Is tourism down in Maui?

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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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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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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One of the main reasons to fall in love with Maui is undoubtedly its gorgeous beaches. Volumes have been written about Maui beaches and their diversity. From white to black and red sand, from snorkeling to windsurfing and swimming, Maui has over 30 miles of unbelievably beautiful beaches.

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Updated August 11, 2023 at 9:19 AM ET Officials say it could take years — or longer — to repair the damage from this week's wildfires that devastated parts of Maui, claimed dozens of lives and razed a historic town. That acknowledgement came as the death toll on Maui was raised to at least 55 people. Hawaii Gov.

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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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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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  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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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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A 2023 point-in-time report shows Lahaina as the region with the second most homeless people on the island at 113, after Central Maui.

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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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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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Maui is renowned for its stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant tourism industry. The island attracts millions of visitors each year, and as a result, the demand for luxury and upscale accommodations has skyrocketed.

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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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