Kokua Maui: The healing power of thoughtful tourism
The Healing Power of “Thoughtful Tourism” supporting Maui in a Post Lahaina Fire Era.
Aloha Readers,
The undeniable spirit of Aloha runs deep in Maui. Anyone paying attention to the local Maui community rallying around their ‘ohana in the aftermath of the Lahaina Fire is witnessing the true spirit of Aloha in real time. It is clear “Aloha” is the bedrock of Hawaiian culture. There’s been a wave of “Kokua Maui” - a phrase meaning to help or give aid in Hawaiian. What’s becoming clear in the weeks since the fire, is that the road to recovery will be years in the making. What’s also becoming clear is this: The residents of Lahaina need Maui and the rest of Maui needs all of us in the form of responsible tourism.
As responsible travelers, there are ways we can contribute to help the island recover in addition to donating.
The Undisturbed Areas of Maui Need You.
Contrary to what you might think, not all of Maui was affected by the Lahaina Fire, and the island is more than ready to welcome visitors again to the unaffected areas. As a former resident of Maui myself, I have heard the call to action from many friends and business owners on the island asking for visitors to return and not cancel their trips. For visitors, I hope this blog aids you in understanding how to be a “thoughtful” tourist by providing details on which parts of the island are Open, Safe and Eager for tourists:
South Maui
South Maui is the “Sunny Side” of the island. It lies on the Leeward side of the volcano, Haleakala and rarely gets rain. It is the home of some of the most stunning resorts on the island, including the Four Season, Grand Wailea, Wailea Marriott, Andaz Wailea and Fairmont Kea Lani, all located in Wailea. Once you check in, there is no reason to leave your hotel. Access to snorkeling, restaurants and shopping can be found short walking distances from all these resort paradises located in Wailea, South Maui. In addition to Wailea, Kihei is another South Maui favorite for more affordable options or those looking for accommodations through vrbo and airbnb rentals.
North Maui
North Maui is home to the island’s big wave surf culture with a heavy presence of artists, vegans and “living off the grid” denizens. If this sounds like your vibe, it is a fantastic area to take a day trip or search for accommodations in the towns of Paia or Haiku. The area contains waterfall hikes, surf spots, quaint shops and restaurants.
East Maui
Home of the infamous “Road to Hana,” it is considers the rain forest. Accommodations are scarce but I’ve personally stayed in Hana as a “staycation” while living on Maui and there are definitely a handful of small hotels and rentals available in and around Hana. Hana is beautiful and remote. It is home to the famous red and black sand beaches as well as Waimoku Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls on the island (accessible by foot.) Hana is a popular day trip if you are staying in South Maui or North Maui. It can be a long day and having a guide for this region of the island can be extremely helpful.
Haleakala / Upcountry
Haleakala is the larger of the two volcanos on Maui and makes up the entire right side of the island. North, South, East and Upcountry Maui are all locations on Haleakala. Haleakala stands just over 10,000 ft tall and is a National Park. If you are visiting Maui and have never driven to the top of Haleakala, you are missing out on an out of this world experience. It literally feels like you are out of this world and on another planet. Upcountry Maui describes the region located at elevations between 1500 - 6000 ft on the slopes of Haleakala. Upcountry is the home to Makawao, Pukalani, Kula and Ulupalakua where you’ll find rodeos, lavender farms, lodges, wine tasting and foggy mature forest canopy. It is usually an area reserved for day trips, but searching any of these areas for accommodations will result in a handful of results. The area feels more like the Pacific Northwest. A smaller fire did occur in the area around Kula, so be mindful of that if you are passing through on a day trip.
The area of West Maui is the entire left circle (left side of the island) and where Lahaina is located. At this time, West Maui is aiding the victims of the fire and visitors have been advised to not enter this region of Maui. West Maui was my former home and I know eventually the businesses and resorts there will need your support as well, but until that region of the island decides that for themselves - avoid planning a trip to places like Ka’anapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua. As more information regarding tourism and West Maui becomes available, I will share what I know.
Informed tourism = Responsible Aloha
Our presence and well-directed tourism can make a significant impact. By visiting the unaffected areas of Maui, we’re bringing life back to the local businesses and ensuring the local economy remains strong. Traveling to Maui right now means embracing and supporting its people in a way that makes them feel they are not alone in the aftermath of the Lahaina Fire disaster. More importantly, ensuring they do not feel exploited or have to endure ignorant, insensitive behavior from visitors while they are grieving from all that was lost and those who were lost during the fire.
Although I’m currently not on the island, my soul has never left. It’s purpose is clear to me: to create art that connects. Connect people to the preservation and conservation of sensitive areas. Maui being the top of that list. I wrote my Maui travel guide years ago from a place of protection not exploitation. Having lived on the island and experienced tourism first hand, I felt there was a real need to provide a guide that explained the island, the culture and educated visitors on malama ’aina (caring for and honoring the land.) It’s the Hawaiian phrase for conservation and preservation. Maui is fragile and vulnerable. I want to participate in making sure residents and visitors alike work together to preserve her natural landscapes and the Hawaiian culture. To help you plan a thoughtful trip to Maui that’s enriching for both you and the island, I hope this blog is useful.
Lahaina was not only the cultural and historical backbone of Maui but of the entire Hawaiian Kingdom. It is important as a visitor to understand the scope of loss that the residents of Maui and Lahaina have faced as a result of the fire. The number of souls lost and still unaccounted for is hard to grasp. The loss of history, culture and future land use are topics right now that many in the local community are fighting to keep alive in the midst of “rebuild” talks. Preserving Maui is more important now than it ever has been. I hope this helps to provide clarity and information to those seeking to participate. Listed below are a handful of organizations working locally to provide direct assistance to fire victims as well as a link to my book for those looking for a Maui guide reference.
Local organizations aiding fire victims:
Hawaii Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2023/red-cross-helps-as-wildfires-burn.html
Maui Strong - Hawaii Community Foundation: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
Maui United Way: https://mauiunitedway.org/
Peoples Fund of Maui: https://www.eifoundation.org/peoples-fund-of-maui/
If you are seeking a Maui Guide, consider Maui in 7 Days, the original “Thoughtful Tourism” Guide reference:
Mahalo ~ Kate @Kokua Design Company
Maui in 7 Days - For now: Avoid the Left (West) side of Maui until further notice