Does Maui need tourism?

“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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Tourism is slowly coming back to Maui as the Hawaiian government starts to lift travel restrictions to the western region, two months after devastating wildfires that left nearly 100 dead and displaced thousands of people. West Maui will reopen to tourists in three staggered phases.

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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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Oahu - The Gathering Place Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at nearly 4.7 million visitors annually. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, as well as Pearl Harbor and the famous beach known as Waikiki.

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Lahaina is the most popular town to visit on the island. That's because there are so many things to do and see!

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Hawaii heavily depends on the revenue generated by tourism to fund various state programs and initiatives. Without tourism, the state would experience a substantial decrease in tax revenue, which would directly impact its ability to provide essential public services.

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As our chart illustrates, the number of U.S. travelers visiting islands like Hawai'i, O'ahu or Maui has been rising continuously since 2014, crossing the 7-million mark for the first time in 2022.

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Maui is family friendly and also perfect for a romantic getaway. Of Maui pros and cons, Bruce says Maui requires a lot of driving, and that while it increases in popularity it is getting more “touristy” and is the most expensive island to visit. “It's getting really expensive over there.

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Hawaii public officials want tourists back after the horrible wildfire as soon as possible, but airlines and tour operators know that it takes time for local communities to heal. Maui's tourism recovery has been moving at a sluggish pace since the wildfires devastated the island's western region in early August.

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Maui Travel Tips: How to Respect the Locals While You're There
  1. Don't litter. ...
  2. Don't honk your horn. ...
  3. Be patient. ...
  4. Don't take anything from the beach. ...
  5. Don't haggle too much. ...
  6. Say “thank you.” ...
  7. Learn a few words in Hawaiian. ...
  8. Don't take photos of people without their permission.


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In August 2023, visitor arrivals to Oahu (507,702 visitors, +11.0%), Hawaii Island (152,951, +4.1%) and Kauai (131,628 visitors, +9.0%) increased while visitor arrivals to Maui (112,259 visitors, -57.8%) dropped significantly compared to August 2022.

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  1. Skip the beach and head to the mountains.
  2. Take the Road to Hana and stay overnight.
  3. Experience local voluntourism.
  4. Try a local market or hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
  5. Find a secluded beach.


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But, the increase in tourism has resulted in problems such as overcrowding, littering, an overextension of our rescue and emergency resources & damage to the fragile ecosystem. Some Native Hawaiians may feel that tourists do not show enough respect for the environment.

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TOURISM INDUSTRY AFFECTED BY MAUI WILDFIRES IN AUGUST 2023 HONOLULU, HI – According to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), a total of 769,163 visitors came to the Hawaiian Islands in August 2023, down 7.3 percent from August 2022.

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Here's why. Fodor's Travel named Maui one of 10 destinations on its 2023 “No List” that tourists should reconsider visiting this year. The travel publication outlined 10 regions ranging from Antarctica to Italy that are threatened by environmental damage caused by overtourism and climate change.

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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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The community of Kapalua can be found on the northwestern tip of Maui and is home to some of the most luxurious properties on the island. Whether you're looking for luxury houses by the beach or up on the hillside, you'll find your perfect home in Kapalua.

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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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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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In the days following the deadly wildfires, many Hawaiians told tourists to stay away. But a month later, officials are asking people to return responsibly.

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