Don’t Cancel Your Trip – Maui’s Local Businesses Need Your Support!

Take a moment to consider these numbers:

1. Based on the most recent census, Maui’s population stands at around 165,000.
2. On any given day in 2023, the island has averaged around 70,000 visitors.

The numbers paint a clear picture: tourism is a major factor in Maui’s economy. But in the days since devastating wildfires destroyed so much of historic Lāhainā Town, we’ve (understandably) heard of many visitors asking whether they should cancel their upcoming plans to vacation here.

Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen were asked in a press conference this past week what would-be tourists should do in light of recent events. Both agreed that visitors continue to be more than welcome here, in all areas other than west Maui. In fact, both agreed that without visitors supporting our local businesses, Maui will face another wave of economic hardship on the heels of the wildfires, not long after finally bouncing back from the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, we would hope that anyone who does vacation here would be willing to keep a respectful distance from cleanup/rebuilding efforts. There are so many other places to see and things to do island-wide – in fact, here are a few ideas about how to spend a day in some of Maui’s other major regions …

South Maui

If you’re staying in the Kīhei/Wailea/Mākena area, you can start your day with a hike through lava rock sea cliffs at La Perouse Bay, where you’ll see remains of early Hawaiian fishing villages, along with adorable wild goats and maybe even a school of spinner dolphins. Afterward, take advantage of the incredible snorkeling at the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Reserve, and then try some ʻono (delicious) food and drinks at Nalu’s South Shore Grill.

Central Maui

If you find yourself in Maui’s central region, how about a visit to the scenic ʻĪao State Monument (ranked as one of the top 25 state parks in the U.S.), followed by lunch at local favorite 808 on Main? After lunch, take a stroll around the historic sites and eclectic shops of Wailuku Town.

North Shore Maui

Enjoy the early part of your north shore day on beautiful Baldwin Beach, which has a protected southern section (known as Baby Beach) thatʻs especially good for swimming. Then spend some time browsing through the funky shops and boutiques in Pāʻia Town and grab a bite at Pāʻia Fish Market. In the late afternoon, head to Hoʻokipa Beach Park, where you can see some of the world’s best windsurfers showing off – and if you stay until sunset time, you’re likely to see dozens of honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) come ashore for an evening nap.

East Maui

With so many unbelievable sights and adventures along the world-famous Road to Hana, it’s hard to narrow down the recommendations to just a few. But the black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park and the hike through a bamboo forest on the Pīpīwai Trail (in the Kīpahulu district) are definite highlights. While you’re on the east side, stop in at The Bamboo Hale for locally sourced, wood-fired pizzas and more.

It’s true that our island is heartbroken right now – we’ve experienced a large-scale disaster in a small, tight-knit community – meaning that virtually everyone has been or will be impacted in some way. We don’t know how long recovery efforts will take in West Maui. But in the meantime, we’d love for visitors to continue to enjoy all the other parts of the island!

Leslie Mackenzie Smith, REALTOR(S), RS-42147