Rethinking Maui next year due to fires

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just say for anyone reading this thread to decide where to go in Hawaii other than Maui, Oahu’s north shore is truly gorgeous. We have been fortunate enough to go there (and also Maui, Big Island and Kauai) a couple of times and Ohau north shore is my hands down favorite place.

OP here. I think this is our new plan. Instead of Kauai to Maui, we will do Kauai to Oahu and stay on the north shore. This will also allow my husband to visit Pearl Harbor. We are flying on miles so will need to make our initial flight choices soon, which is the only reason we need to decide so far in advance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Next year is probably a great time to go. Most stuff will be rebuilt but tourists won't be in the same volume due to postponing trips.

No, most stuff will likely not be rebuilt by next year. An entire town with almost 2000 structures was decimated. It will take years for Lahaina to rebuild. it's an island, getting supplies and workers there to rebuild the infrastructure will take time

In addition, the big resorts around Kaanapali are going to be less convenient. The main road road from the airport to the West side of the island goes around the southern side of the West part of the island. That road goes right through the burned out part near Lahaina and likely that road is going to become the main route for all supplies for rebuilding the West side of the island. Traffic along the south side will be bad for the next few years. If you want to try to get to/from the airport, the aquarium the road to Hana and many of the other attractions on the island of Maui, traffic is likely going to have to push up to the smaller northern route which takes twice as long to get back to the airport in the center of the island. Unless you plan to stay only in the resort (which some will do), the West side is not going to be as attractive a destination as it was for several years.

One option might be for the big resorts to go to 50% capacity next year. They will need housing for workers and can use half their rooms for that and it will minimize the burden on the roads, etc. this is a dumb question but was the Costco destroyed? Costco is really central for Hawaiins.

No, Costco is in Kahului and that area was untouched, thankfully, as that is also the port for getting supplies onto the island as well as the main airport

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Next year is probably a great time to go. Most stuff will be rebuilt but tourists won't be in the same volume due to postponing trips.

No, most stuff will likely not be rebuilt by next year. An entire town with almost 2000 structures was decimated. It will take years for Lahaina to rebuild. it's an island, getting supplies and workers there to rebuild the infrastructure will take time

In addition, the big resorts around Kaanapali are going to be less convenient. The main road road from the airport to the West side of the island goes around the southern side of the West part of the island. That road goes right through the burned out part near Lahaina and likely that road is going to become the main route for all supplies for rebuilding the West side of the island. Traffic along the south side will be bad for the next few years. If you want to try to get to/from the airport, the aquarium the road to Hana and many of the other attractions on the island of Maui, traffic is likely going to have to push up to the smaller northern route which takes twice as long to get back to the airport in the center of the island. Unless you plan to stay only in the resort (which some will do), the West side is not going to be as attractive a destination as it was for several years.

One option might be for the big resorts to go to 50% capacity next year. They will need housing for workers and can use half their rooms for that and it will minimize the burden on the roads, etc. this is a dumb question but was the Costco destroyed? Costco is really central for Hawaiins.

Dumb that I know this, but Costco is ok. Oprah was shopping there on Friday to bring diapers, pillows and other things to people sheltering at the gym.

Yeah, cause Oprah is who they need right now. They need Jose Andreas.

His organization WCK has been on the ground since Thursday or Friday on Maui, doing what they do best

[Anonymous]

https://www.kitv.com/news/tourism-for-west-maui-discouraged-but-other-portions-of-maui-are-open-for-tourists/article_274d0df0-39f0-11ee-8901-b7a129841b01.html

from the Mayor’s mouth. thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.kitv.com/news/tourism-for-west-maui-discouraged-but-other-portions-of-maui-are-open-for-tourists/article_274d0df0-39f0-11ee-8901-b7a129841b01.html

from the Mayor’s mouth. thoughts?

Should we will listen to the voices on the ground like the scolds told us or do they think they still know better?

[Anonymous]

according to governor only 1K hotel rooms have been secured for evacuees and first responders. there are 10K+ hotel rooms on maui not including other types of lodging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Next year is probably a great time to go. Most stuff will be rebuilt but tourists won't be in the same volume due to postponing trips.

No, most stuff will likely not be rebuilt by next year. An entire town with almost 2000 structures was decimated. It will take years for Lahaina to rebuild. it's an island, getting supplies and workers there to rebuild the infrastructure will take time

In addition, the big resorts around Kaanapali are going to be less convenient. The main road road from the airport to the West side of the island goes around the southern side of the West part of the island. That road goes right through the burned out part near Lahaina and likely that road is going to become the main route for all supplies for rebuilding the West side of the island. Traffic along the south side will be bad for the next few years. If you want to try to get to/from the airport, the aquarium the road to Hana and many of the other attractions on the island of Maui, traffic is likely going to have to push up to the smaller northern route which takes twice as long to get back to the airport in the center of the island. Unless you plan to stay only in the resort (which some will do), the West side is not going to be as attractive a destination as it was for several years.

100%

The impact will be enormous. Kihei and Wailea will be the main places to stay going forward, but there are only so many accommodations and resorts. The heart of Maui will be missing. Perhaps there will be more exploration of other areas, like Paia, but still. It won’t be the same and tourism will be slow for quite awhile. Perhaps that’s for the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For our 20th next year we had planned for Kauai and Maui. I spent a ton of time researching which islands to choose. We haven’t bought flights yet and hotel can be cancelled and I’m seriously considering changing from Maui to another island. I didn’t know that west Maui had devastating wildfires less than 5 years ago too. Should we just go to Oahu and stay apart from the Waikiki area? Do the north and west parts?

Thoughts? I feel so badly for everyone on Maui now, both residents and tourists.

Go to Tahiti or the Cooks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We leave for Hawaii next week, Honolulu first, and Maui was supposed to be the end of our trip. It’s clear we won’t be going to Maui this trip but I’m not yet sure what we’re going to do. The airlines are focused on the next few days so I haven’t called yet. But starting to think of alternate plans. I’m sorry to see the devastation there. Such a tough situation for the locals right now.

I probably would try to cancel or postpone. All of Hawaiis infrastructure is severely taxed right now. Overwhelmed hospitals, rescuers and first responders stretched thin, etc.

You don’t vacation in a state where they currently need the Red Cross and disaster relief due to catastrophic circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Next week? Definitely don't go. We're planning/scheduled to go to Oahu in March. Obviously that's way far away so we won't make any decisions until closer to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally would not visit Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) next year. The islands have limited resources, food, etc. The individuals and economy will still be feeling the devastation of the wildfires.

I don’t see any reason not to visit the other islands.

Residents were begging people to stop visiting Hawaii prior to the wildfires. Maybe listen to the people on the ground rather than your selfish desires.

The Hawaii economy revolves around tourism. Without it they cannot survive, so no, they are not asking you to stop coming before the wildfires

Hawaii was around and thriving long before the white man turned it into their tropical playground. they were forced to focus on tourism because of demand, not by choice. Much like how they were taken over and colonized by the US.

Most business in Hawaii, including Airbnb's, are owned by people/cooperation's that are not even centered in Hawaii. Tourism has wrecked the land and habitat. During covid when there were no tourists and the reefs and lands began to recover from years of abuse. Most tourists who visit are not respectful and do not care about maintaining the natural habitat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally would not visit Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) next year. The islands have limited resources, food, etc. The individuals and economy will still be feeling the devastation of the wildfires.

I don’t see any reason not to visit the other islands.

Residents were begging people to stop visiting Hawaii prior to the wildfires. Maybe listen to the people on the ground rather than your selfish desires.

Ridiculous. I live in a popular tourist destination. We love to hate the tourists, but we know we need them. At least the smart ones do.

Seriously. Grass is always greener.

- Floridian

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally would not visit Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) next year. The islands have limited resources, food, etc. The individuals and economy will still be feeling the devastation of the wildfires.

I don’t see any reason not to visit the other islands.

Residents were begging people to stop visiting Hawaii prior to the wildfires. Maybe listen to the people on the ground rather than your selfish desires.

The Hawaii economy revolves around tourism. Without it they cannot survive, so no, they are not asking you to stop coming before the wildfires

Hawaii was around and thriving long before the white man turned it into their tropical playground. they were forced to focus on tourism because of demand, not by choice. Much like how they were taken over and colonized by the US.

Most business in Hawaii, including Airbnb's, are owned by people/cooperation's that are not even centered in Hawaii. Tourism has wrecked the land and habitat. During covid when there were no tourists and the reefs and lands began to recover from years of abuse. Most tourists who visit are not respectful and do not care about maintaining the natural habitat.

1) Show me a tourist destination that doesn't have complaints about how tourists behave and treat their home.
2) It is insulting to imply that the native Hawaiian's were just these peaceful, happy people, weaving baskets and living in harmony until Captain Cook showed up. The chiefs wanted the things the traders brought to them and chose to engage in trade and reap the benefits. In the end there is one who is dominant and one who is the loser. This is the history of virtually all peoples in the history of time. They are not special or unique in that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally would not visit Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) next year. The islands have limited resources, food, etc. The individuals and economy will still be feeling the devastation of the wildfires.

I don’t see any reason not to visit the other islands.

Residents were begging people to stop visiting Hawaii prior to the wildfires. Maybe listen to the people on the ground rather than your selfish desires.

The Hawaii economy revolves around tourism. Without it they cannot survive, so no, they are not asking you to stop coming before the wildfires

Hawaii was around and thriving long before the white man turned it into their tropical playground. they were forced to focus on tourism because of demand, not by choice. Much like how they were taken over and colonized by the US.

Most business in Hawaii, including Airbnb's, are owned by people/cooperation's that are not even centered in Hawaii. Tourism has wrecked the land and habitat. During covid when there were no tourists and the reefs and lands began to recover from years of abuse. Most tourists who visit are not respectful and do not care about maintaining the natural habitat.

1) Show me a tourist destination that doesn't have complaints about how tourists behave and treat their home.
2) It is insulting to imply that the native Hawaiian's were just these peaceful, happy people, weaving baskets and living in harmony until Captain Cook showed up. The chiefs wanted the things the traders brought to them and chose to engage in trade and reap the benefits. In the end there is one who is dominant and one who is the loser. This is the history of virtually all peoples in the history of time. They are not special or unique in that way.

Ok colonizer.
So if I am dominant and you are a loser can I have your house?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally would not visit Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) next year. The islands have limited resources, food, etc. The individuals and economy will still be feeling the devastation of the wildfires.

I don’t see any reason not to visit the other islands.

Residents were begging people to stop visiting Hawaii prior to the wildfires. Maybe listen to the people on the ground rather than your selfish desires.

The Hawaii economy revolves around tourism. Without it they cannot survive, so no, they are not asking you to stop coming before the wildfires

Hawaii was around and thriving long before the white man turned it into their tropical playground. they were forced to focus on tourism because of demand, not by choice. Much like how they were taken over and colonized by the US.

Most business in Hawaii, including Airbnb's, are owned by people/cooperation's that are not even centered in Hawaii. Tourism has wrecked the land and habitat. During covid when there were no tourists and the reefs and lands began to recover from years of abuse. Most tourists who visit are not respectful and do not care about maintaining the natural habitat.

1) Show me a tourist destination that doesn't have complaints about how tourists behave and treat their home.
2) It is insulting to imply that the native Hawaiian's were just these peaceful, happy people, weaving baskets and living in harmony until Captain Cook showed up. The chiefs wanted the things the traders brought to them and chose to engage in trade and reap the benefits. In the end there is one who is dominant and one who is the loser. This is the history of virtually all peoples in the history of time. They are not special or unique in that way.

Ok colonizer.
So if I am dominant and you are a loser can I have your house?

Yeah, that’s how it’s been since the beginning of time. Should we do blood tests on everyone and make them all go back to to where the bulk of their DNA came from? Technically no one should be there. It was empty when the Polynesians found it.