In a tragic turn, wildfires raged through the enchanting island of Maui, leaving the famous town of Lahaina, home to a rich tapestry of history and culture, in ruins. The fast-moving blaze, which has claimed the lives of 67 individuals so far, has also decimated thousands of structures, with several of Maui’s illustrious resorts bearing the brunt of its wrath.
The devastation has been so sweeping that it prompted the immediate intervention of various federal and state government bodies, as well as local communities and the wider travel industry. Their collective focus now is the detailed and heart-wrenching task of assisting the island’s residents who were hurriedly evacuated from their cherished homes and businesses.
Tragedy has, however, a way of uniting communities, a sentiment echoed by the hospitality sector in West Maui. Many hotels have graciously pivoted from commercial enterprises to sanctuaries for their staff and families, providing shelter against the ferocity of the fires. Not just that, these establishments are gearing up to host those displaced and the brave first responders at the frontline of disaster relief.
However, not just the physical infrastructure bears the mark of this tragedy. The emotional toll on the Lahaina community, especially among the luxury B&B sectors like the Ho’olio House, is palpable. Social media messages paint a heartbreaking narrative, with one such message lamenting, “Lahaina is utterly destroyed. Our hearts are broken.”
The magnitude of the crisis is evident in the stark messages shared by leading resorts. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, which currently remains shuttered, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that they have activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of their guests and staff. Similarly, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club faces an unprecedented blackout, with power, telephone, and even emergency services being crippled.
The latest statistics provide a sobering perspective on the situation. Approximately 46,000 individuals have had to evacuate, leaving Kahului Airport since this Wednesday alone.
And yet, amid adversity, the resilience of the human spirit shines through. Assistance Centers, spearheaded by the tireless teams of the American Red Cross, have emerged as the silver lining for nearly 300 evacuees. One such centre at Hawai‘i Convention Center will transition to Ke‘ehi Lagoon Memorial in Honolulu, continuing its mission to provide temporary accommodations, food, water, showers, and other necessities.
The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation has set up the Maui Strong Fund for the larger global community eager to offer assistance. With a clarion call for monetary contributions instead of physical goods due to logistic constraints, the foundation seeks to channel these funds to provide immediate relief to the communities and families battling this catastrophe.
To keep the public informed and to steer them clear of potential hazards, the County of Maui has set up a dedicated portal on its website, ensuring transparency and timely updates.
The story of Maui’s devastating wildfires is one of despair, unity, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. And as the smoke clears, one thing is clear – the heart of Maui, though scarred, still beats strong, echoing the resilience of its people.
With its reputation for tranquillity and luxury, the tourist community, especially, is eager to ascertain the state of Maui’s hotels and resorts. For travellers, industry stakeholders, and potential visitors, we bring a detailed rundown of the status quo of the island’s most cherished lodgings.
Affected Hotels:
- Best Western Pioneer Inn, Lahaina: This historic property stands among those scarred by the wildfires.
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: Currently closed with plans to remain so until at least August 17. Deposits and prepayments for stays during this period will be refunded.
- Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club: Grappling with a lack of power, telephone services, including cell service, and essential 911 services. Hawaiian Electric warns the outages might persist for weeks.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: Encountering extended power outages and currently closed. Cancellation policies are lenient, with all fees being waived until August 31.
- Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa: The property has temporarily shut its doors due to power outage issues.
- Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas: Although operational, the resort deals with power outages.
- Westin Maui Resort & Spa: Another casualty of the wildfires is closed due to power outage issues.
Hotels Unaffected or Partially Affected:
- Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: Still operational. Travellers are, however, urged to heed the non-essential travel warning and check for regular updates.
- Fairmont Kea Lani: Open and currently unaffected. The hotel’s official statement assures guests of their commitment to safety.
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s Post: Remains open.
- Grand Wailea: This Waldorf Astoria Resort remains unscathed.
- Ho’olio House: The B&B has assured its community of its safety but mourns the devastation in Lahaina.
- Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort: Operational and unaffected. They’ve expressed gratitude towards first responders.
- Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows: Unaffected but contending with power outage issues.
- Montage Kapalua Bay: The parent company has set up an emergency fund for its workers.
In conclusion, as Maui grapples with the fallout of the wildfires, the resilience of its people is evident. With the concerted efforts of the community, local authorities, and the hospitality industry, the island is poised for recovery.
Maui’s essence is encapsulated by Sara Conneighton, a spokesperson for Marriott International, who expressed immense gratitude to local emergency responders and confirmed their dedication to relief efforts. The island’s undying spirit guarantees it will rise more robustly and united from the ashes.
For continuous updates, travellers are encouraged to check the ehawaii.gov website.
For more updates and details, please visit:
- County of Maui Official Updates
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund
- Maui’s Evacuation Assistance & Resources
As of August 12, 2023.
Written by: Matthew Thomas reporting from Honolulu.
