Maui’s idyllic landscape became a nightmare in 2023. What began as a brush fireThe dangerous winds quickly destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, and other parts of the Island. The deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century More than 2,200 destroyed structures and $5.5 billion worth of damage was estimated. More than two years later, the wounds remain deep—but the island’s resilience is unmistakable.
“The Maui community remains deeply focused on healing, restoration, and rebuilding,” Sherry Duong, the executive director of Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau, told Travel + Leisure. The cleanup milestones are complete, and recovery is progressing in Lahaina’s hardest-hit area through a community-led, thoughtful process that respects the cultural heritage of the region and the generational ties with the land.
Progress is evident across the island. Storefronts have slowly begun to reopen. Families are returning to their jobs, and local events are once again filling up the calendar. Duong said that Maui’s resilience was visible throughout the island.
She noted that returning to Maui thoughtfully is one of the best ways for visitors to help. Maui welcomes its visitors with aloha. Their visits can directly help local families and small businesses as well as cultural programs.
Since the fires in October, visitor numbers have increased 11 percent. Spending has also increased nearly 20 percent. Maui is still a place where 85 percent are employed by tourism. Every visit counts in helping Maui to regain stability. “Maui’s people remain the core of the island’s resilient, and we continue to welcome responsible visitors,” Duong said.
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What’s open after the Maui Wildfires
Even though it has been more than two year since the disaster, certain areas on the island remain vulnerable due to the extent of damage.
Lahaina is home to many of the most popular restaurants in the world. Mala Ocean Tavern, Coco DeckAnd the Old Lāhainā Lūʻau. Outside of town, the communities of Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, Kīhei, Wailuku, Wailea, and Kula are also welcoming visitors.
Maui is a new destination that has introduced a variety of experiences. Fairmont Kea Lani‘s Kō Restaurant, Grand Wailea Maui‘s Nobu, Maui Chocolate TourVisit a cacao farm and enjoy a treehouse meal. MauiWineWalking tour and tasting of’s, and UFO Parasail and Adventures‘s whale-watching charters.
The second-largest Hawaiian island will also be hosting a number of 2026 events including the Maui Marathon 19 April 2019 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival The dates of July 10-13, and both days. Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival The following are some examples of how to get started: Maui Invitational Fall college basketball tournament
“There is so much to enjoy—whether you choose to relax on world-class beaches, experience Hawaiian culture and art, or explore an unforgettable outdoor adventure,” Duong said. “Traveling with curiosity and respect will help visitors to uplift the people, places and culture that make Maui so special.”
Rebuilding Areas Continues
Visitors are advised to avoid the heavily damaged areas of Lahaina due to its devastation. asked to avoid them. Out of respect for the community, travelers are also discouraged from taking photos—even from a distance. Official resource of the County of Maui for the most current information on recovery efforts. MauiRecovers.orgUpdates are regularly provided by. If you want to get a deeper understanding of the topic, explore the Lahaina Long-Term Recovery Plan Then, there is the Rebuild DashboardThe rebuilding process is tracked by a series of, which tracks progress and the next steps.
Maui Wildfire: Helping Victims
Maui invites visitors to the island, reminding them of how every trip stimulates the economy. This is especially true when travelers choose to support local businesses. It can include visiting food trucks, boutiques, art galleries, farmers’ markets, or shopping at stands. Online directory MauiNuiFirst.com Community-first business is a curates’ priority.
The Tourism Board also encourages visitors “to add meaning to your visit by volunteering.” This can be done through programs. mālama Maui is a place that needs to be taken care of, whether it’s by planting trees native to the island, cleaning up beaches, or protecting sacred sites. You can find opportunities at GoHawaii.com/Malama.
They also suggest attending community events, like the Maui Friday Town Parties in Wailuku, Kīhei, and Hāli‘imaile, which offer a glimpse into local life, while also offering the chance to support the local artisans and vendors directly.
Even those who cannot visit Maui, can help correct misinformation. Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau’s data shows that 98 percent of the online discussions steering visitors away are actually from non-residents. Duong stated that sharing accurate and respectful updates will help travelers feel welcome in Maui. The island holds a deep meaning for many people.
