Does Maui depend on tourism?

The Maui Economic Development Board said tourism is irrefutably the economic engine of Maui. Our business went from flying 25 to 30 tours a day to flying one tour to two tours a day, said Olsten. According to the board, about 70% of the island's economy can be attributed to tourism.



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“I know people on the outside are confused because some social media posts say to stay away and others saying to come. Our island is reliant upon tourism. We need resources to get back on our feet right now.” But traveling currently to Maui is complicated.

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The implosion of Maui's economy, of which tourism comprises about 40 percent, has been swift and severe. State economic officials estimate that the island is seeing about 4,250 fewer visitors each day than normal, representing a loss of $9 million a day.

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By late 2020, 57% of residents who responded to a Hawaii Tourism Authority survey in September and October completely or strongly agreed that Hawaii was too dependent on tourism, up from 37% in 2019. Almost a third completely or strongly disagreed that their “island is run for tourists at expense of local people.”

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Whether you like it or not, tourism is the main engine of our economy here on Maui. During COVID, we had lofty utopian thoughts of diversifying away from tourism, but it hasn't happened and would take far too long for our residents to survive financially.

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Whether you like it or not, tourism is the main engine of our economy here on Maui. During COVID, we had lofty utopian thoughts of diversifying away from tourism, but it hasn't happened and would take far too long for our residents to survive financially.

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Tourists were officially welcomed back to West Maui on Sunday, exactly two months after devastating wildfires displaced thousands of residents, killed 98 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Historic Lahaina Town – once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom – was, and is still, unrecognizable.

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The industry's defenders argue that tourism, for all of the issues it creates, is still a major asset for the people who call Hawaii home. They say the state simply couldn't survive without the billions of dollars in spending and tax revenue that travelers bring into the islands every year.

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Historically, pineapple and sugar have been the major industries. Today, however, tourism and construction are the leading components of the Maui County economy, which continues to include agriculture as well as technology, renewable energy and scientific and research facilities.

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Maui is a shared deity throughout Polynesia. His mischievous deeds were often to the benefit of mankind. From creating fire to raising the sky to snare the sun, Maui was a hero whose legacy spanned well over 1000 years while these stories traveled over 4000 miles across the Pacific ocean.

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The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred ?Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.

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Traveler numbers historically dip in September — Maui saw between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors a day that month in 2022. So far in September 2023, however, the number of passengers headed to Maui is averaging between 2,000 and 3,000 a day.

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Molokai. Molokai is the best island for solitude, meaning few tourists and small town Hawai?i life. Additionally, Molokai is all about making your own adventure, easy but scenic hiking, and most of all, relaxing! If you like a slow vacation, then Molokai may be for you!

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Pineapple Hill and Plantation Estates are the most exclusive locations for those who want the privilege of expansive land. The Plantation Estates surround the famous Plantation Golf Course and offer spectacular views of the course, the ocean, and the islands of Molokai and Lana.

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You'll enjoy living on Maui. No, it's not always the postcard-perfect paradise, but it's home. You'll be happy to live here, and the people living there are grateful to be able to share their island with tourists from all over the world.

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For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.

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General Safety Although tourist areas are generally safe, visitors should always stay alert, even in laid-back Maui (and especially in resort and beach areas). It's wise to ask the island tourist office if you're in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night.

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