How bad are the fires in Maui?

The wildfires that swept through parts of Maui last week are now considered the deadliest in modern U.S. history, killing more than 100 people and leaving behind a path of destruction that will require billions of dollars in recovery efforts.



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October 8, 2023 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.

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Lahaina fire: Remains 90% contained. Estimated 2,170 acres.

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It's not possible to visit Lahaina or any of the burned areas in West Maui. Hotels that were in Lahaina town were destroyed by the fires. The hotels further west of Lahaina town, in Kaanapali, Kapalua, and Napili areas, were not destroyed by the fires.

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Confirmed deaths: 98 8, becoming the country's deadliest wildfire in more than 100 years. Locating remains and identifying victims has been a difficult process.

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In early August 2023, a series of wildfires, referred to as the Hawaii Firestorm by the United States government, broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui.

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It said the fire on the morning of Aug. 8 “appears to have been caused by power lines that fell in high winds.” The Associated Press reported Saturday that bare electrical wire that could spark on contact and leaning poles on Maui were the possible cause.

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Areas in West Maui that tourists should avoid include Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua, according to a press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

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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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The good news is that much of Maui, including the popular Kaanapali Beach and Wailea, was not affected directly by the fire.

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Except for the occasional vog, the main islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai are unaffected by the volcano. And even on the Big Island, it's business as usual. The only exception is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Puna District and nearby areas.

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23 Things NOT To Do While Visiting Maui
  • Don't touch/get too close to wildlife. ...
  • Don't forget the reef-safe sunscreen. ...
  • Don't ignore ocean warning signs. ...
  • Don't leave your shoes on when entering someone else's house. ...
  • Don't call your slippers “flip flops.” ...
  • Don't over plan. ...
  • Don't stand on the reef.


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