How to Mālama Maui: Visiting with Compassion and Aloha

A Message from My Heart to Yours

Aloha mai kākou. I'm Jade Kawanui, and Maui is my home. As a kamaʻāina, someone who was born and raised on this land, my connection to this island runs deeper than the roots of our ancient ʻōhiʻa trees. I want to share from the heart what it truly means to visit with mālama, a value that shapes every breath we take here.

You might be asking yourself, "Is it okay to come to Maui right now?" It's a question that's reached my inbox countless times since the devastating wildfires of August 2023. The fact that you're asking shows that you care, that you want to be a thoughtful visitor. For that, I say mahalo nui loa, thank you very much. Your consideration is the first step in mindful travel.

The Heart of the Matter – Should You Visit Maui?

Let me answer the question directly: Yes, your visit is welcome and deeply needed, provided it is done with mindfulness, compassion, and a commitment to support our community. This isn't just my personal feeling; it's a message echoed by our island's leaders and community members who understand the delicate balance we now face.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has been clear in its messaging: respectful, compassionate, and responsible travel to Maui is welcome and encouraged, now more than ever. Leanne Pletcher, the Director of Public Relations & Marketing for the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau, put it plainly: "Maui's tourism industry is at the heart of its economy, and our community depends on it." This sentiment is a direct response to the economic crisis that followed the physical one.

To understand why your visit matters so much, it's important to grasp the full picture of what happened after the fires. In the immediate aftermath, visitor arrivals to Maui plummeted by a staggering 58%. Even a year later, our island is still feeling the effects, with visitor numbers and spending down by over 20% compared to before the fires. These aren't just abstract statistics; they represent an economic disaster layered on top of a humanitarian one. Each percentage point translates to local families struggling to make ends meet, jobs lost, and beloved small businesses fighting to keep their doors open. Your decision to visit, to eat at a local restaurant, to buy a souvenir from a local artist, directly helps a Maui resident put food on the table and rebuild their life.

Beautiful Regions Open and Welcoming You

To help you plan your mindful trip, here are the beautiful regions of Maui that are open and eager to share their aloha with you: