to West Maui beginning October 8. However, questions remain about when and how tourism should return, as reported by The Maui News on September 29.

The Hawaiian Islands in general, and Maui in particular, have been remarkably resilient over the last four years. First, Covid shut the islands down, and this quick action slowed the spread of illness to locals. When visitors were welcomed back, the proverbial floodgates opened, and talk of over-tourism began almost immediately. That delicate balance played out across all the islands over the next couple of years. Then, the town of Lahaina, Maui’s historical heart and soul, was destroyed by fire just last month, effectively shutting down tourism for several weeks. While the governor will officially welcome visitors back to all parts of the island (except Lahaina) on October 8th, the return will be understandably slow. Many travelers are reluctant to travel to Maui for fear of getting in the way of cleanup efforts and, more psychologically, visiting for pleasure while so many locals are suffering.

The lead story this morning on one of Oahu’s most trusted news sources, Civil Beat, is about the campaign Hawaii’s tourism executives are leading to convince residents that the return of visitors is imperative for Maui’s recovery.

We’ve known for some time now that West Maui would reopen to tourists on October 8th.

As TPG has previously reported, and you likely know all too well, the Maui wildfires caused significant damage to Lahaina, with more than 2,400 residences destroyed and far too many lives lost. Recovery efforts are still ongoing. And now, the community must deal with the reality of economic recovery while also rebuilding homes and businesses and managing the emotional toll.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, September 26. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Several destinations heavily dependent on tourism have been devastated recently by natural disasters, including Maui and Morocco.

Here are the top stories from the Daily Lodging Report newsletter in the past week. Get news on hotel deals, development, stocks, and career moves. Sign up here now.

As travellers look to support Maui’s recovery efforts this fall, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea invites guests to come back, and in turn, give back to the island through thoughtfully curated offers and programming that celebrate and support community, culture, and conservation.

Maui’s tourism recovery has been moving at a sluggish pace since the wildfires devastated the island’s western region in early August. One factor: Tourists have been slow to return out of sensitivity to locals.

As the plane descends to Maui’s airport in Kahului, it’s readily apparent how sharply tourism has dropped off following the massive fires a month ago: hundreds of unrented rental cars parked in a field near the runway. In the aftermath of the blaze that leveled the historic town of Lahaina and caused so much personal suffering and loss, it was understandable for Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green to advise visitors not to come to Maui. Now facing the financial devastation of an island that depends on tourism, the government changed its position and is urging visitors to come, including to the resort areas of West Maui north of Lahaina which are reopening October 8th. But should visitors listen?

West Maui will officially welcome visitors again next month following the devastating wildfires that swept the paradise destination in August.