Two months after destructive wildfires killed at least 97 people and razed thousands of acres of the island's western side, Maui is fully open to visitors. Tourists are bustling along streets on the north coast, sunbathing on Kihei beaches and admiring the dazzling double rainbows stretched across Kapalua Bay.
Should tourists visit Maui now?
“We are asking for respectful, compassionate, responsible travel to the island at this time. Visitation is welcome and encouraged to the many open areas of Maui, now more than ever.”
Where to travel in Hawaii after fire?
The Hawaii Tourism Authority followed up with a news release suggesting travelers could visit parts of Maui including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana. Other islands have remained unaffected and open for tourism.
Is Maui good to visit after fire?
What part of Maui is affected by fire?
LahainaHow the Maui fires consumed Lahaina. The fires on Maui are the deadliest in 100 years of U.S. history. Officials have confirmed the deaths of more than 100 people, with about 1,300 still missing. In Lahaina, West Maui, more than 2,200 homes, apartment buildings and other structures were damaged or destroyed.
How bad are the fires in Maui?
The devastating Maui wildfires have killed at least 99 people so far, and have burned more than 2,500 acres across historic towns like Lahaina, destroying homes and businesses in the region. It is now the deadliest wildfire incident in the U.S. in over a century, and the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history.
How did Maui fire start?
But Maui County, in its suit, blames Hawaiian Electric's power lines, and videos a Lahaina resident posted online the morning the fire erupted appear to show a downed electrical line on the edge of town sparking in the midst of burning grass.
How bad is the damage on Maui?
The wildfires on Maui killed at least 96 people and damaged or destroyed thousands of buildings in the town of Lahaina. While the loss of life is clearly the most tragic, officials estimate that the cost to rebuild will exceed $5 billion.