Maui Update
October 23, 2023
County of Maui Announces Reopening of West Maui November 1
The phased reopening of West Maui accommodations began on October 8. Today, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the rest of West Maui north of Lahaina — Phases 2 and 3 from Kahana to Kā‘anapali — will begin reopening on Wednesday, November 1.
The decision was made following discussions with the Mayor’s Lahaina advisory team, the Red Cross and other partners, and the community feedback following the first phase of reopening. Governor Josh Green, M.D., Mayor Bissen, and the Red Cross continue to assure the public that housing for displaced wildfire survivors will not be in jeopardy as a result of the reopening.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advises travelers to contact their Travel Advisor or check with individual accommodations, activities and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of operation. As travelers return to Maui after the devastating August wildfires, they will help to sustain jobs, keep businesses open, and support the community.
In coordination with various community members and partners, HTA is launching new videos featuring a diverse cross-section of Maui residents welcoming mindful visitation and sharing how visitors can mālama Maui.
In addition, Governor Green’s Office of Wellness and Resilience, HTA and the County of Maui have partnered to create informational flyers and signage with tips for respectful, compassionate and responsible travel to support the community’s healing. This inter-agency collaboration follows the leadership and guidance of Governor Green and Mayor Bissen who continue to emphasize mental health support for Maui disaster survivors.
We will continue to update our Maui Recovery and GoHawaii.com websites with the latest information.
Mahalo,
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
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Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again. Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s businesses and workers that rely on tourism for their families’ livelihood, especially when you are mindful in the following ways:
- Visit with aloha and compassion.
- Support local businesses.
- Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.
- Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.
Access Restrictions in Lahaina
Lahaina will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires. Please do not stop on the bypass or streets to take pictures or to get a closer view.
How You Can Help
Mahalo for the overwhelming display of aloha from around the globe. In the spirit of mālama for the people who call Maui home, please consider donating to the Maui Strong Fund.
Q&A
Q: Which of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by the wildfires?
A: Wildfires have mainly affected Lahaina in West Maui. With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again. Please be mindful that some hotels in West Maui are still housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders, however Hawai‘i Governor Green, Maui County Mayor Bissen, and federal agencies have all assured the public that no wildfire disaster survivors will be displaced as a result of this reopening. We advises travelers to check with their Travel Advisor or individual accommodations in West Maui for their reopening plans.
Other areas on Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pā‘ia, and Hāna) and the islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lāna‘i, and Hawai‘i Island remain unaffected. We urge visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this tragedy.
Q: If I have a scheduled trip to Maui in the next few weeks, should I postpone my vacation?
A: With the exception of Lahaina, other areas on the island as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawai‘i Island are open and welcome visitors. Starting October 8th, West Maui communities north of Lahaina have begun reopening to visitors again, however we advise travelers to check with their Travel Advisor or individual accommodations in West Maui for their reopening plans.
Q: Where can visitors find the latest information and updates on the situation?
A: Official channels are the best sources for the latest updates, including the following:
- County of Maui: www.mauinuistrong.info
- Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/maui-recovery
- HVCB: https://www.gohawaii.com/maui-travel-updates
Maui Map
Travel to Maui
Review the map to see the area that was impacted by the wildfires. This area, Lahaina, is closed to visitors indefinitely. North of Lahaina, between Ka'anapali and Kapalua, was not impacted by the wildfires. It is going through a phased reopening beginning on October 8th. The remainder of the island is open and ready to welcome visitors.
We are here to answer any questions you might have regarding the reopening or travel to this area. You can submit your questions on our "Contact Us" page.
Festive Season
There is still some availability during Festive Season, so why not give yourself and the residents of Maui, many of whom rely on tourism for their livelihood, a holiday gift and plan a trip to Maui. We are here to assist if you have any questions or if you would like to plan a getaway to Maui.
Share Aloha
To Help Those in Need on Maui
Statistics indicate that 75% of the private-sector jobs on Maui are in the tourism industry and tourism accounts for 75-80% of Maui's economy. These are staggering numbers, especially when you realize how many people have been and could be impacted by the recent wildfires that resulted in the loss of many lives, as well as home, jobs, businesses, and one of the most historic, cultural and sacred places in Hawai'i, the town of Lahaina.
If you would like to share the Spirit of Aloha with the Maui Community, following is a list of some reputable organizations who need financial support to assist those in need:
Maui Food Bank
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Kākoʻo Maui Fund
American Red Cross of Hawai'i
Maui United Way
Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much).
Offer ID
A Three-Night Stay in London
A Three-Night Stay in London
A Three-Night Stay in London
Why Travel?
Relaxation. Rejuvenation. Reconnection.
Three of the positive experiences travel offers.
Travel makes us happier, healthier, more productive, more creative, and it relieves stress. It also gives us the opportunity to experience new places, cultures, cuisines, music, traditions, and more.... Why not travel?
Marilyn Clark
I fell in love with travel when I was a child and my family went on adventurous road trips to visit relatives who lived in other states. I loved the scenery, visiting historical sites, learning about the history and culture of the places we visited, eating local food, listening to local music and meeting local people. In my early teens, I started reading travel magazines and dreaming of faraway places. My first job was working for an airline, which gave me the opportunity to visit some of those places. Eventually, my career path led me in a different direction, but I always knew that I would end up working in the travel industry again.
In 2001, I started Lighthouse Travel in order to help discerning leisure travelers fulfill their travel needs and desires. In the beginning. I specialized in travel to Europe, but shortly thereafter I decided it was time to “spread my wings” and learn more about other destinations that piqued my interest. Since I grew up in Florida, I had visited some of the Caribbean islands, and after moving to California and marrying a well-traveled musician from New Zealand, I became interested in visiting other island destinations. I started by doing on-island training in French Polynesia and Hawai'i. In 2004, I was certified as a Tahiti Specialist and by 2010 I was certified as a Master Specialist by all six of the major Hawaiian Islands. I demonstrated my commitment to Hawai'i tourism even further by completing the "Ambassadors of Aloha" hospitality program offered by the University of Hawai'i in conjunction with the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, and I visit the islands a number of times each year to keep up to date with new and improved hotels, activities, restaurants, etc. Since I have a passion for cruising as well, I am also a Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist. My focus is on adventure, culinary, cultural, and wellness travel; honeymoons and sustainable tourism.
By providing superior quality travel products, great value and personalized service, I have earned repeat business, referrals and recognition; including being selected by Travel + Leisure magazine for their A-List of the World's Top Travel Advisors every year since 2014. My affiliations, my insider connections and the expertise I have acquired through education, certification and my personal travels, enable me to design unique, customized and memorable travel experiences that exceed my clients' expectations.
“We travel initially to lose ourselves; and we travel next to find ourselves.” _ Pico Iyer
Marilyn Clark
2014-2023 Travel + Leisure A-List Top Travel Advisor | Hawaii Specialist
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Why spend your time and risk your money making travel arrangements through “self-service” methods that don’t have the ability and/or time to personalize your trip, find the best values, provide the best service, resolve issues; or, in the case of a computer, care about you? When all is said and done, you can't return a bad vacation.
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