Lahaina Fire Update (8/25/2023)

In West Maui, recent wildfires have resulted in the devastating loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites, and businesses in Lahaina. We are grateful for the outpouring of support for Maui from around the world, from sharing memories and offering their assistance, to asking questions about travel to Maui and the rest of the state.

While vacation travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged through October 17, travel to all other parts of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia, Makawao and Hāna) and other Hawaiian Islands are welcomed to keep residents employed and our economy alive. 

Governor Green’s Reassurance of Safe Travel Outside West Maui

On Monday, during his remarks alongside President Joe Biden and Hawaiʻi congressional delegation from the impacted area of Lahaina, Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green continued to emphasize the need to avoid West Maui at this time, as well as the importance of travel to the rest of Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands and the economic impact it has on the well-being of Maui and its recovery. In alignment with Governor Green, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui, as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy.

“No one can travel to West Maui right now. We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers should come here now. But all of the other areas of Maui… and the rest of Hawaiʻi are safe,” Governor Green said. “When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”

West Maui Hotels Supporting Evacuees and Recovery Efforts
At this time, hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations and are housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders working on disaster recovery – well over 1,000 people so far with more to come. 

Access Restrictions in West Maui
The devastation in Lahaina is immense and unprecedented. The extent of the damage affecting residents, families and area businesses has yet to be fully understood. Experts have warned that hazardous materials are likely present. The area most affected by the wildfires is off limits to the general public, and we urge visitors to refrain from traveling to West Maui at this time. 

Airline Cancellation and Change Policies

Haleakala Sunrise Reservations Required

Beginning February 1, 2017, visitors in personal or rental vehicles wishing to view sunrise at Haleakal? National Park will need to make sunrise viewing reservations ahead of time at recreation.gov. Online reservations are now available up to 60 days in advance of your sunrise visit. The cost is $1.50 per car. Before February 1, 2017, sunrise viewing parking spaces will continue to be available without advanced reservation, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note:

The reservation fee is not part of the entrance fee. Entrance fees will be collected upon entry to the park. Visitors with national park passes, please have your pass and ID ready to present at the gate for entry.

Reservations are only for sunrise and can only be used on the day that was reserved.

Weather is constantly changing at the summit of Haleakal? and we can’t predict whether a sunrise is going to be clear or cloudy. There will be no refunds or exchanging reservations for a different day.