Travel Advisory for Maui: What You Need to Know

If you have upcoming plans to travel to Maui, the state of Hawai’i’s tourism organization is asking you to reconsider your trip to the island so that its resources can be devoted to helping Hawai’ians impacted by devastating wildfires.

Currently, wildfires are burning both on the island of Maui and on Hawai‘i Island’s Kohala Coast. Consequently, many roadways are closed, and evacuations continue from deadly wildfires that have already killed at least 36 people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina.

Although the Kahului airport on Maui remains open, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is urging tourists currently on the island to leave and those with immediate travel plans to Maui to postpone their trips. This allows for necessary resources to remain focused on assisting the local community.

What Should I Do If I Have an Upcoming Trip to Hawaii?

Your next steps will depend on which part of Hawaii you plan to visit. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is providing updated travel information on its website. They request current visitors to leave and advise those planning to stay in West Maui in the upcoming weeks to reconsider their travel plans.

If you’re traveling to other parts of Maui or the Kohala Coast of Hawaiʻi Island, which is also facing wildfires, it is recommended to contact your hotel directly to inquire about how your travel plans might be affected.

However, if your plans include visits to other Hawaiian islands, such as Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, or Hawaiʻi Island outside the Kohala Coast, your travel is not currently affected by the advisory.

If you are scheduled to fly in or out of the islands, ensure you check with your airline for any potential flight changes or cancellations. Updating your contact information – including your phone number and email address – is crucial. Moreover, downloading the airline’s app can help you receive the most current updates on your travel plans.

Many airlines are facilitating changes to tickets without additional fees. For example, Southwest is allowing customers who had plans to travel to Maui to rebook to destinations on other islands that are not affected by the wildfires.

Additionally, it is wise to check with your travel insurance or credit card company regarding what assistance they might offer for rescheduling your travel plans.

How Can I Support the Local Community?

The most impactful way to support the local community during this time is to make a financial donation. Supporting established local organizations that are directly assisting individuals affected by the wildfires can make a significant difference.

Many organizations are actively participating in recovery efforts, and contributing to initiatives like the Maui Strong Fund can help provide essential aid to those in need. Learn more about how you can assist effort and donate through reputable channels.