Maui Is Open And Will Welcome You With Warm Aloha

Forbes Lifestyle Travel Maui Is Open And Will Welcome You With Warm Aloha Debbi Kickham Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Former editor of Robb Report, Debbi has written about luxuries from Asprey to Zegna. Following Oct 28, 2023, 09:25pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The beaches of Maui will beckon you with warm aloha.

© Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson Here is important travel news that everyone should know — the intoxicatingly beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii – our 50 th state – is open and making a concerted effort to welcome compassionate travelers to the island right now. This comes in the wake of the devastating August wildfires that recently destroyed the town of Lahaina and surrounding areas. I consider this news as important, because so much discussion that we’ve heard of Maui on the mainland has been to a large extent misinformed and under the wrong impression: Many people believe that the entire island of Maui was affected by the wildfires, and as a result, there arose a misconception that the entire island was closed.

Many people believe that they cannot visit Maui at all, and as a result, many could cancel long-planned trips to the island. Nothing could be further from the truth. Lahaina, the picturesque town that was destroyed, and the immediately surrounding area of Lahaina, was the only area victimized by the wildfires.

There are many other beautiful areas of Maui that, thankfully, were left untouched. Couples, families, honeymooners and business groups should know right now that they would be well-advised to keep the island of Maui in their travel plans, for vacations, conferences, destination weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals — and a lot more. West Maui – which includes the areas of Kapalua, Kahana, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kāʻanapali – has begun a phased reopening to welcome visitors again.

Of course, Lahaina Town itself remains fully closed to the public out of respect for the town’s residents, who are still grieving and healing from the devastation. Maui county government and civic officials, recently announced a three-phased reopening of West Maui hotel and tourist accommodations. Phase One of the reopening plan began on October 8.

On October 25, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the rest of West Maui located north of Lahaina from Kahana to Kā‘anapali — will begin reopening on Wednesday, November 1. This will constitute Phases 2 and 3. The decision to reopen West Maui was made following discussions with the Mayor’s Lahaina advisory team, the Red Cross and other partners, and the community feedback that followed the first phase of reopening which began on October 8.

As many displaced wildfire survivors were provided short-term accommodations in area hotels, Governor Josh Green, M. D. , Mayor Bissen, and the Red Cross continue to assure the public that housing for displaced survivors will not be in jeopardy as a result of the phased reopening.

MORE FOR YOU Check Your Email: 50,000 Borrowers Get Student Loan Forgiveness Notices, And Yes, It’s Real ‘South Park: Joining The Panderverse’ Review — Disney Satire At Its Finest Loki Just Gave Us The Best Death Best Villain And Best Cliffhanger In The Current MCU The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advises travelers to double-check in advance with individual accommodations, activities and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of operation. As travelers return to Maui after the devastating August wildfires, they will help to sustain jobs, keep businesses open, and support the community. Maui is an ideal location for destination weddings, vow-renewal ceremonies, honeymooners — and all .

. . [+] romantics.

© Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vince Soliven In Kapalua, for example, The Ritz-Carlton and The Montage Kapalua Bay , two luxury hotels, are open to visitors, and more than ready, willing and able to deliver the iconic aloha spirit that Hawaii is famous for. Take for example, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, which is located on 54 acres, surrounded by 36 holes of championship golf in the midst of a scenic 22,000-acre resort, set amongst the site of an historic pineapple plantation. It overlooks a pristine golden-sand beach and recently completed a $100-million resort-wide transformation.

We recently visited the resort in early October and while several of the food-and-beverage outlets were closed at that time, as was the Club Lounge, its luxury hotel rooms were widely available, as was the spa and other amenities and services. But at this writing, all of the restaurant outlets have re-opened, especially the va-va-va-voom Club Lounge, with fantastic food preparations all day long. Similarly, the ultra-luxurious Montage Kapalua Bay hotel, located ten miles north of Lahaina, which sits on a 24-acre oceanfront resort, was also untouched by the devastation.

We visited this property and are happy to report that it is indeed open to the public, who can experience unabashed luxury from the get-go. Its Cane & Canoe restaurant was still offering gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, its spa was still offering two-hour Maui Maluhia massages in private hales, and it’s award-winning beach – Kapalua Bay – was still charming visitors as one of the world’s Number One stretches of sand. Right now, travelers to West Maui can also enjoy numerous dining options including Taverna, Roy’s, Hula Grill, Leilani’s On The Beach, Duke’s, and Maui Brewing Company, to name a few.

More are opening every week. Many other parts of the island are also open and offer a wealth of wonderful things to do. Paia, a charming coastal town on Maui’s North Shore, is a great place to visit – known as a surfer’s paradise, its picturesque beaches and laid-back vibe attract visitors seeking a relaxed community and bohemian atmosphere.

A special and unique place, I’ve always thought of Paia as a throwback to the late ‘60’s. It is also the gateway to the iconic Road to Hana, which typically is a four-hour car adventure filled with waterfalls, gorgeous scenery, and miles of curved roads. In South Maui, the upscale and world-class community of Wailea was untouched by the fires, and continues to welcome travelers to its shores.

This upper-crust destination is famous for its stunning sandy beaches, spas, shopping, restaurants, and upscale hotels. At the posh Grand Wailea Resort , A Waldorf Astoria hotel, everything was and is in full swing. The resort is actually in the midst of a huge renovation of its world-class spa, which is scheduled to re-open in February 2024, as part of the resort’s overall $350 Million renovation.

An interview with John Paul Oliver, Managing Director of the Grand Wailea, made clear how guest-ready the resort is, and how exciting their multi-million dollar renovations really are. One of its signature restaurants, Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (named for the state’s official fish) was also undergoing a huge renovation, and will be ready to open to diners shortly, in November. In fact, while we were there, the New York Life company was in attendance, taking advantage of the resort’s meeting facilities for their conference.

Down the road at Wailea Beach Resort again, this amazing resort was operating on all cylinders, and playing to a packed house, many of them families who came to enjoy the posh resort’s many pools (one with the island’s tallest waterslide), their newest Olakino posh pool for adults, the resort’s world-class luau, and it’s full roster of daily fun activities – for both adults and kids. Just a few things to bear in mind if you decide to visit Maui in the coming months. It is more than important – in fact, it is critical – to visit the island with a heart full of compassion and empathy for its local resident population.

This known as “Malama Maui” (care for Maui). Says Ilihia Gionson, Public Affairs Officer, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority: “ In caring for Maui’s communities, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is supporting residents who work in the hospitality industry and business owners who rely on visitors by encouraging mindful visitation to the island. The best way to support Maui in its recovery is for travelers to continue with their Maui vacations and don’t cancel those trips.

Maui’s economy is dependent on a robust visitor industry and there is lots to see and do while you’re here. We are asking for respectful, compassionate, responsible travel as visitation is welcomed and encouraged. This includes staying away from Lahaina out of respect for the survivors and practicing patience and compassion.

One way that visitors can express aloha is by refraining from asking local residents about what they have been through – a well-intentioned question may be unwelcome to a disaster survivor. Visitors can also mālama (care for) the people of Maui by shopping at local businesses, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying the many great activities and attractions throughout the rest of the island. ” As an example – one local company that you may want to support is Project Reef .

This valuable Maui-based company makes mineral sunscreens –without the common ingredients that are toxic to life on coral reefs. You may not be aware that Maui has recently outlawed most sunscreens in favor of mineral sunscreens. In fact, many of the resorts that we visited offered complimentary Project Reef sunscreen at the pool for its guests.

That’s good for guests – and good for Maui’s natural reef resources. A press release issued by the Hawaii Tourism Authority also included this information: Make sure you’ve packed two things on this trip: Patience and grace. Expect to wait for longer than you’re used to for food or other services.

Have compassion for those you interact with, as trauma may greatly affect people’s behavior right now. Support local businesses. Your visit will support Maui businesses that rely on tourism for their families’ livelihood.

More advice: Do not enter the impacted area of Lahaina Town or take photos of the area, even from afar. The area is restricted because conditions can be hazardous to your health. Respect the privacy of survivors and the dignity of those who lost their lives.

Do not ask about a resident’s personal experience with the disaster. While a question such as “Were you impacted by the fire?” may be intended to be supportive, many survivors are not ready to share their experiences with others. If you come across a memorial service or other private gathering, leave the area immediately.

This could be a funeral, a solemn ocean ceremony, or a demonstration. Respect the gathered survivors and residents – please, do not take photos or videos. See more tips on how to visit respectfully and other resources at the website of the Governor’s Office of Wellness & Resilience.

If you would like to provide a monetary donation in support of ongoing relief efforts on Maui, please visit www. Mauinuistrong. info .

Personally, on our visit, we brought plenty of cash – singles, fives and tens, and tipped generously and as often as possible, to so many of the locals who crossed our path. It was not lost on us: That waitress serving us coconut shrimp – or the housekeeper fluffing our towels – may have lost their homes, family members, and friends in the devastation. They deserve all of our emotional and financial support.

And a final thought – cue the music of the late, famous Hawaiian singer, Iz, singing, “Over The Rainbow. ” It will remind you of why this place is so special. But remember, you are not officially on Maui until you see one of its rainbows, which the island is famous for.

In addition, personally, I also always make sure to do these things in the very first few hours after I arrive on the island, which always fill me with joy. You may want to try these things on your own: Smell a fragrant plumeria flower Drink a guava juice Stick your toes in the sand Enjoy a chocolate-covered macadamia nut. And say a prayer of gratitude on the beach.

And here’s an insider tip – our sources have revealed that the island’s very-best-ever banana bread is on the main drag past Kapalua on Mile Marker 38, from the food truck that is frequently located there. That’s Maui for you – full of wonderful things just waiting to be discovered. Warm aloha to you all.

@MauiVisitorsBureau, @VisitMaui For more about my Wanderlust and Wellness travels, please Follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham . Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn . Check out my website .

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