Maui no ka oi – ‘Maui is the best’
Editor’s note: To travel or not to travel to Maui? For travelers of conscience, that is the question.
On the one hand, the Hawaiian island – which saw the West Maui town of Lahaina devastated by wildfires on Aug. 8, killing at least 100 people – relies on tourism for its economy.
On the other hand, there are thousands of homeless residents living in hotels, short-term rentals and beach tents and restaurateurs working out of food trucks who, while formerly depending on tourists for their livelihood, may now find themselves in competition with them for resources.
The numbers are staggering and heartbreaking – more than $5 billion just to rebuild the town over several years, according to the New York Times article; half the businesses, 600, still not operational; a projected $1 billion decline in Hawaiian tourist revenues.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $290 million in loans — $101 million for small businesses and almost $189 million for homeowners – but some residents are unsure if they can, or want to, start over there.
This is the backdrop of the following story by Debbi K. and William D. Kickham, longtime Westfair luxury travel contributors: )
After the devastating August wildfires, Maui is open and making a concerted effort to welcome compassionate travelers. We consider this news important, because there’s been a lot of misinformation about Maui, with many thinking the entire island was affected by the wildfires and canceling long-planned trips.
While Lahaina proper still remains closed to the public, you can savor the beauty of the breathtaking landscapes and distinctive towns that make Maui a truly unparalleled destination as you mālama (care for) the island by showing respect for its natural world and residents and supporting local farmers’ markets, retailers, festivals and restaurants. If you’re in the spirit of giving back, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities waiting for your helping hands. Your presence on the island transcends mere visitation; it symbolizes a pivotal contribution to Maui’s ongoing recovery.
“In caring for Maui’s communities, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority is supporting residents who work in the hospitality industry and business owners who rely on visitors by encouraging mindful visitation to the island,” said public affairs officer Ilihia Gionson. “The best way to support Maui in its recovery is for travelers to continue with their Maui vacations and don’t cancel those trips. Maui’s economy is dependent on a robust visitor industry and there is lots to see and do while you’re here.”
In Kapalua, for example, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and The Montage Kapalua Bay, two luxury hotels, are open to visitors, and more than ready, willing and able to deliver the iconic aloha spirit that Hawaii is famous for.
Set on a former pineapple plantation, the 54-acre Ritz-Carlton has recently undergone a $100 million transformation. We visited in early October and while several of the food-and-beverage outlets were closed at that time, as was the Club Lounge, the luxury hotel rooms were widely available, as was the spa, the 36 holes of championship golf and the golden, sandy beach. As of this writing, all of the restaurant outlets have reopened, especially the va-va-va-voom Club Lounge, with fantastic food all day long.
Similarly, the ultra-luxurious Montage Kapalua Bay hotel, located 10 miles north of Lahaina on 24 oceanfront acres, was also untouched by the devastation. We visited this property and are happy to report it is open for the public to experience unabashed luxury from the get-go. Its Cane & Canoe restaurant offers gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, its spa holds two-hour Maui Maluhia massages in private hales and its award-winning beach – Kapalua Bay – is still charming visitors as one of the world’s No. 1 stretches of sand.
Travelers to West Maui can also enjoy numerous dining options, including Taverna, Roy’s, Hula Grill, Leilani’s On The Beach, Duke’s and Maui Brewing Co., to name a few. More are opening every week.
Many other parts of the island offer a wealth of wonderful things to do. Paia, a charming coastal town on Maui’s North Shore, is a great place to visit. Known as a surfer’s paradise, its picturesque beaches and laid-back vibe attract visitors seeking a relaxed community and bohemian atmosphere. Indeed, we’ve always thought of Paia as a throwback to the late 1960s. It is also the gateway to the iconic Road to Hana, which typically is a four-hour car adventure filled with waterfalls, gorgeous scenery and miles of curved roads.
South Maui is famous for its stunning beaches, spas, shopping, restaurants and upscale hotels. At the posh Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, everything was in full swing, due to its $350 million renovation. An interview with Managing Director John Paul Oliver made clear how guest-ready the resort is, and how exciting the renovations really are. One of its signature restaurants, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (named for the state’s official fish) was also undergoing a huge renovation and is as of this date open to diners. While we were there, employees of the New York Life Insurance Co. were in attendance, taking advantage of the resort’s meeting facilities for their conference. On Feb. 28, the resort will debut the island’s newest, largest luxury spa and wellness destination, Kilolani Spa.
Inspired by the kilolani (stargazers) of ancient Hawai’i, the 50,000-square-foot spa has been developed in collaboration with TLee Spas + Wellness, designers and consultants, and local cultural experts to integrate the phases of the Hawaiian moon calendar into its advanced treatment menu and services. Additionally, the spa will offer open-air hydrothermal circuits and a coed hamman, with specialty treatments and services that incorporate indigenous ingredients and remedies to create an innovative local take on this multicultural wellness ritual.
Down the road, Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, Maui was operating on all cylinders, and playing to a packed house, many of guests families who came to enjoy the tony resort’s four pools, one with the island’s tallest waterslides, the resort’s world-class luau and other daily fun activities – for both adults and kids.
And don’t forget about some of the lesser-known resorts, such as Kamaole Sands Resort, Maui Banyan and Chase ’N Rainbows by Castle Vacation Rentals Hawaii.
These properties are owned by Castle Resorts & Hotels, a division of Castle Hospitality Group, which was established in 1993. It manages a broad portfolio of guest accommodations, including value/economy hotels, full-service hotels and spacious all-suite condominium resorts on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Hawaii.
One last word of advice: We went on our trip with plenty of cash for tips and showed our gratitude to all kinds of local people who made our stay terrific – that means the housekeepers and waiters, but many other local residents who went out of their way to make our stay a success even as their hearts were broken. It was not lost on us: That waitress serving us coconut shrimp and the housekeeper fluffing our towels may have lost their homes, family members and friends in the devastation. They deserve all of our emotional and financial support as we return the aloha spirit in kind.
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/) advises travelers to double-check in advance with individual accommodations, activities and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of operation. For more, click here.
And for more about Debbi’s Wanderlust and Wellness travels, follow her on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.
Support Hawaii while protecting your skin
What can you do in the meantime? You may just want to purchase plenty of VitaSea sunscreen. VitaSea is a mission-driven company that provides sustainable sun protection for a healthy, outdoor lifestyle while bringing environmental initiatives to the forefront. Its founder, Christine Burger, spent her childhood in Hawaii.
“Hawaii is home to family and friends,” she said. “There was such an overwhelming sense of helplessness watching as wildfires engulfed large areas of Maui. Our hope was to use our resources to find ways to make a difference. Supporting the Hawaii Community Foundation ensured that funds were received quickly by families who had urgent needs. We continue to monitor the recovery progress and plan to find additional ways to support the community as they rebuild for the future.”
For more, click here. https://vitaseasuncare.com/collections/vitasea-sun-care-collection