Aloha Bruce gets into the important topic of rethinking your Maui Vacation After Wildfires destroyed Lahaina .

First, Bruce discusses Oahu beach closures due to poor water quality and high bacteria counts. “The closures are very precautionary,” he says. The Hawaii Department of Health website states that they issued many water quality advisories in August 2023. Bruce recommends staying out of the ocean during those events (which tend to pass fairly quickly). Bruce also notes some brief news about Oahu’s rapid transit rail project. He shares new Hawaiian Air routes to Taipei and other Pacific Rim destinations.

On Maui, Bruce says that there are 49 sunken vessels in Lahaina Harbor and suggests looking into Maui Strong and the HI Red Cross for ways to volunteer or otherwise contribute to relief.

On rethinking your Maui vacation after the wildfires. Bruce points out that 90% of the Valley Isle remains open to visitors. Bruce notes there are several “really nice” vacation condos in Kihei and South Maui. This side of Maui is in proximity to the beautiful beaches of Wailea and Makena. Moreover, Bruce emphasizes, “Tourism is so important here. We need you to come.”

Where to stay for a Maui Vacation After Wildfires

Bruce says that they will close much of West Maui to non-essential travel. “Don’t go to the west side, period,” he says. South Maui condos like the Maui Coast Hotel, the Maui Seaside, and the Paiea Inn are options. Several others in the $200-$300 price range are available. “The hotels that are in Wailea are super expensive,” Bruce says, noting a $900-$1200 price range for the luxury area.

Properties on the slope of Haleakala Crater above Wailea have slightly more reasonable prices. However, “If you do have the big bucks, you can still stay at some of these high-end resorts.” Bruce moves on to mention several properties, Kahului, Paiea, Makawao, and Upcountry Maui.

The upcountry provides more convenient access to Haleakala National Park and the Road to Hana.

Places to visit for a Maui Vacation After Wildfires

Bruce mentions the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm and a vodka distillery in the area which is accessible to you on your Maui Vacation After Wildfires. He mentions some properties in Hana and activities like waterfall repelling along the way to the remote small town.

"Please don't let this discourage you from visiting Maui," Bruce says, recommending volunteering or donating to relief efforts.. That may be the best way of rethinking your Maui vacation. “We do want you to come to Maui!”