| Hawai’i Governor Josh Green today declared that the West Maui communities of Kā‘anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kapalua will fully reopen on Sunday, October 8, two months after the August 8 wildfires that destroyed Lahaina.
Hawai‘i residents and visitors are encouraged to make travel plans to Maui and support the island’s businesses, restaurants, retail outlets, attractions, and accommodations. All previous restrictions for travel to West Maui communities north of Lahaina will be lifted October 8 and no one should be discouraged or reluctant to go and support the businesses and workers that rely on tourism in West Maui for their families’ livelihood.
The governor previously had said West Maui would stay closed through October 17. That date has now been moved forward.
“Beginning October 8, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui will be open to visitors again, so people from Hawaiʻi and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically,” Green said. “This difficult decision is meant to bring hope for recovery to the families and businesses on Maui that have been so deeply affected in every way by the disaster.”
‘We are excited that the governor has given the ‘open’ message,” said Shelley Kekuna, spokesperson for the Ka’anapali Beach Resort Association. “While each property struggles to figure out next steps, based on currently serving the community and the state through housing efforts etc…, we are all anxious to bring back jobs and welcome back the visitor that is connected to Maui.
“The announcement came quickly after weeks of meetings and date changes, so everyone is working with the government to get answers about housing, and our marketing and sales teams are crafting their strategies,” she said.
I’ve been going to West Maui for more than 50 years. Some of my fave hotels and resorts include the Napili Kai Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, The Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (Ka’anapali) and the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa.
 Some tables are only a few feet from the sand at the Sea House restaurant at the Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui. JIM BYERS PHOTO Lahaina itself will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to identify victims and the missing, and conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires.
“No one in Hawai‘i will ever forget the tragedy that our friends, families, loved ones, and colleagues in Lahaina are enduring,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, Chief Administrative Officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. “The response from residents statewide and by people around the world to support Maui’s recovery has been incredible and inspiring.
“Now is the time for people everywhere to show their support for Maui by booking trips, making restaurant reservations, and frequenting Maui’s retail stores and attractions that support workers and their families.”
For the latest information on travel to the Hawaiian Islands, visit their official travel site, gohawaii.com.
And, once again, here’s a great place to make a donation. |
