Rediscover Maui, a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and unforgettable experiences. From pristine beaches and lush valleys to the awe-inspiring Haleakalā National Park, Maui offers a tapestry of natural wonders to explore. This fall, the island warmly invites visitors with enticing offers at GoHawaii.com/MauiOffers, featuring free nights, discounted rates up to 30% off and generous daily resort credits. Most of the island’s top resorts are taking part, including the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa on Ka’anapali Beach, the Grand Wailea and Montage KapaluaBay. I’ve stayed at or visited Read more
Lahaina fires
It’s been a tough year for tourism on Maui, but positive signs are emerging. Virtuoso, a luxury travel agent network that books exclusive vacations around the world, said its sales for Maui resorts are up 4% for the first six months of the year. For the winter holiday or “festive” season, sales are up a whopping 66%. A network spokesperson on Monday, Aug. 12 said that West Maui/Lahaina bookings are about 7% lower than Wailea, which makes sense given the incredible fire damage to Lahaina in August of last year. “Even with the noticeable impacts on tourism to Maui, we Read more
I was sitting in my back yard in Toronto a little more than a year ago, enjoying a fine summer’s day while I wrote a travel story. Suddenly there was a message from my sister on Facebook messenger. “Such a shame about Lahaina.” Five words that stopped me in my tracks. I hadn’t turned on the news that day and wasn’t aware of the terrible fires that had gutted most of historic Lahaina and killed more than 100 people. I quickly started reading about the devastation, my mind going continually more numb as the minutes advanced. The photos were heartbreaking. Read more
It’s been six months since the Maui wildfires, and I still can’t believe it. I was sitting in my little back yard in Toronto working on a story on a lovely summer’s day last August 8 when I saw a note from my sister on Facebook to suggest something had happened in Lahaina. I had no idea. I checked the news and was dumbstruck at how a place I have visited 50-60-80 times over the years and loved with all my heart had been almost totally destroyed. I was on Maui in October of last year and saw the damage Read more
There’s a new action plan to boost Maui’s economy following the deadly August wildfires. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board of Directors has furthered its ongoing commitment to mālama (care for) Maui and support the island’s recovery by approving an immediate six-month action plan for 2024 to help address major challenges confronting residents, small businesses, visitor industry providers, Maui’s economy, and families seeking housing. The action plan is designed to fulfill tourism’s responsibilities in alliance with the leadership established by Governor Josh Green, M.D. and within the broader scope of Maui’s recovery efforts being conducted by the State Department of Business, Read more
