Yes, Go to Maui. But Here’s What NOT to Do on Your Visit

My friend and I just got back from a fantastic week in Maui, Hawaii – my second time there and his first. Since we moved to Oahu a few months ago, we’ve been eager to explore more islands, and Maui was at the top of our list.

We had a weekend trip planned to Lahaina on August 11th, but we had to postpone it due to the tragic fires on August 8th. Sadly, the charming B&B we booked in historic Lahaina Town didn’t make it through the fires.

Since then, we’ve been keeping up with the local news and debating when to reschedule our trip. Do we go back to Maui now, or should we give the island some space to recover?

The guidance for potential visitors has been a bit unclear, depending on who you ask. Yes, relief efforts are ongoing, and some parts of the island are still off-limits.

However, let’s face it – Maui thrives on tourism, and the island’s economy really needs visitors to come back soon. It’s a delicate balance between supporting the recovery efforts and helping the local economy bounce back.

The Reopening of West Maui

On October 8th, 2023, West Maui kicked off a phased reopening. Since then, the Governor, the Tourism Authority, and local business owners have been sending a clear message, “Please come back to Maui, we need you.”

But that message comes with an important disclaimer

But here’s the catch – Maui needs respectful visitors, ones who bring the spirit of Aloha. Visitors who are here to support the island’s recovery while also enjoying their vacation.

There’s a bit of a dance to visiting the island right now, a right and wrong way to behave. It’s crucial to grasp the emotional state of the island before you hop on a plane.

Feeling confident that we were the right kind of visitors for Maui, we promptly rescheduled our trip.

And let me tell you, it was fantastic. We struck a balance between a few days of pure vacation and a desire to lend a helping hand where we could.

If you’re thinking about a trip to Maui, go for it!

Jenny and Dave in Maui at Sunset

Enjoying a stunning sunset on Wailea Beach.

But before you pack your bags, let’s tackle a couple of Frequently Asked Questions about post-fire travel to Maui:

What parts of Maui are closed?

Lahaina Town and its surroundings are still off-limits to visitors and will be for a while. The West Side, including Ka’anapali and Kapalua, has slowly reopened. The rest of Maui, like North and South Maui, never shut down after the fires and they need your support.

For the most up-to-date info on what’s open, check out the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.

Should I go to Maui right now?

Absolutely, now is the time to head back to Maui. The island’s recovery depends on the return of tourism.

Respectful tourism is not just wanted; it’s needed. Since the fires, Maui’s travel industry has been losing millions per day in visitor spending. As we landed, it was hard to miss the vast field of unused rental cars.

In a nutshell, businesses won’t make it unless visitors start coming back – and quickly.

Is Maui the same as it was before the wildfires?

No, the island has been forever changed by this tragedy. The community is still grieving, so it’s not the right place for a Bachelor Party at the moment. However, 90% of the island was untouched by the wildfires and remains as spectacular as ever.

What is the best way to help Maui?

There are numerous ways to help. The most important way is to visit with grace. While you’re here, consider donating or volunteering, and I’ll delve into both later in this post.

Should I cancel my upcoming vacation to Maui?

No, please don’t. Although tourism has been a contentious issue with native Hawaiians, a kinder, gentler return to tourism is the best way to support the economic recovery of Maui’s residents.

Can I volunteer to help while visiting Maui?

Absolutely! We did it during our visit (more on that in a moment), but it’s not mandatory. Just the act of visiting is a great way to support Maui’s recovery.

Now, let’s talk about what visiting Maui looks like currently. We had numerous conversations with locals during our stay, and there was a consensus about the RIGHT way to visit Maui for the foreseeable future.

Based on those conversations, here are my recommendations.

5 Things NOT to Do in Maui

1. Do not go to Lahaina Town

Under any circumstances. Honestly, don’t even think about it. While most of West Maui has reopened, Lahaina Town and its immediate surroundings remain devastated. Visitors are neither needed nor welcome there. It’s not a tourist attraction; it’s a grieving community.

2. Don’t Take Pictures of Fire Damage

If you come across something affected by the fires, please don’t whip out your cell phone for a social media picture. Damage from the fires should be treated with respect.

3. Don’t Waste Water

Limiting your water consumption is always a good practice when traveling, especially on a remote island like Maui. If you stay at a hotel, consider not having towels, sheets, and additional bath linens turned over during your stay. Use refillable water bottles provided in your room, skip laundry services, and try to reduce overall water consumption. Every little bit helps.

Read More: Lighthouse Hike is Oahu’s Best Trail for Spotting Whales

4. Don’t be cheap

Maui has always been an expensive place to visit, and now more than ever, the island needs your generosity of spirit and wallet. Tip generously to service workers and hotel staff members. Tipping those who assist you during your stay is a phenomenal way to show Aloha and support them during this difficult time. If you can’t afford to give money, give your time.

Though we usually travel on a budget, we felt it was important to build generous tipping into our overall trip budget for Maui. We got extra cash when we arrived and tipped everyone from the housekeepers to the valets about 5x what we normally would (and I like to think we were already pretty good tippers).

5. Don’t ask too many Questions

It should go without saying that local residents do not want to be asked if they “lost everything in the fires.” If they volunteer their story, be compassionate and listen, but don’t ask.

This is especially true if you are visiting the reopened areas on the west side. Understand that the residents who were directly impacted by the disaster are traumatized and grieving. Many have had no choice but to return to work in the island’s hotels, restaurants, and shops.

We found that most of the locals we encountered were quick to volunteer their personal experiences (or those of friends or neighbors) in the natural course of conversation. It’s just the primary topic of conversation on the island at the moment and will be for a while.

But everyone is different, and none of the residents we interacted with had personally lost a loved one.

But enough about what NOT to do in Maui.

Let’s get back on a positive note and talk about what you SHOULD DO when you visit Maui. And honestly, if you’re taking the time to read this, you’re not the type of traveler who would do any of the above anyway!

Here are my Top 4 things you should do when you visit Maui right now:

1. Lead with Aloha

The theme for Maui’s tourism reboot is “**Travel Pono on Maui**,” which means to travel with respect and treat it like your own home. And nothing embodies this Golden Rule like the spirit of Aloha.

The word “Aloha” is so much more than just hello and goodbye. It’s generosity and compassion. It’s love and encouragement. The spirit of Aloha is the very essence of the Hawaiian Islands, defined by state law as “mutual regard and affection” and a guiding philosophy to “extend warmth in caring with no obligation in return.”

Hawaiian culture dictates that everyone is welcomed with respect, kindness, and generosity. And now more than ever, your visit to Maui should be guided by the gentle spirit of Aloha.

2. Donate or Volunteer (or both!)

If you have a free morning or an extra day in your itinerary, I encourage you to sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities available around the island.

On our recent visit, my husband and I spent an afternoon volunteering at the Maui Nui Strong Central Distribution Site in Kuhului, and it was the single best thing we did all week. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer staff there and put right to work assembling grocery bags for displaced families. The Distribution Center is open to affected residents on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Every other day is a “re-stocking day.” We visited on a Saturday and assisted with the restocking efforts.

Here’s a list of great volunteer opportunities on Maui.

If your itinerary doesn’t allow time for a volunteer project, there’s no need to feel guilty about that! You are on vacation, and, as I said before, your visit alone helps to support the local community in so many ways. Instead, you could choose to donate to one of many worthy causes. The Maui Strong Fund is a terrific choice for donations because they divide up the funds to local organizations most in need.

3. Book a Tour (or just get out and explore!)

Consider booking a tour with one of many local tour companies. For example, book one of the many incredible snorkel tours to Molokini Crater or a day trip to Haleakala National Park for sunrise.

In the winter months, Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, and there are plenty of tours available to get out on the water. Whether you head to upcountry Maui or tackle the winding Road to Hana in east Maui, with fewer cars on the road, there’s never been a better time to go. (Just mind the speed limit on the Road to Hana, and it’s a good idea to pack some motion sickness pills!)

If your budget is tight, just grab some reef-safe sunscreen and a picnic lunch and head straight for one of Maui’s beaches.

There are beautiful beaches around the entire island, and a day at the beach is one of the best things to do on Maui. Keep an eye out for the elusive Hawaiian monk seal or a lounging green sea turtle (but remember to keep your distance from monk seals and turtles).

4. Eat and shop locally

Support the local economy and small businesses by eating at a local restaurant or shopping for snacks or souvenirs at a local store.

While even chain businesses like Costco or the big resorts employ locals, every business on the island needs your support. However, the small businesses need you more than most.

Here are just a few of my favorite local businesses on Maui:

Alii Kula Lavender Farm – A great place to beat the heat; it’s usually 15 degrees cooler up there!

Da Kitchen (Kihei) – Local Hawaiian plate meals; hands down the best meal we had while on Maui!

Fork and Salad in Kihei – Farm-to-table, all sourced from local farmers, 2 locations – Kihei and Kahului.

Jaws Country Store – A classic stop on the Road to Hana.

Kula Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, Kula – Goat farm tours and products.

Mama’s Fish House – Before the fires, this popular restaurant was the toughest reservation on Maui (typically booked 3-6 months out). But currently, you can actually walk in at lunchtime without a reservation. This is not likely to last long, so get there while you can! Like many Maui restaurants, a meal at Mama’s supports local farmers and fishermen.

Maui Bees – Producing all organic honey in the upcountry.

Maui Brewing Company – Because Hawaii’s largest craft brewery is always a good idea.

Maui Cookie Lady, Makawao – So much more than just cookies. These decadent creations are a favorite of local celebrities like Oprah and The Rock.

Maui Fresh Streatery, Kahului – Perhaps Maui’s most popular food truck; Chef Kyle Kawakami is a fixture in the local community. His truck has been tirelessly serving local residents in the aftermath of the fires.

Maui Specialty Chocolates, Kahului – Freshly made mochi and chocolates; call and order ahead, and they will hold items for you because they routinely sell out of their supply.

Monkeypod Kitchen – Home to the best Mai Tai in all of Hawaii (in my expert opinion) and delicious farm-to-table Hawaii regional cuisine. Two locations – Wailea and Ka’anapali (reopening October 30th; while they were closed, they provided over 40,000 free meals to West Maui residents).

Native Intelligence, Wailuku – Native Hawaiian-owned, featuring local designers.

Paia Fish Market – 3 locations on Maui (one was lost in the Lahaina fires). Amazing fish tacos and more.

Paia Gelato – Amazing gelato, coffee, and a great place to pick up a picnic lunch to take to the beach.

Paradise Now, Wailuku – Hand-painted original art from Maui.

Shikeda Bento Patisserie, Wailuku – Japanese and French-inspired pastries made fresh daily using local Maui ingredients.

Sixty Two Marcket, Wailuku – Both a restaurant and a market featuring local farmer products. The menu rotates seasonally every 62 days.

South Maui Fish Company, Kihei – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this popular fresh catch food truck serves 100% local Hawaiian fish and sells out daily.

South Maui Gardens, Kihei – This full-service nursery and community green space are home to the Kihei Food Oasis where you’ll find many of Maui’s best food trucks & live music every 2nd Saturday.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – Lost 2 of their Lahaina locations in the fire, and 17 of 19 employees lost their homes. Find them in Kahului, Kihei, and Paia.

So yes, it’s time to go back to Maui

Without exception, everyone we encountered on our visit to Maui was grateful we were there. We were thanked numerous times for coming and welcomed graciously by everyone from restaurant servers to hotel staff.

Because we did not visit any part of West Maui, we did not see any damage from the fires on our visit.

If you do visit the west side of the island (obviously, not Lahaina), tread lightly. Some hotels, shops, and restaurants are open and would greatly appreciate your visit. However, there are also many displaced locals living in this area, so please be extra sensitive.

But as long as you visit with common sense and a warm spirit of Aloha, most residents of Maui will welcome you with open arms.

Wailea Beach Maui Hawaii

And thanks to quick and affordable flights between our home in Honolulu and Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG), we look forward to visiting as often as possible in the coming months to spread Aloha and continue to support the island’s recovery.

So start planning that Maui vacation.

If you took the time to read this post, you care about how your visit will impact the island. And that’s why you’re exactly the type of visitor Maui needs most right now.

Conclusion

In summary, visiting Maui isn’t just about a vacation; it’s an opportunity to contribute to the island’s recovery. The recent fires have left a lasting impact, making it crucial for tourists to approach their visit with sensitivity and respect. The phased reopening of West Maui signals a call for support, but it comes with a responsibility to adhere to guidelines and foster the spirit of Aloha.

As outlined in the recommendations, embracing the theme of “Travel Pono on Maui“ and leading with Aloha is pivotal. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply being mindful of actions, tourists can play a crucial role in aiding the recovery efforts. Additionally, supporting local businesses and engaging in responsible tourism practices ensures a positive impact on Maui’s economy and community.

In essence, a well-informed and considerate traveler, committed to the principles of Aloha, can make a meaningful difference in Maui’s healing process. The island welcomes visitors who approach with an open heart, contributing to its recovery while enjoying the beauty and hospitality it has to offer. Your mindful visit is precisely what Maui needs at this crucial juncture.