Are Visitors Welcome on Maui in 2025

The complex reality of local sentiment

Local attitudes toward tourism reflect the complexity of a community balancing economic survival with emotional healing. While some residents feel rushed back to serving tourists before they have had adequate time to grieve, many acknowledge the economic necessity.

The community remains divided, with ongoing organizing efforts demanding that recovery prioritize local needs over tourism interests. **This tension between economic necessity and emotional readiness continues to shape local attitudes**, making it crucial for visitors to approach their trip with extra sensitivity and awareness.

Understanding Hawaiian values in a post-fire context

Hawaiian culture emphasizes profound spiritual connections that extend far beyond tourist-friendly concepts of “aloha.” The wildfires intensified the need for cultural sensitivity by destroying sacred sites with deep significance to Native Hawaiians, including historic Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 

**Malama 'Aina (caring for the land)**  represents the foundational Hawaiian value that visitors must embrace. This principle means recognizing that the land feeds and sustains us, so we must nurture it in return.  In post-fire Maui, this includes using reef-safe sunscreen, conserving water, staying on designated trails, and choosing eco-certified tour operators.

**The concept of Pono (righteousness/balance)**  requires visitors to consider all people and relationships when making decisions. This means choosing locally owned businesses over chains, supporting Native Hawaiian enterprises, and recognizing that your tourism choices have a direct impact on real families who are still recovering from trauma. 

**Kapu signs indicate off-limits areas that must be respected absolutely.**Although the formal kapu system was abolished in 1819, these markers indicate places of ongoing spiritual and cultural significance. **  Modern “kapu” signs aren’t just historical artifacts—they represent sacred spaces that should never be entered. This includes fire-damaged areas, burial grounds, ancient temples (heiau), and cultural sites throughout the islands.

The fires destroyed precious cultural assets, including the Na ’Aikane O Maui Cultural Center, with irreplaceable artifacts, legal documents for Native Hawaiian land rights cases, and sacred kahili (feather standards) containing ancestral ashes. Understanding these losses helps visitors appreciate why cultural sensitivity matters more than ever.

Tourism’s critical role in recovery efforts

Tourism isn’t just helpful for Maui’s recovery—it’s essential. The island lost $13 million daily in visitor spending after the fires, with tourist numbers dropping 75% immediately following the disaster.  This economic collapse threatened the livelihoods of thousands of families already traumatized by the fires.

**The numbers tell a compelling story**: Tourism accounts for 70% of every dollar generated on Maui, supporting 75% of all private-sector jobs.   By November 2024, visitors had spent $435.7 million on Maui, exceeding pre-pandemic levels despite a decrease in overall visitors.   This higher spending per visitor demonstrates that quality tourism focused on local experiences generates more community benefits than mass tourism.

However, the challenge lies in ensuring tourism benefits reach affected communities rather than primarily benefiting outside investors. Foreign entities own many resorts, while locals work in low-paying service jobs, highlighting the importance of choosing locally owned businesses and supporting Native Hawaiian enterprises.

The vacation rental debate and housing impact

The vacation rental controversy reveals deeper tensions about who benefits from tourism and how to balance economic needs with community housing requirements. **Maui County is considering phasing out 7,000+ vacation rentals by January 2026**,  a move that would eliminate accommodations generating $246.3 million annually while potentially increasing the island’s residential housing stock by 13%.

**The scale of the housing crisis is staggering**: 90% of Lahaina burn area residents remain displaced, with fire-affected households paying 50-60% more rent than before the fires.   About 29% of fire-affected households now live below the poverty line, compared to 9% for Maui County overall.  Short-term rentals represent approximately 15% of Maui’s housing supply, compared to just 2% on Oahu. 

The debate reflects a fundamental question: Can tourism be restructured to benefit local communities rather than primarily serving outside investors? **Successful resolution likely requires converting some vacation rentals to workforce housing while maintaining tourism capacity**, along with policies ensuring tourism tax revenue directly funds affordable housing and community services.

Current state of Maui’s infrastructure and accessibility

Nearly two years after the fires, Maui’s tourism infrastructure has largely recovered, though significant areas remain off-limits. **95% of tourism infrastructure operates normally** outside the Lahaina town core, with all major attractions, beaches, and activities accessible to visitors.

**Fully operational areas include**:

- South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) with all hotels, restaurants, and beaches 
- West Maui resort areas (Ka'anapali, Kapalua, Napili) are functioning normally 
- Upcountry Maui, including Haleakala National Park
- The complete Road to Hana experience
- All major beaches, snorkeling sites, and whale watching areas

**Lahaina Town Historic District remains closed to the public **, with Front Street and the commercial core still restricted due to ongoing construction and safety concerns.  The iconic Banyan Tree area is not accessible to tourists, so visitors should use the Lahaina Bypass Road to reach West Maui resorts without driving through town.

**Airport operations have improved**, with a new $62 million expanded passenger waiting area completed in January 2025.  All major airlines are operating regular schedules, although rental car capacity remains 16% below pre-fire levels. Visitors can expect normal service levels for transportation, accommodations, and activities throughout most of the island.

The first building permits for Lahaina reconstruction were issued in April 2025, marking the beginning of a multi-year rebuilding process.  However, visitors should not expect to see the historic Lahaina they may remember from previous trips—the town’s reconstruction will take years and will likely look different from its pre-fire state.

Essential guidance for respectful tourism

Visiting Maui responsibly requires specific actions that demonstrate cultural awareness and support for recovery efforts. **The goal is not to avoid certain behaviors but to actively contribute to the community’s healing and prosperity.**

**Support local businesses intentionally**. Use the Kuhikuhi.com directory to find Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, shop at farmers' markets, and choose locally owned restaurants over chains. Businesses like Hoʻomana Spa Maui in Makawao offer traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage,  while Aloha Ocean Adventures provides Hawaiian-owned surf instruction.  These choices ensure your spending directly benefits local families.

**Volunteer during your visit** through programs like Kipuka Olowalu, which offers opportunities on Wednesdays and Thursdays to restore native plants and learn traditional Hawaiian practices.   Pacific Whale Foundation’s “Volunteers on Vacation” program combines beach cleanups with marine ecosystem education.  Many hotels offer complimentary additional nights when you volunteer, making this both an impactful and economical option. 

**Practice extreme environmental consciousness**. Use only reef-safe sunscreen (chemical sunscreens are banned), conserve water by taking shorter showers and reusing towels, and opt for certified eco-tour operators. The island’s natural resources are under increased stress from fire damage and climate change, making every conservation effort necessary.

**Respect all restricted areas absolutely**. Never attempt “disaster tourism” in fire-affected areas. Avoid taking photos of damaged sites and stay away from any area marked with barriers or signs.  The Lahaina burn zone remains off-limits out of respect for the survivors and due to safety concerns.

**Be patient and understanding with service delays**. Many businesses are understaffed as workers continue to deal with the impacts of the fire. Tip generously to support workers, show flexibility with itinerary changes, and avoid asking locals about the fire unless they bring it up first—many are still grieving.

**Learn about Hawaiian culture and history** before and during your visit. Understanding the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the impact of statehood in 1959, and the ongoing struggles for land rights helps visitors appreciate why cultural sensitivity is important. Take lei-making classes, visit cultural centers, and participate in educational programs when appropriate.

Hawaii’s enduring aloha spirit with conscious awareness

The essence of Hawaiian aloha—unconditional love, respect, and spiritual connection—remains as powerful as ever, but it now requires visitors to engage more deeply with their impact and responsibility.  Aloha isn’t just a greeting; it represents the recognition of the shared humanity and spiritual connection between visitors and residents. 

**True aloha means understanding that Hawaii is someone’s home**, not just a vacation destination. This awareness transforms how visitors interact with the islands, from choosing accommodations that employ residents to supporting businesses that practice Hawaiian values. It means approaching Hawaii with humility and a willingness to learn rather than just expecting to be entertained.

**The post-fire context has intensified this need for conscious awareness**. Visitors now have the opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with Hawaiian communities while experiencing authentic culture. This isn’t about walking on eggshells or avoiding Hawaii—it’s about engaging more meaningfully with the place and people you’re visiting.

**Hawaii remains a place of profound aloha**, but visitors must earn that aloha through respectful behavior and genuine cultural engagement. The island’s beauty and culture are gifts to be received with gratitude, not commodities to be consumed. When visitors approach Hawaii with this awareness, they contribute to preserving and strengthening the very qualities that make the islands special.

Conclusion

Visitors are welcome on Maui, but with the understanding that tourism must serve the community’s healing and prosperity.  The island needs your support, both economic and cultural, to recover from the devastating wildfires while preserving its unique heritage and natural beauty.

**Your visit matters more than you might realize**. Tourism revenue funds schools, roads, and public services while supporting thousands of local jobs. Your choice to visit Maui rather than canceling your trip helps families pay rent and keeps communities together. But equally important is how you visit: with respect for Hawaiian values, awareness of ongoing recovery needs, and commitment to leaving the island better than you found it.

The fires have created an opportunity for visitors to engage more authentically with Hawaii’s culture and communities. By embracing values such as mālama'āina (caring for the land) and pono (righteousness), visitors can experience the true spirit of Hawai'i while contributing to its recovery.  This isn’t about perfect behavior—it’s about conscious, respectful engagement that honors both the beauty you’ve come to experience and the people who call this place home.

Maui’s aloha spirit endures, strengthened by the resilience of its people and the support of visitors who choose to travel with awareness, respect, and genuine care for the island’s future.   Come to Maui, but come with an open heart and a genuine commitment to being part of the healing process.