Yes, Go to Maui. But Here’s What NOT to Do on Your Visit

To recover economically from the devastating fires, Maui needs respectful tourism. Here’s how to visit with Aloha.

My husband and I recently returned from another visit to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui. 

Since moving to Oahu, we have enjoyed frequent island-hopping trips and Maui is always at the top of our list.

In fact, we had a weekend trip planned to Lahaina on August 11th, 2023. Obviously, due to the tragic fires that occurred on August 8th, we had to postpone that trip.

And sadly, the lovely B&B we booked in historic Lahaina Town did not survive the fires. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

In the weeks and months after the fires, we followed the local news closely and debated how long to wait to reschedule our trip.

Should we return to Maui now? Or is it the right thing to stay away and let the island grieve?  

During those months, the message to potential visitors was murky.

But in early 2024, Maui launched a tourism reboot called “Mākaukau Maui” which in Hawaiian means “ready” or “prepared.” The message to visitors is that Maui is ready to welcome you back with Aloha.

So yes, it’s time to return to Maui

While Lahaina itself remains closed to the public indefinitely, the rest of Maui is open and ready to welcome respectful visitors.

And they need your support.

Maui is a tourist destination and the island’s economic recovery is heavily dependent on a respectful return to tourism.  

One year after the fires, tourism remains down 20% and that is a major challenge for the island’s economic recovery. If the tourists (and jobs) don’t return soon, many local residents will be forced to relocate to a more affordable place to live.

And that alone is a good reason to plan your visit as soon as possible. 

And the good news is, when you plan a trip to Maui you’re helping to support the island’s economic recovery.

​But that invitation comes with an important disclaimer

Maui needs respectful visitors who arrive with the spirit of Aloha. Visitors who want to support the island’s recovery while also enjoying their vacation.

There’s a nuance to visiting the island right now. A clear right and wrong way to behave. And it’s important to understand the emotional state of the island before you arrive.

Confident that we were exactly the type of visitors Maui needed, we rescheduled our 2023 trip a few months after the fires.

We have now visited Maui twice in the past year. On our first visit, in October of 2023, we limited our stay to South Maui and Wailea. On our recent visit, in August of 2024, we returned to West Maui and stayed in Ka’anapali.

Both visits were a wonderful experience and we were able to balance a few days of true vacation with a desire to help where we could. 

On both visits, we were warmly welcomed everywhere we went. Much progress has been made since last fall. But there’s still a long way to go.

So, if you’re wondering…

Should I go to Maui right now? 

Yes, without a doubt, now is the time to go back to Maui. The return of tourism is critical to the island’s recovery. As we were landing in Maui last fall, it was hard to miss the huge field full of unused rental cars.

If you’re considering planning a trip to Maui, I heartily encourage you to do it.   

But first…

The Golden Rules of Visiting Maui Now

Most of what I’m going to say here should go without saying. But I’m still going to say it.

Because respect for this community still trying to recover from devastation is so important.

When you visit Maui, please:

• DON’T attempt to visit any affected areas in West Maui (including Lahaina Town, Front Street, Lahaina Harbor, and any of the beaches nearby).
• DON’T ask locals about their personal experience during the fire.
• DON’T take selfies with Lahaina signs.
• DON’T take photos of any fire damage you encounter during your visit.
• DON’T waste water. Water conservation has always been important on Maui but now so more than ever. Skip laundry, reuse towels, every little bit helps.
• DON’T be cheap. Maui is an expensive place to visit (imagine how expensive it is to live there). The island needs your generosity of spirit and wallet.

But enough about what NOT to do in Maui.

Let’s get back on a positive note and talk about what you SHOULD DO when you visit Maui. And honestly, if you’re taking the time to read this, you’re not the type of traveler who would do any of the above anyway! 

Now, let’s talk about some positive ways you can make an impact with your visit to Maui.

5 things you should do when you visit Maui:

1. Lead with Aloha 

The word “Aloha” is so much more than just hello and goodbye. It’s generosity and compassion. It’s love and encouragement.

The spirit of Aloha is the very essence of the Hawaiian Islands. So much so that it’s even defined by state law as “mutual regard and affection” and a guiding philosophy to “extend warmth in caring with no obligation in return.”

Hawaiian culture dictates that everyone is welcomed with respect, kindness, and generosity. And now more than ever, your visit to Maui should be guided by the gentle spirit of Aloha. 

2. Donate or Volunteer (or both!)

If you have a free morning or an extra day in your itinerary, I encourage you to sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities available around the island. 

Spending a day or an afternoon giving back during your visit is a terrific way to show your support for the local community.

Here are a few of my favorite volunteer organizations on Maui:

• Hands on Maui – A wide variety of volunteer opportunities from food sorting and distribution to helping out at local community events.
• Maui Humane Society – Volunteer opportunities range from cat care and dog walking to their awesome Dogs on Demand program where visitors can take a dog out of the shelter for the day on an adventure. You can also support the Wings of Aloha program which helps rescued pets get to their new homes on the mainland.
• Hungry Heroes Hawaii – This amazing organization serves up to 3,000 meals a day. Volunteers assist with preparing and delivering meals.

On our visit last fall, my husband and I spent time volunteering at the Maui Nui Strong Central Distribution Site in Kuhului and it was the single best thing we did all week.

We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer staff and put to work assembling grocery bags for displaced families.

If your itinerary doesn’t allow time for a volunteer project, there’s no need to feel guilty about that!

You are on vacation and, as I said before, your visit alone helps support the local community in so many ways.

Instead, you could choose to donate to one of many worthy causes. The Maui Strong Fund is a terrific choice for donations because they divide up the funds to local organizations most in need.

3. Book a Hotel (not a vacation rental)

When it comes to where to stay in Maui, the primary options have always been full-service resorts or limited-service vacation rentals. 

It’s true that vacation rentals are often more affordable than the island’s fabulous resort hotels. However, I’m currently advising against booking vacation rentals on Maui, and here’s why.

Since the fires, this has become a hotly debated topic. Some residents have lobbied hard for vacation rentals to be converted to longer-term housing for displaced Lahaina families.

And considering some families have been living in hotel rooms or temporary housing for a year now, it’s hard to argue with this logic. 

With that said, I don’t recommend booking a vacation rental on Maui right now. Let the local community sort this one out and book a hotel or resort for your vacation.

Here are a few of my favorite Maui resorts:

Grand Wailea Maui: This massive resort built in the shape of a turtle enjoys a prime beachfront location and has 5-star amenities.

AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea: For a slightly more affordable option, this newer property is a terrific choice. 

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali – In Ka’anapali, this full-service resort is my favorite choice.

Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort: This is an excellent budget-friendly option in the area.

4. Book a Tour (or just get out and explore!)

Consider booking a tour with one of many local tour companies. For example, book one of the many incredible snorkel tours to Molokini Crater or a day trip to Haleakala National Park for sunrise.

In the winter months, Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales and there are plenty of tours available to get out on the water.

This small group raft tour is one of my favorites:

Here are a few more of my favorite boat tours:

The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale-Watching Tours

Or book a rental car and hit the road for some of the best scenic drives on the Valley Isle.

Tip: I like Discount Hawaii Car Rental for rentals in Hawaii. 

Whether you head to upcountry Maui or tackle the winding Road to Hana in east Maui, there’s never been a better time to go.

(Just mind the speed limit on the Road to Hana and it’s a good idea to pack some motion sickness pills!)

Or book a day trip to the charming island of Lanai. Access to this tiny island is primarily by ferry from Maui so the residents and small businesses here also need your economic support through tourism.

Read More: How to Plan a PURRfect Day Trip from Maui to Lanai

If your budget is tight, just grab some reef-safe sunscreen and a picnic lunch and head straight for one of Maui’s fabulous beaches.

There are beautiful beaches around the entire island and a day at the beach is one of the best things to do on Maui.

Keep an eye out for the elusive Hawaiian monk seal or a lounging green sea turtle (but remember to keep your distance from monk seals and turtles). 

Oh, and don’t forget, there are a few activities on Maui that do require an advance reservation.

Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations to Book Now

5. Eat and shop locally

Support the local economy and small businesses by eating at a local restaurant or shopping for snacks or souvenirs at a local store.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that even chain businesses like Costco or the big resorts employ locals, so every business on the island needs your support.

But the small businesses need you more than most.

Here are just a few of my favorite local businesses on Maui:

Alii Kula Lavender Farm – A great place to beat the heat, it’s usually 15 degrees cooler up there!

Da Kitchen (Kihei) – Local Hawaiian plate meals that are some of the best meals we’ve had while on Maui!

Fork and Salad in Kihei – farm to table, all sourced from local farmers, 2 locations – Kihei and Kahului. 

Jaws Country Store – A classic stop on the Road to Hana.

Kula Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, Kula – Goat farm tours and products.

Mama’s Fish House – This popular restaurant is the toughest reservation on Maui (typically booked 3-6 months out). Like many Maui restaurants, a meal at Mama’s supports local farmers and fishermen.

Maui Bees – Producing all organic honey in the upcountry.

Maui Brewing Company – Because Hawaii’s largest craft brewery is always a good idea.

Maui Cookie Lady, Makawao – So much more than just cookies. These decadent creations are a favorite of local celebrities like Oprah and The Rock.

Maui Fresh Streatery, Kahului – Perhaps Maui’s most popular food truck, Chef Kyle Kawakami is a fixture in the local community. His truck tirelessly served local residents in the aftermath of the fires.

Maui Specialty Chocolates, Kahului – Freshly made mochi and chocolates, call and order ahead and they will hold items for you because they routinely sell out of their supply.

Monkeypod Kitchen – Home to the best Mai Tai in all of Hawaii (in my expert opinion) and delicious farm-to-table Hawaii regional cuisine. Two locations – Wailea and Ka’anapali (this location provided over 40,000 free meals to West Maui residents after the fires).  

Native Intelligence, Wailuku – Native Hawaiian-owned, featuring local designers.

Paia Fish Market – 3 locations on Maui (one was lost in the fires). Delicious fish tacos and more.

Paia Gelato – Amazing gelato, coffee, and a great place to pick up a picnic lunch to take to the beach.

Paradise Now, Wailuku – Hand-painted original art from Maui.

Shikeda Bento Patisserie, Wailuku – Japanese and French-inspired pastries made fresh daily using local Maui ingredients.

Sixty Two Marcket, Wailuku – Both a restaurant and a market featuring local farmer products. The menu rotates seasonally every 62 days.

South Maui Fish Company, Kihei – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this popular fresh catch food truck serves 100% local Hawaiian fish and sells out daily. 

South Maui Gardens, Kihei –  This full-service nursery and community green space is home to the Kihei Food Oasis where you’ll find many of Maui’s best food trucks & live music every 2nd Saturday.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – Lost 2 of their Lahaina locations in the fire and 17 of 19 employees lost their homes. Find them in Kahului, Kihei, and Paia.

So yes, it’s time to go back to Maui

Without exception, everyone we encountered on our visits to Maui was grateful we were there. We were thanked numerous times for coming and welcomed graciously by everyone from restaurant servers to hotel staff.

As long as you visit with common sense and a warm spirit of Aloha, the residents of Maui will welcome you with open arms.

The aloha spirit is strong on Maui. Even in the aftermath of tragedy.

We look forward to visiting as often as possible in the coming months to spread Aloha and continue to support the island’s recovery.

So start planning that Maui vacation.

If you took the time to read this post, you obviously care about how your visit will impact the island. And that’s why you’re exactly the type of visitor Maui needs most.  

Share the Aloha!