The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority posted this update on August 14 as it relates to the situation on Maui.
Wildfires have resulted in the evacuations of thousands of residents and visitors, and multiple closures of major roadways on Maui.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is in continuous communication with state and county emergency management officials, as well as our Global Marketing Team and visitor industry partners, to monitor this situation and will provide updates.
Throughout this crisis, HTA will be providing communication updates to its travel partners - airlines, accommodations, ground transportation companies, activity providers, travel agents, and wholesalers, as well as to local and national media - to ensure the public is kept informed about travel to Maui and Hawai‘i Island.
GOVERNOR GREEN URGES VISITORS TO FOREGO TRAVEL PLANS TO WEST MAUI
All non-essential travel to West Maui (including Lāhainā, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged through the month of August, Governor Josh Green said in his latest emergency proclamation.
Visitors largely heeded the call to leave Maui in the early days of this unprecedented disaster. In the weeks ahead, the collective resources and attention of the federal, state and county government, the West Maui community, and the travel industry must be focused on the recovery of residents who lost loved ones, homes, their belongings, and businesses.
Hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations. While efforts are underway to fully restore electrical power, municipal water and communications, visitors are encouraged to refrain from attempting to reach West Maui accommodations for reservation adjustments until the situation stabilizes.
Visitors with travel plans to other parts of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena) should reach out to their accommodations to ensure they can still be hosted.
Travel to the other Hawaiian Islands, like Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, is not affected at this time.
WEST MAUI HOTELS TO HOUSE EVACUEES, DISASTER WORKERS
Hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations. At this time, hotels are housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders working on disaster recovery – well over 1,000 people so far with more to come. More information on efforts to house evacuees can be found at mauistrong.hawaii.gov.
VACATION RENTAL OWNERS AND OPERATORS, PROPERTY OWNERS WITH AVAILABLE SPACE URGED TO LIST UNITS FOR EVACUEES
Vacation rental owners, as well as anyone with available space, are encouraged to make these accommodations available to temporarily house displaced West Maui residents. Starting today, the state has set up a referral program to make those connections possible to support West Maui residents in need of housing. Learn more, offer your space, or look for housing at the Fire Relief Housing Program website. A call center is also available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 808-587-0469, or email [email protected].
Airbnb.org has also announced an initiative to provide free, temporary stays to 1,000 people through its network of hosts. Details of that program will be announced in the coming days.
ACCESS RESTRICTIONS IN WEST MAUI
The devastation in Lāhainā is immense and unprecedented. The extent of the damage affecting residents, families and area businesses has yet to be fully understood. Experts have warned that hazardous materials are likely present. The area most affected by the wildfires is off limits to the public, and vehicular access is restricted to the region. For updates, visit the County of Maui website: www.mauicounty.gov.
ASSISTANCE CENTER RELOCATED TO KE‘EHI LAGOON
The Assistance Center at the Hawai‘i Convention Center has been relocated to the Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial Hall at 2685 N. Nimitz Highway in Honolulu.
Operated in partnership with the American Red Cross to support those evacuated from Maui due to the wildfires, the Assistance Center has served nearly 300 visitors and residents since the facility opened on August 9. Evacuees are provided with temporary accommodations until they are able to board flights to return home or secure their own lodging. Water and food are provided to the evacuees, as well as showers, toiletries and clothes, if needed, all free of charge.
Shuttles offering free transportation from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to the Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial Hall are running throughout the day and can be found outside of baggage claim 9 and baggage claim 20 at the airport.
AIRLINE CANCELLATION & CHANGE POLICIES
Due to the wildfires and their impact on people’s travel plans, the major U.S. airlines serving Kahului Airport have implemented flexible travel policies for changing or canceling flights. For specific information check with your airline. The U.S. Department of Transportation has posted a page with links to the major carriers serving Kahului Airport.
HOW TO HELP
Anyone wanting to make donations to help communities and families recover on Maui can do so through the Maui Strong Fund established by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. The link can be accessed here.
Due to capacity limitations in the system, please consider making financial rather than physical donations.
Q&A
Q: Which of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by the wildfires?
A: Multiple wildfires are affecting areas on Maui (Lahaina, Kihei, and Upcountry Maui). These fires have resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents and visitors, and multiple road closures. Wildfires on Hawaiʻi Island are now contained and the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi remain unaffected.
Q: Where are the wildfires located specifically on Maui?
A: There are multiple wildfires burning on Maui in Lahaina, Kīhei and Upcountry Maui. Residents and visitors are being evacuated to safety, especially in the Lahaina area, where the wildfires are widespread.
All streets/roads heading into Lahaina are compromised and are closed. At this time, police are allowing traffic out of Lahaina through the bypass. Those seeking flights off island can reach Kahului Airport using the bypass and Kahekili Highway.
Q: If I have a scheduled trip to Maui in the next few weeks, should I postpone my vacation?
A: Non-essential travel to West Maui is strongly discouraged at this time. Visitors currently in West Maui for non-essential travel reasons are being asked to leave the island as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Airlines are being very supportive during this emergency crisis and providing additional flights to help visitors depart from Maui. Airlines are also adjusting their travel schedules to support those visitors who had planned to arrive this week.
Travel to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island are not affected at this time.
Q: If I’m on Maui, should I head to the airport without a confirmed flight?
A: While Kahului Airport remains open at this time, it is strongly suggested that travelers check with their airline for any flight changes or cancellations, or for assistance with rebooking.
Q: I have flown to Oʻahu from Maui and cannot secure lodging. Where can I go?
A: The Assistance Center at the Hawai‘i Convention Center has closed as of noon Sunday, August 13, and has been relocated to the Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial at 2685 N. Nimitz Highway in Honolulu.
Operated in partnership with the American Red Cross to support those evacuated from Maui due to the wildfires, the Assistance Center will provide evacuees with temporary accommodations until they are able to board flights to return home or secure their own hotel lodging. Water and food are available, as well as showers, toiletries and clothes, if needed, all free of charge.
Shuttles offering free transportation from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial will be running throughout the day and can be found outside of baggage claim 9 and baggage claim 20 at the airport.
Q: If I am traveling with animals, will I be turned away from the Ke‘ehi Lagoon Memorial Assistance Center?
A: The Ke‘ehi Lagoon Memorial Assistance Center welcomes families and individuals traveling with pets and will have a designated area to support their needs. Anyone bringing pets to the assistance center will be required to keep their pet(s) on a leash or in a kennel/carrier.
Q: If I am on Maui and in need of medical assistance, who can I contact?
A: Please text 9-1-1 if you are in need of medical assistance.
Q: I can’t get in touch with my family members who are vacationing on Maui. Who can I contact to obtain more information?
A: For family reunification, please contact Maui Emergency Management Agency at (808) 270-7285 or [email protected]. Also, visit MauiStrong.hawaii.gov for the latest general information.
Q: Where can people find the latest information and updates on the situation?
A: Official channels are the best sources for the latest updates, including the following:
Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency: MauiStrong.hawaii.gov
Maui County Emergency Management Agency: https://www.mauicounty.gov