Wildfires are still burning on Maui, and the death toll is climbing. What can those who love Maui do?
We have been flooded with questions such as, “What can those who love Maui do?”
For those who have planned vacations in the immediate future, the answer is simple. Don’t go.
For those who have planned vacations this fall and holiday season, however, the answers are more complicated. And they may change.
Lahaina itself may take years to rebuild.
Although the resort areas north of Lahaina — Kaanapali, Kahana, Kapula, & Napili — were not damaged, many travelers to Hawaii who have stayed in those areas (myself included) often went to Lahaina for the day — for water activities, sightseeing and just wandering around, enjoying the town along the water. And, importantly for the economy, eating in restaurants and shopping.
It’s such a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but my long-time favorite restaurant, Mala Tavern, a mile north of downtown Lahaina, apparently had their building survive, but they are justifiably more concerned about their staff and island residents and will probably not reopen until 2024.
The whole island of Maui, however, depends on tourism.
And this is true more so on Maui than any other Hawaiian island, since 51 percent of their jobs are directly related to tourism.
It’s a tough issue. South Maui — Kihei and Wailea — were unaffected, and hotels are open. Hotels in West Maui are not, but may be able to reopen in a matter of weeks. Many workers live in the Lahaina area. Housing, especially affordable housing, may be a long-time problem.
Now, some travelers won’t grapple or worry about this as long as they can be comfortable, as most travel agents and hotel people know. White Lotus, an HBO streaming program, aptly portrayed a particularly wealthy and clueless segment of the travel population.
There will be those “disaster tourism” fans who want to see the devastation for themselves.
At some point, local Hawaiian officials and residents will say it’s safe and fine for tourists to visit. Economics will encourage visitors. New Orleans, one of my favorite cities, comes to mind. After Katrina, the city needed tourists and tourist dollars to return. And even now, some companies offer “Ninth Ward Tours,” along with long-time cemetery and voodoo tours. But then, New Orleans has always had a dark sense of humor
If travelers avoid the island of Maui completely, the local residents will suffer. So what to do?
In the short run, there are many ways to help Maui. Check with the local chamber of commerce to ensure you are not scammed.
World Central Kitchen keeps feeding the survivors on Maui.
Be careful that you are donating to a reputable charity. The Hawaii Community Foundation is the foundation many local officials have recommended. But there are other good charities, like World Central Kitchen, which feeds people worldwide after natural disasters and to victims of the war in Ukraine.
A Hawaiian friend recommends the United Way as the only organization giving cash to impacted families. “Without cash, those impacted can’t purchase things they need not supplied by others.” And another startup over the last half a decade has been Team Rubicon made up of millions of former military volunteers that help out those in need.
And I am guessing that, as after Katrina, many local businesses may start up on a mail-order basis. Personally, I made it a point to order King Cakes from New Orleans bakeries that were not getting their usual tourist business. The Honolulu Cookie Company, for example, which lost its Front Street store in Lahaina, has already done a 2-day sale with all net proceeds going to Maui. No doubt others, such as restaurants and craftspeople, will start up again with virtual stores.
But again, it’s too soon to tell for the longer run.
The Hawaii Tourism Association and GoHawaii.com should eventually provide updates and recommendations. And clearly, this will be an individual decision for many people, with perhaps no right or wrong answer.
Like many in the travel industry, I’ve already been asked. And, for now, do the best you can do by sending good wishes and prayers or whatever you believe in to the island. Send donations, if you are able. Also, consider purchasing items from Maui businesses when they start up again with mail orders (the Christmas shopping season isn’t THAT far away).
When you return to Maui, or visit for the first time, be especially respectful. And kind. As the Mala Tavern motto said, “Practice Aloha.”
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Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
