About two months after quick-sweeping wildfires swept through the island of Maui, leaders and tourism stakeholders are asking tourists to visit the “Valley Isle” again — respectfully.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, these were some of the most devastating wildfires in the U.S. in over a century. The wildfires killed over 100 people, destroyed over 2,000 buildings (mostly homes), and displaced thousands.
Understandably, in the aftermath of the tragedy, locals and leaders asked tourists to stay away. And on social media, you’ve probably seen impassioned but different views on whether visiting Maui is okay. But lawmakers, business owners, tourism officials, and even locals are asking for a resurgence of tourism before another tragedy happens: an economic one.
Tourism fuels the economy of Maui
Following the wildfires, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said West Maui alone contributes 15 percent of Hawaii’s tourism economy. In August, the island saw a drop in tourists, with an estimated loss of US$9 million per day.
According to the Maui Development Economic Board, tourism is “irrefutably” the fuel of the island’s economy. For instance, in 2022, about 2.9 million visitors spent about US$5.69 billion. In the first half of 2023, the island received around 1.4 million visitors.
Maui’s tourism industry accounts for over 75 percent of private sector jobs, especially in accommodation and food services. Besides supporting local businesses and their employees, tourism revenue from state and county taxes funds schools, roads, and other public amenities.
Loss of jobs in Maui
By September, there were more than 10,000 unemployment claims in Maui. This accounts for more than 11 percent of people who were working before the wildfires.
The unemployment crisis affects both residents and business owners across the island. Not only are they seeing a loss of revenue, but they also have to lay off loyal workers en masse.
One such person is the owner of the Gather Restaurant Group, Graeme Swain. He told National Geographic that he’s had to lay off 80 percent of his staff at his Gather restaurant on Maui, near Kihei.
“It was a painful and very depressing decision that I had to make. I’m very concerned that, with the island of Maui in particular, if we don’t get people back here, we can’t survive,” Swain told National Geographic.
Richie Olsen, who owns a helicopter business, reiterated these sentiments when speaking to The Christian Science Monitor. Olsen has had to lay off 7 of his 12 dispatchers, and pilots have also been affected. His pilots used to have eight flights per day (4 to 5 days per week), but the number of flights has dropped to only one or two (one day per week).
“I know what a terrible disaster that was. But now we’re in crisis mode,” Mr. Olsten said. “If we can’t keep the people with jobs employed, how will they help family members and friends that lost everything?”
Should you visit Maui?
There have been mixed reactions about reopening West Maui to tourism after the tragic events in August.
However, some unaffected parts of Maui have been open to tourists throughout this period, except for West Maui in places like Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. Still, according to a press conference from Hawaii Governor Joshua Green, plans were underway to open this area to tourism except for Lahaina.
“Beginning October 8, all travel restrictions will end, and West Maui will be open to visitors again, so people from Hawaii and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically. 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.”
Another press conference from the Hawaii Tourism Authority said: “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.”
Some of the places suggested for tourism in Maui include “Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia, Makawao and Hāna” — other Hawaiian Islands.
Respect the island and the locals
According to a government poll, even before the wildfires, some locals felt that Maui focused too much on tourism at the expense of the locals. Some have always felt that tourists don’t respect their local culture.
From visitors posing in front of burned-out buildings to distributing photos of Lahaina’s devastation, there have been reports of inappropriate behavior after the wildfires. That’s why leaders urge tourists to show compassion, empathy, and respect as they visit to support Maui.
Embrace the spirit of Aloha and appreciate the world around you and the people you meet.
