In the light of the recent horrific Maui fires, what are the best ethics for tourists that still want to visit? Immediately after the fires, tourists were urged to stay away from Maui altogether. There were the practical logistics in place that prioritized emergency personnel during search and recovery efforts. But the massive fire destruction also seemed to bring up Hawaiians’ historic tensions over tourism.
Tourism has always been a double-edged sword for this “Paradise of the Pacific.” Hawaiian economy is heavily founded on the tourism industry. With that tourism comes serious issues. Environmental impacts on fragile ecosystems, strain on water, energy and infrastructure resources, and cultural dilution of genuine traditions are just a few. In other words, mass tourism can destroy the very essence of what makes any travel destination unique in the first place. Hawaiians may need tourism to support their economy, but they have to manage its downsides.
To Visit Or Not To Visit?
Now the official word on travel to Maui has begun to change. As of August 17, 2023 the Hawaiian Tourism Authority has made new announcements. The obvious needs to be stated- tourists are advised NOT to go to West Maui. This means avoiding badly decimated Lahaina. Nearby Kaanapali and Kapalua, now filled with displaced fire survivors, are included in the restricted areas. The last thing that hurting Hawaiians need are tourists taking selfies in front of fire areas where their homes once stood. (Unfortunately this may have already happened, explaining those “Tourist Keep Out” signs).
However, all the rest of the island of Maui is still open to visitors. Popular Kihei and Wailea, or Paia on the North Shore- plus Kahului, Wailuku, Makena, Hana and the neighboring Maui County islands of Lanai and Molokai- all are open for business. Many feel that now is the time for visitors to be a continued part of the tourism that is their major source of revenue. Tourism dollars are needed more than ever to keep locals employed.
“Come with respect, humility and reverence for our Maui community…”
(resident Jean Naluai, in LA Times Aug 28, 2023 article“Should You Visit Maui Right Now? What Locals Want from Tourists as the Island Rebuilds” https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2023-08-28/visit-spend-go-home-what-to-know-if-youre-traveling-to-maui).
If visitors do choose to travel to Maui, sensitivity is especially needful at this time. Tourists may be interacting with retail workers, hotel or restaurant staff that have personal connections to the fire, even losing homes or loved ones. Since recovery from the fires is the priority right now, some places may be short-staffed, or some attractions may be closed. Extra patience is called for from tourists as Maui recovers.
“No matter what, the rest of Maui has to keep going on…”
(Daniel Kalahiki, Wailuku food truck operator, in NY Times Aug 17, 2023 article “After Maui Wildfires, Travelers Ask: Would a Trip Help or Hurt?” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/travel/maui-wildfires-travel-tourism.html).
State tourism groups are encouraging visitors to come to the rest of Maui and the other islands- to support the economy. Yet there are still other voices urging tourists just the opposite. Oahu-born actor Jason Momoa urged visitors to travel elsewhere. A TikTok video posted by Lahaina resident Kate Ducheneau flatly commanded, “Do not come to Maui. Cancel your trip. Now.”
In the end, the opposing voices indicate that there is still much more time needed for healing. Everyone must decide for themselves if and when to travel to Maui, and where their best destination to visit might be.
