Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)

Mākaukau Maui is a campaign designed to showcase Maui's readiness to welcome back visitors and foster economic recovery for its residents.

We understand the concerns surrounding housing for locals displaced by the wildfires. Governor Green and the American Red Cross have committed to ensuring that those who qualify for housing assistance will not be displaced from their hotel accommodations without being provided with an alternative. The well-being of every resident is a priority; government agencies, local businesses, and the hospitality industry are working closely to manage accommodations carefully to support both the recovery of our tourism industry and the needs of our residents.

Educating tourists about the wildfires' impact and promoting respectful behavior towards affected areas are central to our reopening strategy. The Mālama Maui campaign is a key part of these efforts, providing resources and information to help visitors understand how they can support recovery efforts and respect the community. Through social media, visitor orientations, and partnership with local businesses, tourists are encouraged to contribute positively to the island's healing process.

After the wildfires, Maui saw a significant downturn in tourist arrivals, which had profound economic implications for the island. About 70% of every dollar in Maui County is directly or indirectly generated from tourism, according to the Maui Economic Development Board. That means Maui lost more than $13 million of traveler spending per day in the weeks after the wildfires. The economic impact is still being felt with visitor arrivals and spending still down.  Many local businesses and workers, particularly those reliant on tourism, also faced hardships. Since August 2023, rougly 8,000 residents across the island are out of work, and many residents have had to migrate.

The gradual return of tourism is breathing life back into our economy, supporting local businesses, and providing jobs. Our community has shown incredible strength and adaptability, rallying to support one another and welcome back visitors in a way that is safe and respectful of the ongoing recovery efforts.

Yes, Maui is ready to reopen to tourism. Readiness is not just about physical preparations; it's also about the emotional and cultural readiness to share our island's beauty and culture once again. MakaukauMaui.com has links to resources for businesses and community members on Maui, as well as information about Mālama Maui, a campaign we launched last year to help visitors understand how they can respect and support Maui.

We believe that reopening Maui will not only help our economy recover but also heal our community by helping residents find stability, reduce uncertainties, and establish a new normal. Reopening is a crucial step in healing emotionally and financially. Reopening not only helps residents revive the local economy, but it also aids in psychological recovery by restoring a sense of security and normalcy to a community that faced extreme uncertainty.

Long-term strategies for Maui's recovery are centered on sustainable tourism. This includes developing tourism practices that not only respect Maui's cultural and environmental heritage but also contribute to the island's economic stability. We’re prioritizing destination management and stewardship to ensure that the tourism industry supports local residents.

Efforts to engage visitors in sustainable practices and cultural preservation ensure that tourism contributes positively to Maui's long-term wellbeing. Several organizations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more. We’re encouraging visitors to volunteer and experience Hawaiʻi on a much deeper and connected level through the Mālama Hawaiʻi Program.

Our vision for Maui's future is a sustainable, resilient community that thrives economically and culturally through responsible tourism. We aim to preserve our island's unique beauty and culture, ensuring Maui remains a place where both residents and visitors can flourish together.

Residents are actively involved in the planning and decision-making process regarding tourism reopening through community meetings and other feedback mechanisms. This collaborative approach ensures that the scale and nature of tourism reopening align with the needs and preferences of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and participation among residents in shaping the future of tourism in Maui.