Next month marks one year since the Lahaina fires, which caused immeasurable devastation. Maui continues to rebuild, and the tourism industry is eager to welcome visitors back. Here, we share our experiences on Maui and what you can expect when visiting different parts of the island, with a focus on the differences between West Maui and South Maui.
July 2024, vacant CONRAC (rental car) facility at OGG
Upon arriving at Kahului Airport, I immediately noticed that the number of visitors was down. Significantly down, in fact, considering that it was the week ending with the Fourth of July holiday, traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year across Hawaii. Many gates had no flights and stores were empty. The new car rental facility looks very appealing, and taking the new tram to get there is a fun way to start the vacation. But the facility also seemed pretty empty.
Hotel rates continue to rise, which makes me hesitant to go, even with the Kamaaina rates. We ended up staying somewhere we’d never stayed before and am reserving another review. Below is an example of what people are saying about the rates they are seeing:
“I’m heading to Maui next week for my first trip to Hawaii in 5 years. Maui has always been a fun place for me (this will be my 6th visit), but given the high cost of living and hostility towards tourists, I hope this won’t be my last trip. There are plenty of places to feel welcome. Without aloha, we’re finished. But I’m rooting for Maui.”
Recent comments from Beat of Hawaii readers.
West Maui Reconstruction.
Honokowai Beach Park in West Maui.
West Maui, including areas like Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua, is open to visitors and the tourism sector is eager to welcome the visitors needed to support the local economy. Businesses are open and the economy needs a bounce back after a terrible year. Tourism is our only hope for economic recovery.
Slaughterhouse Beach in West Maui.
West Maui Tourism Activities.
Although Lahaina is closed, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in West Maui.
Snorkeling and beach activities are on the rise this summer. The clear waters of Honolua Bay and Kapalua, and the beautiful beaches along Kaanapali, are still great for snorkeling and sunbathing, especially in Kapalua, where beaches were crowded just before the Fourth of July.
Busy Kapalua Beach on the island of West Maui.
West Maui delicacy and a unique welcome.
It had been decades since we last visited Maui, but this visit was completely unique. As we drove along the new Lahaina Bypass road, replete with privacy screens and traffic barriers, or simply from the atmosphere that, to our senses, had changed dramatically, it was hard not to be mindful of what had happened. Given what had happened, how could it stay the same? The roads that now circle Lahaina took some getting used to, partly because the shock of the situation was still fresh, and partly because the traffic patterns were so different from what we were always familiar with.
“You can’t enter Lahaina’s no-burn zone without a permit, but you can see the progress from the road. 317 properties have been cleared in Lahaina and 81 more homes have permission to begin rebuilding.”
Though West Maui officially welcomes tourists and needs them economically, the atmosphere may feel different. The closer you get to Lahaina, the more obvious the effects of the fires are from our experience. Tourists may feel a somber or unwelcoming atmosphere, and recovery efforts are visibly underway. However, the further away you go from Lahaina, such as Kapalua Bay, the less obvious the aftermath of the fires are. Here, the environment feels more like what tourists remember from Maui, with a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
“Anyone visiting West Maui should be aware of the hardships its residents have recently faced and approach their travels with greater caution. We personally know three families who have suffered great losses but were fortunate to survive the fires, but their lives have been changed forever.”
Beat of Hawaii Editorial Department
South Maui and Wailea: Luxury and leisure remain the same.
Wailea Beach in South Maui.
Unlike West Maui, South Maui and Wailea were largely unaffected by the fires and continue to offer tourists a serene and often luxurious experience. The area is known for its luxury resorts, amazing beaches, and world-class amenities, essentially the same experience we and other tourists have experienced for decades.
South Maui Activities and Attractions.
The classic popular beaches like Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, and Ulua Beach are great for swimming, snorkeling, and just relaxing by the water. We enjoyed the beaches as much, if not more, this week. The beaches were about as busy as usual for this time of year.
“Thank you for visiting Maui. I usually love what you write about our islands, but this time really wasn’t the case. I live on Maui and often walk (or try to walk) that trail, but it’s actually way too crowded and not a fun or relaxing experience… It’s a shame because you pointed out some MUST things to do in Maui.”
Reader comment from Beat of Hawaii.
Wailea Beach Pass – Could this be a “hidden” find?
“I love this trail and walk it almost every day. I’ve never had an unpleasant experience. It’s rarely crowded when I pass by and I enjoy seeing the faces of tourists marveling at the beauty of the beach, the flower-filled resort grounds, the gentle breeze and the sunsets.”
“Definitely the most fun place on the island. Don’t listen to the mean Debbie Downers, they exist and they are there to stir up negativity not only on our island but everywhere.”
“Once again we were made to feel unwelcome as Hawaii residents. This is very sad. The Aloha spirit is no longer what it once was. Due to this unwelcoming attitude we have decided not to travel to the Hawaiian Islands again. There are so many other beautiful places to visit in the world. Maybe if Hawaiians were treated like this while traveling they would understand. There is a serious case of NIMBY happening in the Hawaiian Islands!”
“My husband and I love this Wailea walk! We go every year, eat lunch at the same restaurant, and order the same food! It’s been a tradition for about 20 years now. Sure, the path gets busy, but that’s the case with many beautiful walks and trails in Hawaii and elsewhere. You just need to change your mindset! Thanks for posting!
The bottom line on what visitors to Maui can expect now.
Nearly a year after the Lahaina fires, Maui continues to offer a variety of experiences to visitors. While West Maui is focused on rebuilding and has officially welcomed visitors back to help revive its economy, South Maui and Wailea are the least affected areas and continue to offer visitors a similar experience on Maui.
Many hotels partner with volunteer organizations to give guests the opportunity to donate a few hours of their stay to help support the island of Maui, one example being the Hawaii Land Trust.
Visiting Maui and supporting local businesses is another way visitors can play an important role in the island’s ongoing recovery while enjoying the island’s unique beauty and culture that has long been Maui’s draw.
We welcome your feedback regarding your trip to Maui.
