We all know about the tragic wildfires  in Lahaina that devastated the town and resulted in loss of lives, businesses and property.  The heartache is gut wrenching.  But equally as gut wrenching is the loss of more businesses and the economy of Maui- and island that depends on tourism dollars.

This poses an ethical issue to some people– should they go to an island where tragedy just occurred?  

On gohawaii.com from  September 8, 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.

Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. Beginning October 8th, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui (including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again with the exception of Lahaina.

If you feel that you want to go to Maui, you can rest assured that you will be welcomed by the residents, as long as you are respectful of their loss and their island.

What can you do, see and experience in Maui for the rest of 2023 and into 2024?

Maui’s natural beauty is legendary and that is always open to visitors.

  • Consider driving the Road to Hana for some of the most spectacular scenery we’ve ever seen
  • Visit Haleakala National Park.  You can see sunrise over Halakala by bike (we recommend a tour) or you can make reservations and drive up for sunrise on your own.  Hike along the trails, bird watch or just take in the beauty that surrounds you.
  • Head Up Country.  This is something you can do on your own or take a guided tour.  Some of the places and sites you can check out are the Ocean Vodka Distillery, Surfing Goat Dairy, Ali’i Lavendar Farm, Maui Pineapple Tour, Hali’imaile Distilling Company Tour, Maui Bees honey farms, go horseback riding or even ziplining.  Visit the towns and local farmers markets.
  • Hit the water-while the Lahaina Harbor is not operational, many of the boating companies have moved their boats to Ma’alaea Harbor (near the Maui Ocean Center- which is open too!).  You can take snorkeling cruises, dinner or sunset cruises and whale or dolphin watching cruises.  Of course the beaches are open and the water is welcoming.
  • Play a round of Golf- the world famous golf courses in Maui are open and accepting tee times!
  • EAT.  The food offerings on Maui are legendary and the restaurants desperately need tourists to stay in business.  Now is the perfect time to make reservations for those hard to get into restaurants.  Visit local mom and pop restaurants.  Visit farmers markets and food trucks.

Will Maui be the perfect honeymoon destination?  It depends on what you are looking for.  It will be different but in many cases the same.  It will still have beautiful resorts, scenery and great things to do.  It won’t have Lahaina’s restaurants and shops for a number of years to come.

My Vacation Lady can’t tell you what to do but we are planning our vacation to Maui in early December 2023.  Maui has always been a top honeymoon destination and still is.  It just depends on whether you want to go.

My Vacation Lady is a Hawaii destination specialist and we are among the top rated honeymoon specialists on both Wedding Wire and the Knot.

Let us help you plan your Hawaiian honeymoon!

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