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Is it okay to visit Maui now?

So, you’re planning a Hawaii vacation and wondering, “is it okay to visit Maui now?” The truth is, there’s never been a better time to visit Maui (respectfully!) Let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I am a Hawaii Travel Agent. I have worked in the travel industry since 2018 and quickly became one of Hawaii’s most prominent travel agents.

I have special relationships with many different resorts and tour operators in Hawaii. I’ve also been visiting the islands since I was a kid (I had family there!) and have many friends on all islands, including Maui. So please know that when I share this information, I am not only sharing my personal opinion.

I am also sharing what the vast majority of those in Maui are telling me, both those who work in tourism and those who don’t.

Before I get started, I would like to say that I realize some people may disagree. That is okay, we can’t all agree all the time. Again, I have not talked to one person (who wasn’t hiding behind a fake photo online) who encouraged me to tell people to avoid Maui. All of that said, no one is making you visit Maui. There are plenty of other places to go if you so choose!

I’ve been to Maui twice since the fires and have had no negative experiences. I’ve encountered locals in Hawaii who have lost a lot, and they’ve all been so kind. Also,  I’ve had dozens of clients on Maui, and they all feel the same. My friends in Maui have thanked me many times for respectfully encouraging tourism to return to Maui.

In fact, I’ve had people who didn’t even know me thank me for visiting Maui and supporting locals! When I told them I was a travel agent, they told me to tell people to come back! 

Is it okay to visit Maui after the fires?

Enough about me; let’s talk about Lahaina. The fires in August of 2023 were devastating to the people of Maui. West Maui needed to briefly “close” to get a handle on the situation. The truth is that the rest of Maui (south Maui, etc.) remained open the entire time. Yes, the fires were tragic, but they mainly affected residents and not tourism.

When writing this blog post, most of the restaurants that closed down have relocated. The fires did not affect 99% of the things you would do in Maui. Things like the Road to Hana, Haleakala, Molokini Crater, etc., are far from Lahaina.

Even so, everything in Ka’anapali is open again and operating as usual. 

One of our favorite resorts – Hyatt Regency Maui – is the closest to the area of the fires and has fully returned to normal operations for months now. 

Is there still a lot of work to be done for Maui residents? Absolutely! The best way to support that is to visit Maui, respectfully, because, like it or not, Maui depends on tourism!

Visiting Maui in 2024

I realize that there are those online who say don’t come to Maui, don’t come to Hawaii, etc. You need to understand some people have always felt that way. This isn’t new. Hawaii’s dependence on tourism and becoming a US state is complicated, at best, and some people are (rightfully) not happy about it.

That said, the vast majority of people in Hawaii want visitors to visit respectfully and follow the rules. How do you do this? Well, I have a blog post with 30 things you should never do in Hawaii to get you started.

For now, let me share a quick list of how to be a respectful visitor in Hawaii:

• Don’t trespass, ever. Yes, that means avoiding places like the red sand beach in Maui or stairway to heaven on Oahu. It’s trespassing.
• Don’t touch or harass the wildlife. Stay far away from monk seals, dolphins, turtles, etc.
• Pick up after yourself. Don’t litter, don’t do it. Go the extra mile and pick up any trash you see.
•  Choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect the reefs in Hawaii.
• Don’t be rude to your servers, hotel staff, etc. This should apply anywhere.
• Shop locally when you can. Don’t buy cheap, made-in-China souvenirs. Visit the Farmer’s Markets and buy souvenirs from local businesses.

Is it okay to visit Maui now?

So, is it okay to visit Maui now? Absolutely. It is okay to visit Maui, and your vacation won’t be affected by the fires. However, it’s more important than ever to visit with respect. Please educate yourself and be mindful that there are people on Maui who have lost their homes and even their family members or friends. 

There’s no better time than now to ensure that you’re visiting Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) the right way. I have a few more blog posts that can help you along the way!

• Hawaii FAQ + the questions you’re afraid to ask about Hawaii
• 10 things to know before going to Hawaii
• Maui vs. Oahu
• 27 Things to Do on Maui in July
• The 15 best resorts in Maui for families
• The ultimate guide to Upcountry Maui
• The ultimate guide to the Road to Hana
• 10 best Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours
• 5 reasons you might need a Hawaii Travel Agent

Lastly, I’d love to help book your vacation and answer any questions you have along the way. My contact information is below. 

If you’re not convinced, check out some of the videos we’ve filmed on Maui since last August:

• Four Seasons Maui Resort Review
• Hyatt Regency Maui Oceanfront King Room Tour
• Hyatt Regency Maui Resort Tour
• Andaz Maui Resort Tour

There are so many more on YouTube; if you prefer videos to blog posts, go check out our channel!

Travel Agent for Hawaii 

If you’re ready to book your Hawaii vacation, reach out! I’d love to chat with you about your ideal Hawaii vacation and make that idea a reality! Fill out my form so I can get an idea of your interests, needs, and budget, and let’s get started!

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