Maui wants tourists back 1 year after devastating fire: Why it's a great time to go
Maui wants you to come back to paradise.
Smaller crowds and cheap flights, in fact, might make it a great time to visit.
Exactly one year ago today, deadly fires tore through the historic neighborhood of Lahaina, destroying one of the most vibrant neighborhoods on Maui and killing at least 102 people.
Hawaii officials said much of the damage and debris from the August fires has now been cleared, and extensive discussions are underway about when, how and what to rebuild.
Remember, though, that the destruction was limited to the Lahaina area and the surrounding hillsides. Most of Maui is untouched and has been open to tourists since October of last year.
And the people of Maui want visitors to come back.
"We are really seeking for everyone to know we are open," said Tetsuji Yamazaki, the general manager at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. "It's a beautiful place. Please come visit us."
That was a sentiment we heard again and again.
"We want you here," Noa Kamalu told TPG during a November visit. Kamalu works at one of the major resorts in Wailea, about 30 miles south of Lahaina. "We need you to come. Our island survives off tourism."
In fact, tourism is down on the island by more than a quarter from 2019 levels, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The busy summer travel season hasn't been so busy for Maui, which saw a drop of 21% year-over-year in the number of arrivals in June, the latest month for which figures are available. Spending was down some 27% year-over-year in June.
Yamazaki said it's even worse in West Maui, with occupancy down as much as 25% at local hotels.
"Travelers can play a vital role in Maui's recovery by visiting the island and contributing to the local economy," said Andie Mue, managing director at Aqua-Aston Hospitality. "The lack of tourism post-wildfires has negatively impacted jobs, and many businesses are suffering."
In the immediate aftermath of the fires, tourists were asked to stay away from the island altogether, but that opinion changed months ago. Some locals initially said visitors should stay away to respect the people who had lost so much. However, that messaging spread a little too well and has persisted for far too long for some small businesses and residents. Now, Hawaii needs tourists to return.
Tourism officials told us the people of Maui do want tourists and asked us to encourage visitors to consider a Maui vacation.
At the same time, they reminded people to show respect for the community. "Visitors can 'malama' [care for] the people of Maui by shopping at locally owned businesses, eating at local restaurants and enjoying the many great activities and attractions throughout the rest of the island," said Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
A good time to go to Maui?
In fact, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy Maui without the usual crowds. Not only is the number of visitors way down, but round-trip flights can be had for, in some cases, under $300 to Maui.
A quick search uncovered flights on Alaska Airlines to Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) from San Francisco in September for as little as $228 or from New York for as little as $425.
American Airlines has round-trip flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Maui for as little as $257. If you want to fly from Chicago, American will get you there and back for as little as $350. Delta Air Lines has flights from New York City for as low as $468 or from Atlanta starting at $440. United Airlines flies from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) starting at $440 or from its San Francisco hub for as little as $229.
On a May trip to Maui, TPG's senior newsletter editor Becky Blaine flew one-way from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Maui on Southwest for $351.20, including taxes and fees. For the return flight, she redeemed 16,000 Avios for a one-way flight back to Phoenix on American Airlines.
Indeed, you'll often find great deals using points and miles for Maui (and Hawaii as a whole).
Accommodations for every budget and style
Often, a Maui vacation's biggest price tag is for hotels, but there is something for every type of budget, even though we haven't seen major hotels cut prices dramatically to fill up rooms.
Obviously, some of the more popular resort areas remain pricey; however, a handful of Maui's resorts used the slower time during the pandemic to complete multimillion-dollar renovations, so if you haven't been to the island in a while, it might be time to take another look.
Just in the last year or so in Wailea, the Fairmont Kea Lani — Hawaii's only all-suite resort — renovated all oceanfront villas and guest rooms, as well as the lobby and restaurants. The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort spent just over $300 million updating all guest rooms and restaurants and $55 million alone on the new Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea (the largest spa in the Hawaiian Islands), which opened in March 2024.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali completed a $30 million multiphase renovation in 2020, introducing a transformed lobby with The Sandbar (Kaanapali's only lobby bar), a new lounge and reception area, and an expansive lanai and viewing deck. Other enhancements included a new "ohana" (family) game room and redesigned guest rooms. The Sheraton also offers a "Return to Maui" special through Dec. 19, with a $100 resort credit and 20% off when you stay four nights or more. Rates start at $629. Other Marriott properties also offer up to 30% off on five-night stays in Maui.
Related: 29 hotels you can book with points in Maui
The Wailea area is notoriously expensive, with hotels like the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort starting at more than $700 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night. The Grand Wailea has September rates online starting from $774 per night, including tax and fees, for Hilton Honors members. However, if you use Hilton Honors points, redemptions start at 110,000 points per night.
The Fairmont Kea Lani rates start at $775 for a king suite, but the hotel also currently has a summer Ohana (family) special offer through Sept. 3 — book one suite or villa and get 50% off a second suite or villa, plus a pool cabana for the day and a one-time $250 food and beverage credit.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality operates several different resort- and condo-style accommodations. A quick search for dates in September revealed rates for an ocean-view room at the Aston Maui Hill Resort in Kihei from $386 per night, including all taxes and fees, and an ocean-view suite at the Aston Kaanapali Shores for $378 per night on an advance purchase rate, including all taxes and fees.
Additionally, recently renovated oceanfront bungalows at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows start at $351 per night (excluding fees).
Depending on what type of accommodations you might be looking for, there are deals to be found.
Bottom line
With fewer crowds and cheap flights aplenty, now may be one of the best times to visit Maui. You'll not only get a great vacation, but you'll be supporting the recovery of tourism in Hawaii and the people of the gorgeous island.
When we asked what message the people of Maui have for visitors, Yamazaki from the Sheraton told TPG, "Just like anywhere in the world, being kind and nice is something everyone should do. The best way to support us is just to come and visit. We ask guests to visit with aloha and support the local businesses."
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.