Everything you need to know about traveling to Maui now—Is it okay to travel there? What parts of the island remain off-limits to visitors? And how to support Maui’s on the ground organizations as they heal from the wildfire

Written by Lauren

Oh, Lāhainā.

I ended my stay on Maui (in 2022) in Lāhainā, and it was honestly my favorite part of the island.

From strolling beneath the Banyan tree to walking the shops along Front street to setting sail from the harbor to spot whales to finding hidden plant-covered cafe patios down alleyways, I can still feel the way the breeze felt blowing in off the ‘Au’au Channel.

I can still see the King’s Taro Patch on Front Street.

I can still feel the way the old, the ancient, and the sacred mixed and intermingled with the new, the retro, the throwback and charm of the plantation era heyday.

Was it crowded? Yes. Touristy? Absolutely. Borderline kitschy? Without a doubt. And parking? Whew, don’t get me started.

And yet, Lāhainā—the ancestral home of Hawaiian royalty—was just pure Maui magic to me. A place of history and contradiction and juxtaposition and whimsy.

And I was only there for six days.

All that to say, I cannot imagine to fathom the depth of the loss and grief of those with deep, generational ties there that lost everything in the wildfire.

So, how do we travel to Maui, responsibly and respectfully, now?

And how can we mālama (support) Maui as the island heals and rebuilds?

Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Maui now:

Maui is open for visitors.

Travelers are welcome in Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Makena, Pā’ia, Hāna, the Upcountry, Haleakalā, and even some parts of West Maui such as Kapalua and Kāʻanapali.

Do not go to Lāhainā.

But it is okay to go to open parts of West Maui and support those businesses as long as you do so respectfully.

Many displaced families are being housed in West Maui, many in hotels and resorts.

Be aware that the community has endured much suffering and displacement, and is still healing. The wound is still raw and will be for years to come.

As with anywhere, there are mixed feelings and high emotions. There are some Hawaiians and locals alike that do not want you there. There are others who are ready to welcome you with open arms because their livelihood depends on tourism.

And make no mistake, if tourism dollars stop flowing into the Hawaiian economy, we’re in big trouble.

Even since the pandemic, there are those in Hawaii (and in many other tourist hot spots) who want to take this time as an opportunity to re-envision a better and more beautiful way forward—one that honors the land and its people and also holds space for the mindful visitor.

My best advice is to go with an open heart, be generous (tip well, my friends), and support local businesses.

◦ Do not discuss the wildfires with locals—you are not entitled to their answers or their deference to you as a tourist

◦ As always, travel with compassion, kindness, patience, respect, and reverence

◦ Be patient and flexible—be aware that you might have to wait longer for services and that the aloha of locals may be in short supply

◦ Be conscientious with your words

Shop local
Kuhikuhi | discover Native Hawaiian owned businesses
Maui Nui First | eat, shop, play, live, work, stay, support local
Pop-up Makeke | shop local Maui vendors

How to Support Maui’s on the ground organizations

Latest Lāhainā Updates

As of the fall of 2024, most families have been placed in long-term housing and rebuilding has begun.

The iconic Lāhainā Banyan tree—which was badly damaged in the wildfire—is showing signs of new growth and recovery, thanks to a team of arborists working to save the 150 year old tree.

The iconic Banyan tree was planted in 1873

Lāhainā history

While the loss of any life and homes is devastating under any circumstances, part of what makes the Lāhainā wildfire so devastating is the loss of historical structures and buildings, especially those relating to Native Hawaiian history.

Lāhainā became the capitol of the Hawaiian kingdom under King Kamehameha the Great in the 1790s and remained there until it was moved to Honolulu in 1840 by King Kamehameha III.

Lāhainā has a colorful history to say the least—kings and queens, Christian missionaries, sailors, and whales.

Historically a whaling port, it later served as a sleepy sugar cane plantation town in the first half of the twentieth century until developers started coming in.

Lāhainā means “merciless sun”

While there is a deep sorrow for things we can’t replace, a grief that will never fully go away, I try to remember, for better or for worse—

You can’t rebuild history.

Nor can you rewrite it.

Lāhainā’s history will always be Lāhainā’s history, regardless of which structures remain standing or not.

If we’ve learned anything from this, it’s that Lāhainā ’s heart isn’t its history or its quirky retro shops on Front Street—it’s its people, its community.

There is no doubt that Lāhainā has always been and always will be a special place full of eccentricity and character and history—the resting place of kings and queens, the stomping grounds of sailors, christian missionaries, and tourists alike, and the home of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and Kama’aina (long term Hawaiian residents).

So, yes, Maui is open once again for travelers and tourists.

While Lāhainā recovers (and forevermore), remember to travel to Maui with an open, generous heart. Be respectful, be kind, and be compassionate.

Be conscientious with your words. Embody the spirit of aloha.

Support the economy by shopping local. Support Maui’s on the ground organizations with donations or volunteer while you’re on the island.

So here’s to Lāhainā Town, to all the roosters and all its residents, to the Feast of Lele luau, to Front Street and Fleetwood’s, Down the Hatch, and the Pioneer Inn. To the grand green expanse of the Bayan Tree and the warm breezes off Lāhainā harbor. To remembering and rebuilding.

May we walk your streets once again.