Visiting Maui: How to Travel Responsibly After Fires

The devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina in August 2023 changed Maui forever. For travelers, this created a difficult dilemma. You might feel torn between wanting to support the island’s tourism-dependent economy and fearing that your presence might be intrusive or disrespectful to those who lost everything. The message from Hawaii state officials and local business owners is now clear: Maui is open, and they need visitors to return to support the recovery. However, visiting today requires a new level of mindfulness, respect, and specific knowledge of where you can and cannot go.

Understanding the Geography: What is Open?

The most common misconception is that the entire island is closed or damaged. This is not true. Maui is a large island, and the fire damage was concentrated specifically in the historic town of Lahaina.

The Restricted Zone

Lahaina Town remains a restricted disaster zone. The area is currently undergoing extensive debris removal and environmental cleanup by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• Do not attempt to enter Lahaina Town. It is fenced off and patrolled.
• Do not stop on the Honoapiilani Highway. When driving past Lahaina to reach northern resorts, keep moving. Stopping to take photos of the devastation is considered deeply offensive to residents who lost their homes and loved ones in that area.

Open Areas in West Maui

North of Lahaina, the resort areas are fully operational and eager for guests. These areas were physically untouched by the fires but economically devastated by the sudden drop in tourism.

• Ka’anapali: Resorts like The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui, and the Hyatt Regency are open. The Whalers Village shopping center is active.
• Napili and Kapalua: These communities are further north and fully open. Restaurants like Merriman’s Kapalua are serving dinner, and golf courses such as the Plantation Course are hosting players.

The Rest of the Island

The majority of Maui was unaffected by the fires and operates normally.

• South Maui: Kihei and Wailea (home to the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons) are bustling.
• Upcountry: Towns like Makawao and Kula offer cool air and local shopping.
• North Shore & East Maui: Paia town and the Road to Hana are open.

How to Support the Local Economy

Your dollars have a direct impact on the recovery. When businesses close due to a lack of tourists, locals lose their jobs, which compounds the housing and financial crisis caused by the fires.

Tip Generously: Service workers have faced months of uncertainty. If you can afford it, tip 25% or more at restaurants, for valets, and for housekeeping staff.

Shop Small: Instead of buying souvenirs at big-box retailers, seek out locally owned businesses.

• Visit the Upcountry Farmers Market in Kula on Saturday mornings to buy direct from growers.
• Shop at Maui Hands or local galleries in Makawao and Paia to support artisans.
• Eat at local food trucks. The food truck park near the Costco gas station in Kahului or the “South Maui Gardens” in Kihei are excellent spots to put money directly into local pockets.

Choose Accommodations Wisely: There has been significant tension regarding short-term rentals (Airbnbs/VRBOs) because displaced residents need housing. While not all vacation rentals are restricted, staying in traditional hotels and resorts in designated resort zones (like Wailea or Ka’anapali) helps ensure you are not competing with locals for residential housing.

Cultural Sensitivity: The "Aloha Spirit" in Action

Visiting Maui right now requires emotional intelligence. Many workers you interact with—servers, front desk agents, tour guides—may have lost their homes or family members.

• Don’t Ask “Did you lose your home?” Avoid initiating conversations about the fire. If a local chooses to share their story, listen with empathy, but do not pry for details or treat their tragedy as a news story.
• Respect “Lahaina Strong”: You may see flags, signs, or gatherings related to the “Lahaina Strong” movement, particularly around beach parks in West Maui. These are community actions regarding long-term housing and recovery. Give these groups space and do not photograph them without permission.
• Patience is Required: Some businesses are short-staffed because employees have moved off-island. Service might be slower than you remember. Kindness and patience are the best ways to show support.

Voluntourism: The Malama Hawaii Program

If you want to do more than just spend money, you can participate in “Malama Hawaii” (Care for Hawaii) initiatives. Many of these programs allow you to volunteer for a few hours in exchange for a deeper connection to the island (and sometimes a hotel discount).

• Hua Momona Farms: Located in Kapalua, this farm pivoted to providing thousands of hot meals to displaced families. They often need volunteers to help harvest vegetables or prep meal boxes.
• Maui Humane Society: They offer a “Beach Buddies” program where you can take a shelter dog out for a day trip. This socializes the animal and relieves stress on the shelter, which has been over capacity since the fires.
• Kipuka Olowalu: This organization focuses on cultural preservation and environmental restoration in the Olowalu valley. Volunteers help clear invasive species and restore lo’i kalo (taro patches).

Practical Logistics for Your Trip

Car Rentals: Rental car supply is currently stable. Companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and locally-owned Kihei Rent A Car have inventory.

Airport Procedures: Kahului Airport (OGG) is fully operational. You do not need special permission to enter Maui.

Road to Hana: This famous drive remains open. However, because it is a narrow road that passes through residential communities, it is more important than ever to pull over for locals and drive slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ethical to vacation in Maui right now? Yes. The Governor of Hawaii and the Hawaii Tourism Authority have explicitly asked visitors to return. A lack of tourism causes a secondary economic disaster. The ethical approach is to visit responsible areas and spend money at local businesses.

Can I see the Banyan Tree in Lahaina? No. The famous Banyan Tree is located inside the restricted burn zone. While it has shown signs of regrowth, it is not accessible to the public. You must wait for official updates on when the town will eventually reopen to visitors, which could take years.

Are luaus still happening? Yes. For example, the Old Lahaina Luau, which was located on the edge of the fire zone, was spared and has reopened. Other luaus in Wailea and Kaanapali are also operating. Attending these events supports the dancers, musicians, and cultural practitioners who rely on them for income.

What if I have a reservation in Lahaina specifically? If your accommodation was in Lahaina Town, it no longer exists or is inaccessible. You must cancel and rebook in an open area like Kaanapali, Kihei, or Wailea. Most platforms have already processed these cancellations, but you should double-check immediately.