Does Maui want tourists?

Does Maui want tourists? That message has since changed. “Maui's not closed,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a recent interview. People shouldn't go to Lahaina or the surrounding West Maui area — “It's not a place to stare,” Bissen said — but the rest of Maui needs tourists.

Would Maui survive without tourism?

Whether you like it or not, tourism is the main engine of our economy here on Maui. During COVID, we had lofty utopian thoughts of diversifying away from tourism, but it hasn't happened and would take far too long for our residents to survive financially.

Is it safe to walk in Maui?

General Safety Although tourist areas are generally safe, visitors should always stay alert, even in laid-back Maui (and especially in resort and beach areas). It's wise to ask the island tourist office if you're in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Maui?

To live comfortably in Hawaii, an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single person, or $120,000 to $200,000 for a family is recommended. Is it expensive to live in Hawaii? Yes, Hawaii is known for its high cost of living due to factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

Why do people love Maui so much?

One of the main reasons to fall in love with Maui is undoubtedly its gorgeous beaches. Volumes have been written about Maui beaches and their diversity. From white to black and red sand, from snorkeling to windsurfing and swimming, Maui has over 30 miles of unbelievably beautiful beaches.

Does Hawaii want tourists after fire?

Hawaii public officials want tourists back after the horrible wildfire as soon as possible, but airlines and tour operators know that it takes time for local communities to heal. Maui's tourism recovery has been moving at a sluggish pace since the wildfires devastated the island's western region in early August.

Is Hawaii tourism picking up?

As our chart illustrates, the number of U.S. travelers visiting islands like Hawai'i, O'ahu or Maui has been rising continuously since 2014, crossing the 7-million mark for the first time in 2022.

Is it safe to walk around Maui at night?

General Safety Don't go into any city park at night unless there's an event that attracts a crowd. Generally speaking, you can feel safe in areas where there are many people and open establishments. Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and don't display expensive cameras or electronic equipment.

How do you visit Maui respectfully?

Is there crime against tourists in Maui?

Maui is generally safe, but you can expect accounts of petty crime as with any tourist destination. Some visitors make the mistake of leaving valuables like cameras and purses visible in their car, only to come back from shopping or hiking to find their windows smashed.

Does Maui want tourists after fire?

In the days following the deadly wildfires, many Hawaiians told tourists to stay away. But a month later, officials are asking people to return responsibly.

Will tourism come back to Maui?

Tourism is slowly coming back to Maui as the Hawaiian government starts to lift travel restrictions to the western region, two months after devastating wildfires that left nearly 100 dead and displaced thousands of people. West Maui will reopen to tourists in three staggered phases.

Does Hawaii survive off tourism?

Hawaii heavily depends on the revenue generated by tourism to fund various state programs and initiatives. Without tourism, the state would experience a substantial decrease in tax revenue, which would directly impact its ability to provide essential public services.

Is homelessness a problem on Maui?

A 2023 point-in-time report shows Lahaina as the region with the second most homeless people on the island at 113, after Central Maui.

What is the least touristy part of Maui?

For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.

Is Maui losing its beaches?

Out of all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is facing the most erosion – data indicates that 85% of Maui's beaches are experiencing long-term erosion. West Maui, where the Kahana Sunset resides, has been heavily impacted by high waves and erosion, according to Owens.

Is it ethical to travel to Hawaii 2023?

Here's why. Fodor's Travel named Maui one of 10 destinations on its 2023 “No List” that tourists should reconsider visiting this year. The travel publication outlined 10 regions ranging from Antarctica to Italy that are threatened by environmental damage caused by overtourism and climate change.