Have tourists returned to Maui?


Have tourists returned to Maui? Tourists were officially welcomed back to West Maui on Sunday, exactly two months after devastating wildfires displaced thousands of residents, killed 98 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Historic Lahaina Town – once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom – was, and is still, unrecognizable.


Is Kaanapali crowded?

Because Kaanapali is older and well established, it can get crowded during peak seasons, making it hard to find parking at times. It is a great place for those looking to be in the center of all the activity, however, and makes up for its hustle and bustle with more shopping and dining options.


How far in advance should I book a trip to Maui?

Our advice here will help you with your Maui trip planning. We recommend booking six months in advance to secure the best prices for rental cars and hotels. Plus, you will be able to pick your preferred hotel room for the dates you want. Things do sell out on Maui so book ahead for peace of mind.


Is tourism down on Maui 2023?

In August 2023, visitor arrivals to Oahu (507,702 visitors, +11.0%), Hawaii Island (152,951, +4.1%) and Kauai (131,628 visitors, +9.0%) increased while visitor arrivals to Maui (112,259 visitors, -57.8%) dropped significantly compared to August 2022.


What happened in Maui?

Some Lahaina residents will be allowed into their neighborhood on Monday to see what is left of their homes, for the first time since wildfires swept across parts of Maui on Aug. 8 and killed at least 97 people, making it one of the nation's deadliest disasters.


What are the cons of traveling to Maui?

Maui is family friendly and also perfect for a romantic getaway. Of Maui pros and cons, Bruce says Maui requires a lot of driving, and that while it increases in popularity it is getting more “touristy” and is the most expensive island to visit. “It's getting really expensive over there.


Did any of Kaanapali burn?

The good news is that much of Maui, including the popular Kaanapali Beach and Wailea, was not affected directly by the fire.


Is it safe to travel to Maui Hawaii right now?

October 8, 2023 Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again.


What started the Maui fires 2023?

Hawaiian Electric Company said that power lines falling in high winds seem to have caused a fire during the early morning of August 8, but power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours by the time a second afternoon fire began in the Lahaina area.


What is the best day of the week to fly to Maui?

Hawaii's perfect year-round climate means that summer is always a hugely popular time to visit. The most expensive days to fly this summer will be on the weekends. To get the best airfare prices, look to fly on Tuesday and Wednesdays. All summer long, midweek flights are a better price.


How do you visit Maui respectfully?

Maui Travel Tips: How to Respect the Locals While You're There
  1. Don't litter. ...
  2. Don't honk your horn. ...
  3. Be patient. ...
  4. Don't take anything from the beach. ...
  5. Don't haggle too much. ...
  6. Say “thank you.” ...
  7. Learn a few words in Hawaiian. ...
  8. Don't take photos of people without their permission.


Can you still go to Kaanapali?

The short answer is yes, you can travel to Maui right now and Maui is still open for tourists but West Maui is closed until October 8th, 2023.


Is Hawaii tourism back to normal?

While the pandemic pummeled Hawaii in its early stages, the Aloha State's tourism industry is back, and by some metrics, bigger than ever. The number of tourists from the U.S. mainland is higher than it was before the pandemic — and average spending per trip is also higher.


What is the tourist arrival forecast for 2023?

ITA's National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) forecasts the total volume of international visitation to the United States to increase to 62.8 million in 2023, up 11 million, or 21.2%, from a total 51.8 million visitors in 2022.


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.