Does Maui really want tourists back?

Restaurants and tour companies are laying off workers, and unemployment is surging. State tourism officials, after initially urging travelers to stay away, are now asking them to come back, avoid the burn zone and help Maui recover by spending their money.



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With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again. Your visit will support Hawai?i'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.

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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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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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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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Some locals, many of them of Native Hawaiian descent, have gone so far as to argue that travelers should cross Hawaii off of their future itineraries for good. Tourism is seen as one of several factors that allowed the Maui fire to become so deadly.

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Maui is generally safe, but you can expect accounts of petty crime as with any tourist destination. Some visitors make the mistake of leaving valuables like cameras and purses visible in their car, only to come back from shopping or hiking to find their windows smashed.

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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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While the pandemic pummeled Hawaii in its early stages, the Aloha State's tourism industry is back, and by some metrics, bigger than ever. The number of tourists from the U.S. mainland is higher than it was before the pandemic — and average spending per trip is also higher.

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With continued subsidence at the present-day rates, Haleakala and West Maui will become separate islands in about 15,000 years. At its largest, Maui Nui stretched from about 42 miles west-southwest of the present west shoreline of Moloka'i to roughly 47 miles east of the eastern tip of Maui.

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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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Out of all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is facing the most erosion – data indicates that 85% of Maui's beaches are experiencing long-term erosion. West Maui, where the Kahana Sunset resides, has been heavily impacted by high waves and erosion, according to Owens.

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Deadly wildfires in Hawaii, which killed over 100 people and forced thousands to evacuate, were fueled by a mix of land and atmospheric conditions that can create fire weather. A massive blaze destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina, on Maui, and the search for victims continued as hundreds remained missing.

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Although some of them might seem a bit stereotypical, these are the common pieces of clothing worn by native Hawaiians regularly.
  1. Hawaiian/Aloha shirts.
  2. Board shorts.
  3. Loose-fitting pants or shorts.
  4. Comfortable shoes like sandals or flip flops.
  5. Colorful sundresses.
  6. Muumuu dresses.
  7. Tank tops.
  8. Pa'u hula skirts.


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General Safety Don't go into any city park at night unless there's an event that attracts a crowd. Generally speaking, you can feel safe in areas where there are many people and open establishments. Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and don't display expensive cameras or electronic equipment.

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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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Haole is a Hawaiian word for non-native Hawaiian or Polynesian people, often referring to white people. Usage can be in an insulting or pejorative manner, but it usually refers to a foreigner or tourist.

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You can also donate to organizations like the Hawaii Community Foundation, which is raising funds for recovery. During trips, you can also opt to support local businesses, clean up after yourself, and be mindful of the environment, per Insider.

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Moving to Hawaii ethically is something that is difficult to accomplish. Taking up housing and driving up prices leaves natives struggling. While many realize stopping people from moving to Hawaii all together is impossible, there are still ways to be respectful and try to help the community.

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