We went this May as well. Never been before that but we heard from a lot of locals how slow it felt. We stayed in Ka’anapali so right next door to Lahaina. We shopped local the whole time and supported however we could while staying respectful. Breaks my heart to see the before and after of Lahaina. Show your support everyone. Take that trip to Maui 🫶🏽
Eloquently put, DARLYNE87. We hope you had a wonderful time there, and I’m sure the community appreciated your support. Thank you for sharing your experience!
My wife and I are heading them in October. We’ve gone once before for our honeymoon, now going back for our 20th anniversary. It’s such a beautiful place and we’ll be doing our part to support local business as well. Great comment Darlyne87
I live on Maui born & raised you can come just be respectful Lahaina needs time to heal it still hurts to see our beloved Lahaina like this ❤ Lahainastrong
Tears flowing as I'm watching your fabulous video tour. I've been to and done almost everything mentioned in your video. We own a Kahana timeshare, was last there in 2021 (our 4th trip since 1999). We dined almost nightly in Lahaina on Front Street and so sad to see drone footage from another video that it's all gone. Except the Banyan Tree. Such aloha that it's coming back strong. Maybe we can return in 2027 (our timeshare is a bi-annual usage). Hope to see improvements speed up as the burnt out areas have been finally cleaned up. Mahalo for showing West Maui back for tourism and my Aloha to the residents of Lahaina who've lost so much!
Thank you for the heartfelt comment, Steve. We appreciate it. And we hope you are able to visit in 2027. I believe it will be back up and running by then, if not normal then better than before. Thanks again for watching and commenting and here’s to some aloha in your life in the next couple years!
That is wonderful to hear! We really do think you will have the best time! It was more meaningful of a trip for us this time. Have fun and safe travels!
@georgwoodman8370 anything we can do to help! We love Maui. Please share it with everyone you know! We also made a video about traveling to Maui on a budget for any of your friends or family who might want to visit. Check it out and let us know if there are any other Maui topics you'd like us to cover! th-cam.com/video/wLVCPCAT_Us/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_z6XIGDZX7E9zhrY Thanks for watching and commenting! We hope Maui returns to normal soon.
Was in Maui this past August 2024, it was my first time and was absolutely stunning! Of course it was devastating driving through the areas that were affected, one of the main roads had just opened up a few days prior to us visiting. Anyone visiting please be respectful to the locals… they were nothing but amazing to us. 🌺❤️
The pleasure is ours. We love Maui and want to see it thrive. Thank you for watching and commenting. Please consider supporting us in return and subscribing and sharing this video!
Well done video!! We just spent last week in Napili, and the week before in Oahu and the Big Island. It was our first time to Hawaii so we can't do a comparison. The only time we had to wait in line was at the Gazebo for breakfast, we were there 1/2 hour before it opened. We ate and shopped local, and everyone was very nice. I have been following some people since the fire. It is extremely sad that residents aren't getting the assistance they need. And it was very sad seeing the devastation firsthand. Homeless seems to be an issue but on all the islands not just Maui, again I can't compare to the past. Oh heck, the whole USA has a homeless problem. I totally agree, GO!! If you have been thinking about it, now is the time. There is plenty to do and see!! The Old Lahani Luau was wonderful!! God bless and happy travels!
Thank you for watching and leaving such a wonderful, insightful, and thoughtful comment! We couldn't agree more! So glad you were able to visit and take it all in, good and not so good. Some people are too selfish to realize that a vacation doesn't always have to be rainbows and butterflies. We could all use a little humility and gratitude too. Thank you again for sharing! Maui nō ka oi!
If you’re local, you should know Lahaina was not only the heartbeat in Maui, but it to fine, not only the aloha spirit, but the truth, soul of Maui. I’ve been Amaury over 25 times have many friends there now the healing is it going to take years. 🏖️🏝️🌋🏄🏾♂️🏄🏿🏄♀️💐🪻🌺🪷🌸🌼🌈🌈🌈
In my previous trips to Maui, Lahaina was my primary destination. Other parts of the island were nice but nothing like Lahaina. So, I have been opting to go to Oahu instead of Maui for my Hawaii vacations recently. I would like to go back someday but not right now.
I feel you. When we went in April, there was definitely a hole in our trip. It was still enjoyable for sure, but not the same. I hope they rebuild authentically and not fill it with corporate, household names. You can find all of that in Wailea.
I am visiting Maui in September with 3 of my sisters-in-law. I texted to them that Lahaina Luau is open and welcoming visitors! My plan is that we have our Luau there in September this year!
We will be visiting Maui the second week of September. We might bump into each other during our stay. We normally go to Oahu, but we felt visiting Maui may help the locals in some small way.
We wouldn't say they are recovered but shops are opening up little by little. We put together this video on how to visit Maui on a budget: th-cam.com/video/wLVCPCAT_Us/w-d-xo.html We'll also be producing a video on more luxurious accommodations and things to do as well. Please consider subscribing so you get all our Maui info! When are you thinking of visiting?
That’s awesome! Let us know how it goes. Now that we are travelers with children, we are very interested to know what it’s like in the middle of summer. We had a yearly timeshare in April but sold it because of the school year. And please subscribe and share this video with your travel party!!!
Excellent choice! We do not think you’ll regret it. But then again, it’s Hawaii. It’s impossible to choose wrong! Please come back and tell us your experience!
We are all for supporting Maui! We hope for a full recovery, not just physically and from a rebuilding and property standpoint, but mentally and emotionally too! Thank you for watching and commenting. Please consider sharing this video with loved ones and subscribing. We have another Maui video coming out in a couple weeks!
Thanks for commenting! That is good to hear. Can you confirm that the hotels are booked with travelers or are many of the locals still displaced in hotels? If they are tourists, hopefully that means the locals are slowly moving back to their homes!
@theresaandrade5708 Lahaina is NOT a separate island. It is a town that encompasses Lahaina as well as Ka'anapali and Kapalua. It is firmly on Maui Island. Are you sure you aren't mistaking it for Lanai, which is a separate island about 8 miles off the coast of Maui.
Mahalo for the comment and thank you also for watching! May I ask what area you are in Maui? We were just there. Stayed in Ka'anapali. I also have family in Kula. It is almost like a second home for us. My heart is broken for the people of Lahaina.
We genuinely vacation there every year because we really do feel like it's our second home. We want nothing more than for Lahaina and Maui as a whole to build back stronger than before. And that doesn't mean more hotels and condos. We're talking real local business. We are rooting for you!
I think we're on the same team...did you watch the video? It basically states what you just said; that we need more Maui tourism so that locals have the revenue and the inspiration to build back better than ever. Maui is back in the sense that it is open and needs visitors. I agree that it's not back to the way it was, and may never get back because of the economy, but those that love Maui like myself, need to return as much as possible. It's a win win, really. We get to be in paradise and help their economy at the same time.
Wow, this is surprising and disappointing to hear. Can you share more? Our experience there in early May was nothing but amazing. We are very interested to understand your circumstances if you are willing to share. Thank you for commenting!
Maui is not getting the government funding it should to be rebuilt. The cost for residents who have lived there for generations is unaffordable and It’s never going to be the same. Locals don’t want visitors anywhere near Lahaina. Going up to Napili or down to wailea doesn’t help whatsoever.
From where did you get your information? Locals absolutely want people to visit areas in Lahaina that are open to the public. If you’re referring to residential areas then yes, local officials do not want non residents around the area mainly for safety concerns. But local businesses and local employees absolutely welcome tourists. And visiting surrounding areas does help because many of the service workers from Lahaina are now working in those areas you mentioned, Nāpili, Wailea, etc. The one thing we can agree on is that the government, both local and federal have been a joke at handling this crisis. They need to step up big time and it’s a shame they haven’t up to this point.
@goorant, they do, indeed. We suggest, if you can afford it and have been thinking about going to Maui, that you go. It will help the local community immensely. Thank you for your comment!
@ChatGPT1111 if you dwell on it, yes, you will be depressed. But as the video shows, right now, there are so many things to be excited about and appreciative of, and most importantly, Maui locals need all the tourism help they can get. Will it be better or less depressing in a year or two? Most likely. But there is a unique dynamic in Maui right now where an air of appreciation lies just under the surface, which makes every experience a little more deeper and meaningful.
@@TheVacationAgent I only get one good vacation a year. Don't need to spend my dwindling funds on a partial experience for charity but thanks for the insight.
To be honest it seems like your mind was made up before watching this video. And we don’t want to encourage anyone travel anywhere if they can’t financially. Maui is definitely not cheap. There are alternatives for a fraction of the price that’s for sure. We do hope you make it out there in the future.
We totally understand your perspective. There are definitely suspicious things surrounding a lot of the circumstances. But we are trying to focus more on the local community and how much they are suffering. We know government there is part of the problem. That's why they need us more than ever. But yes, we understand where you're coming from.
Miller, Donna, Walker, Jessica, Jackson, Amy: Did you watch the video? I think Harry wants you to, and so do we, if you haven't already. And even if you have, you can always watch it again! 😉
They need visitors for recovery, but they ask visitors to be respectful. Avoid the burn areas, do not take videos or photos of the burn areas, and do not ask locals about their experience of the fires. Local businesses are truly struggling, which impacts the entire economy. They need the support of tourism to survive. The entire Maui economy is dependent upon it
We would say that yes, there definitely is a very small minority of people who think that way. But that minority are people that already don't like tourists. The overwhelming majority of locals there have personally told us things are slow and they cannot continue this way. They need all the help they can get.
@PeaceFan1, we appreciate your opinion, but have you ever watched a sitcom without a laugh track? It makes a huge difference, trust us. You may not like it, but the music does add to the viewing experience.
We went this May as well. Never been before that but we heard from a lot of locals how slow it felt. We stayed in Ka’anapali so right next door to Lahaina. We shopped local the whole time and supported however we could while staying respectful. Breaks my heart to see the before and after of Lahaina. Show your support everyone. Take that trip to Maui 🫶🏽
Eloquently put, DARLYNE87. We hope you had a wonderful time there, and I’m sure the community appreciated your support. Thank you for sharing your experience!
My wife and I are heading them in October. We’ve gone once before for our honeymoon, now going back for our 20th anniversary. It’s such a beautiful place and we’ll be doing our part to support local business as well. Great comment Darlyne87
@@Bob_LawblawHookipa
I live on Maui born & raised you can come just be respectful Lahaina needs time to heal it still hurts to see our beloved Lahaina like this ❤ Lahainastrong
#lahainastrong 🤙🏻 thank you for sharing.
Tears flowing as I'm watching your fabulous video tour. I've been to and done almost everything mentioned in your video. We own a Kahana timeshare, was last there in 2021 (our 4th trip since 1999). We dined almost nightly in Lahaina on Front Street and so sad to see drone footage from another video that it's all gone. Except the Banyan Tree. Such aloha that it's coming back strong. Maybe we can return in 2027 (our timeshare is a bi-annual usage). Hope to see improvements speed up as the burnt out areas have been finally cleaned up. Mahalo for showing West Maui back for tourism and my Aloha to the residents of Lahaina who've lost so much!
Thank you for the heartfelt comment, Steve. We appreciate it. And we hope you are able to visit in 2027. I believe it will be back up and running by then, if not normal then better than before. Thanks again for watching and commenting and here’s to some aloha in your life in the next couple years!
We Love Maui! We will be visiting and supporting West Maui in August!
That is wonderful to hear! We really do think you will have the best time! It was more meaningful of a trip for us this time. Have fun and safe travels!
Yes!!! That's the kind of promotion/advertisement we Mauians need!!
@georgwoodman8370 anything we can do to help! We love Maui. Please share it with everyone you know! We also made a video about traveling to Maui on a budget for any of your friends or family who might want to visit. Check it out and let us know if there are any other Maui topics you'd like us to cover!
th-cam.com/video/wLVCPCAT_Us/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_z6XIGDZX7E9zhrY
Thanks for watching and commenting! We hope Maui returns to normal soon.
I love Maui, thanks for posting this amazing video. I’ve been to four other Hawaiian islands, but Maui is my favorite by far.
Likewise. We go every year and it never gets old. Thanks for watching and commenting!!! Mahalo! 🤙🏻
Please visit. Most of Maui is open, but local businesses are struggling. They need the support of tourism to survive.
100% well said. Thank you for your comment.
Tell Mayor Bissen to stop his effort to destroy short term rentals!
May 2024 - just back from a wonderful vacation at Napili Kai. West Maui is making a comeback. Please don’t hesitate to visit.
It sure is making a comeback! Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad your stay was wonderful!
Was in Maui this past August 2024, it was my first time and was absolutely stunning! Of course it was devastating driving through the areas that were affected, one of the main roads had just opened up a few days prior to us visiting. Anyone visiting please be respectful to the locals… they were nothing but amazing to us. 🌺❤️
Awesome to hear and thank you for sharing. I hope you found our video helpful.
We have been to Oahu 3 times, Maui twice and most recently Kauai. Maui is still my favorite and I want to go back soon.
Tommy, great to hear! Hawaii is definitely at the top of our list, and Maui at the top of that list. Hope you get there soon, they need you!
Mahalo Nui for sharing positive and promoting our beautiful island.
The pleasure is ours. We love Maui and want to see it thrive. Thank you for watching and commenting. Please consider supporting us in return and subscribing and sharing this video!
I was In Maui in March, It was GREAT and Every one was Friendly and WANT tourists
Thank you for the insight, Rob. We couldn't agree more. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. We appreciate it!
Great Video. Good advertisement
A comment so nice, we got it twice!! 😆
I’m in West Maui now with a group of 16. West Maui is packed! I’ve never sent it so busy
That's wonderful. Thank you for the report. We hope you are having a blast!
Well done video!! We just spent last week in Napili, and the week before in Oahu and the Big Island. It was our first time to Hawaii so we can't do a comparison. The only time we had to wait in line was at the Gazebo for breakfast, we were there 1/2 hour before it opened. We ate and shopped local, and everyone was very nice.
I have been following some people since the fire. It is extremely sad that residents aren't getting the assistance they need. And it was very sad seeing the devastation firsthand. Homeless seems to be an issue but on all the islands not just Maui, again I can't compare to the past. Oh heck, the whole USA has a homeless problem.
I totally agree, GO!! If you have been thinking about it, now is the time. There is plenty to do and see!! The Old Lahani Luau was wonderful!! God bless and happy travels!
Thank you for watching and leaving such a wonderful, insightful, and thoughtful comment! We couldn't agree more! So glad you were able to visit and take it all in, good and not so good. Some people are too selfish to realize that a vacation doesn't always have to be rainbows and butterflies. We could all use a little humility and gratitude too. Thank you again for sharing! Maui nō ka oi!
If you’re local, you should know Lahaina was not only the heartbeat in Maui, but it to fine, not only the aloha spirit, but the truth, soul of Maui. I’ve been Amaury over 25 times have many friends there now the healing is it going to take years. 🏖️🏝️🌋🏄🏾♂️🏄🏿🏄♀️💐🪻🌺🪷🌸🌼🌈🌈🌈
Thank you for watching and sharing, Robert. 🤙🏻
In my previous trips to Maui, Lahaina was my primary destination. Other parts of the island were nice but nothing like Lahaina. So, I have been opting to go to Oahu instead of Maui for my Hawaii vacations recently. I would like to go back someday but not right now.
I feel you. When we went in April, there was definitely a hole in our trip. It was still enjoyable for sure, but not the same. I hope they rebuild authentically and not fill it with corporate, household names. You can find all of that in Wailea.
@@TheVacationAgent It’s also very sad to go to Maui knowing that Lahaina is gone!😭
@@Fulgum it was very sad, especially seeing the memorials the locals put up along the roadside.
I am visiting Maui in September with 3 of my sisters-in-law. I texted to them that Lahaina Luau is open and welcoming visitors! My plan is that we have our Luau there in September this year!
We have no doubt it will be an amazing experience! Thank you for supporting us and especially the people of Maui!
We will be visiting Maui the second week of September. We might bump into each other during our stay. We normally go to Oahu, but we felt visiting Maui may help the locals in some small way.
Coming to Maui in 3 days!! Can't wait
Have a blast! Let us know how it goes! Thank you so much for watching and commenting, and Safe Travels!
I went in July. Lahaina was pretty busy.
That’s good to hear. Hope you had a great time.
We want to visit in August, I could see many ocean view air bnb options in Lahaina , does that mean it’s recovered ?
Please suggest where to stay !
We wouldn't say they are recovered but shops are opening up little by little. We put together this video on how to visit Maui on a budget: th-cam.com/video/wLVCPCAT_Us/w-d-xo.html
We'll also be producing a video on more luxurious accommodations and things to do as well. Please consider subscribing so you get all our Maui info!
When are you thinking of visiting?
@@TheVacationAgent Thank you !
We will be there in two weeks! We love Mauians!
Lucky! Have a safe and wonderful trip. And if you’d like to share your experience when you’re back, we’d love to hear from you!
Visiting West Maui in late July
That’s awesome! Let us know how it goes. Now that we are travelers with children, we are very interested to know what it’s like in the middle of summer. We had a yearly timeshare in April but sold it because of the school year. And please subscribe and share this video with your travel party!!!
@@TheVacationAgent We went to the Big Island Last year. Was deciding between Kauai and Maui this year and.....had to go support Maui!
Excellent choice! We do not think you’ll regret it. But then again, it’s Hawaii. It’s impossible to choose wrong! Please come back and tell us your experience!
@@TheVacationAgent Been to all the islands many times so I know it will be great!
Please support maui!! Thank you for showcasing its beauty!!
We are all for supporting Maui! We hope for a full recovery, not just physically and from a rebuilding and property standpoint, but mentally and emotionally too!
Thank you for watching and commenting. Please consider sharing this video with loved ones and subscribing. We have another Maui video coming out in a couple weeks!
So sad😢
Going to Kihei in 2 weeks !
Awesome! Let us know how it goes when you get back and safe travels!!
How was it? I will be there in two weeks
It’s busy again, hotel prices are very high and many booked out.
Thanks for commenting! That is good to hear. Can you confirm that the hotels are booked with travelers or are many of the locals still displaced in hotels? If they are tourists, hopefully that means the locals are slowly moving back to their homes!
Mahalo.
You're welcome, and thank you for visiting!
Lahaina is a separate Island from Maui although considered a part of Maui.
@theresaandrade5708 Lahaina is NOT a separate island. It is a town that encompasses Lahaina as well as Ka'anapali and Kapalua. It is firmly on Maui Island. Are you sure you aren't mistaking it for Lanai, which is a separate island about 8 miles off the coast of Maui.
Mahalo from Maui
Mahalo for the comment and thank you also for watching!
May I ask what area you are in Maui? We were just there. Stayed in Ka'anapali. I also have family in Kula.
It is almost like a second home for us. My heart is broken for the people of Lahaina.
@@TheVacationAgent Westside for 20 years ( from Lahaina to Napili ) Now north shore for 6 years.
We genuinely vacation there every year because we really do feel like it's our second home. We want nothing more than for Lahaina and Maui as a whole to build back stronger than before. And that doesn't mean more hotels and condos. We're talking real local business. We are rooting for you!
we will be going back in 25 celebrate our 30 th got married there at the secret beach
That is great! Congratulations! We hope your celebration is as wonderful as the beginning.
Maui is not back…so few occupancy at the hotels right now, people being laid off due to lack of work
I think we're on the same team...did you watch the video? It basically states what you just said; that we need more Maui tourism so that locals have the revenue and the inspiration to build back better than ever. Maui is back in the sense that it is open and needs visitors. I agree that it's not back to the way it was, and may never get back because of the economy, but those that love Maui like myself, need to return as much as possible. It's a win win, really. We get to be in paradise and help their economy at the same time.
Maui needs tourists but the locals are very mean to tourists. We just went back in Mar, 2024 and my experience with the local was awful.
Wow, this is surprising and disappointing to hear. Can you share more? Our experience there in early May was nothing but amazing. We are very interested to understand your circumstances if you are willing to share. Thank you for commenting!
We have experienced great
and loving treatment from locals. They are happy to see us back and welcoming. They need our support! Maui No ka oi!!!
Maui is not getting the government funding it should to be rebuilt. The cost for residents who have lived there for generations is unaffordable and It’s never going to be the same. Locals don’t want visitors anywhere near Lahaina. Going up to Napili or down to wailea doesn’t help whatsoever.
From where did you get your information? Locals absolutely want people to visit areas in Lahaina that are open to the public. If you’re referring to residential areas then yes, local officials do not want non residents around the area mainly for safety concerns. But local businesses and local employees absolutely welcome tourists.
And visiting surrounding areas does help because many of the service workers from Lahaina are now working in those areas you mentioned, Nāpili, Wailea, etc.
The one thing we can agree on is that the government, both local and federal have been a joke at handling this crisis. They need to step up big time and it’s a shame they haven’t up to this point.
Don't they need tourism monies to rebuild? Survive?
@goorant, they do, indeed. We suggest, if you can afford it and have been thinking about going to Maui, that you go. It will help the local community immensely. Thank you for your comment!
You've definitely convinced us to wait another year or two. It sounds really depressing there right now.
@ChatGPT1111 if you dwell on it, yes, you will be depressed. But as the video shows, right now, there are so many things to be excited about and appreciative of, and most importantly, Maui locals need all the tourism help they can get. Will it be better or less depressing in a year or two? Most likely. But there is a unique dynamic in Maui right now where an air of appreciation lies just under the surface, which makes every experience a little more deeper and meaningful.
@@TheVacationAgent I only get one good vacation a year. Don't need to spend my dwindling funds on a partial experience for charity but thanks for the insight.
To be honest it seems like your mind was made up before watching this video. And we don’t want to encourage anyone travel anywhere if they can’t financially. Maui is definitely not cheap. There are alternatives for a fraction of the price that’s for sure. We do hope you make it out there in the future.
@@ChatGPT1111 I’ll tell you a secret: now is the time to go, it’s not crowded.
I will not subject my Family to the incompetence of Maui Officials.
We totally understand your perspective. There are definitely suspicious things surrounding a lot of the circumstances. But we are trying to focus more on the local community and how much they are suffering. We know government there is part of the problem. That's why they need us more than ever. But yes, we understand where you're coming from.
Miller Donna Walker Jessica Jackson Amy
Miller, Donna, Walker, Jessica, Jackson, Amy: Did you watch the video? I think Harry wants you to, and so do we, if you haven't already. And even if you have, you can always watch it again! 😉
I thought the locals didn't want visitors so they could grieve
They need visitors for recovery, but they ask visitors to be respectful. Avoid the burn areas, do not take videos or photos of the burn areas, and do not ask locals about their experience of the fires. Local businesses are truly struggling, which impacts the entire economy. They need the support of tourism to survive. The entire Maui economy is dependent upon it
We would say that yes, there definitely is a very small minority of people who think that way. But that minority are people that already don't like tourists. The overwhelming majority of locals there have personally told us things are slow and they cannot continue this way. They need all the help they can get.
Good Video BUT the music is UNNECESSARY and Annoying!!!! Seriously, you Do NOT need it to keep people interested in your content!!! UGH!
@PeaceFan1, we appreciate your opinion, but have you ever watched a sitcom without a laugh track? It makes a huge difference, trust us. You may not like it, but the music does add to the viewing experience.
advertising cliche tourist activities as a way of "supporting" Maui is the most garbage take ive ever heard
We appreciate you visiting and adding your colorful opinion. But one man’s garbage is another’s treasure. Have a nice day, young whipper snapper!
Great Video. Good advertisement
Thank you for watching, Maryjo! Will you be visiting Maui any time soon?
@@TheVacationAgent yes! Every February