How to Consciously Travel to Maui After the Lahaina Wildfires
Are you planning a trip to Maui and unsure if you should come in 2023? Keep reading for our take on consciously visiting the island of Maui after the Lahaina wildfires.
West Side Update — Give Lahaina Time To Heal
By now, you’ve probably heard about the series of tragic events that took place on Maui starting on August 8th, 2023. A dangerous combination of extreme winds and wildfires completely ravaged through beloved Historic Lahaina Town — mercilessly taking lives, homes, businesses, and so much more.
A newly built affordable residential building located on Kupuohi St. in shambles — one example of many highlighting the absolute devastation in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.
The aftermath of these events have displaced thousands of residents and left a Historic town in ashes. With the death toll on the rise at 116 confirmed fatalities, over 1,000 people are still missing.
Since the fires, the local community has rallied together to organize grassroots relief efforts. Residents and businesses from across the islands have brought unwavering Aloha Spirit to support our families in need; it has been powerful to be a part of and to witness.
Alongside the community, Trilogy staff & crew have played a crucial role in ongoing relief efforts. Daily convoys by both boat and Uhaul have provided essential supplies to so many.
As we continue our efforts, on the West Side, many from both near and far have asked how they can help. If you have the means, we encourage you to please donate to our Trilogy Lahaina Fires Relief Fund on GoFundMe or Trilogy Maui Fire Fund through the Global Empowerment Mission (a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization).
Our crew, staff, and community, who have been directly impacted by the fires, will directly receive all contributions from both of these fundraisers. Your compassion and contributions will be a source of hope during this difficult time as they work to rebuild their lives.
8/11/2023 Waikapu, Maui. A few of our Trilogy Crew organized aid relief supply runs to and from the West side.
when should I VISIT Maui and what should I do while there?
Maui is still open. While Lahaina will need ample time to heal, we encourage you to continue planning your trip to Maui keeping in mind that staying in Lahaina is not an option. Further, we ask that you please consider several factors before booking.
First and foremost, please have compassion for this catastrophic and complex situation. Situations change by the hour and we ask for your grace and understanding as we all navigate these extremely challenging times.
Remember to embrace the essence of Aloha — check in with your loved ones, give without expecting in return, and most of all be kind to others.
Educate yourself on where our community needs your support
Look to our community — especially cultural practitioners — and learn how to treat Maui’s land and people before you visit. Familiarize yourself with our cultural practices — for example, asking permission before entering sacred spaces.
Please, and we cannot stress this enough, do not go to Lahaina to see the devastation. We ask that you respect our community in this time of deep grief and mourning. Further, we ask to respect our state by giving them the time they need for investigations and the search for bodies to be completed.
“Traveling to Hawai'i comes with a kuleana (responsibility, privilege). A kuleana to not only care for the land, but for all the people and wildlife who call the islands home. Mahalo for your commitment to mālama (care for) Hawai'i when visiting.” - GoHawaii
How do i SUPPORT maui when i come to visit?
Here are our top 8 tips on how you can support Maui and our local economy when you come to visit:
1.Support local businesses who have been giving back to the community
To reiterate, Lahaina needs time to heal and we need to use our resources wisely to help our community there. But the rest of Maui is full of rich culture, history, and businesses in need of your support.
While you’re here, please use your dollar to support our local economy that have been doing all that they can to help relief efforts. Ask community members how you can help, schedule to do a volunteer day with a local nonprofit, or contribute to a local relief fund. Jump in the ocean with Trilogy on a Discover Molokini Snorkel Trip and then zip through the trees with Skyline Ziplines!
Instead of patronizing big chain stores, try to shop at local markets, boutiques, and stores. Look for products made or grown on Maui. This includes buying fresh produce, handmade crafts, art, clothing, and more from local vendors.
2.Visit Farmers Markets & Support Local Farmers
Maui has several farmers markets where you can find locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other products. These markets are not only a great way to support local farmers but also a chance to experience the island's culture and community. This helps support sustainable agriculture on the island.
3.Dine at Local Restaurants
Choose locally-owned restaurants and cafes over national chains. Maui is world-renowned for its unique culinary scene, and by eating at local establishments, you can savor traditional Hawaiian dishes while supporting local chefs and food producers.
4.Use Local Services
Whether you need a a hairstylist or makeup artist, a yoga instructor, or need another service, please consider hiring local or natively-owned service providers. This helps to keep money within the community and supports individuals who are contributing to the local economy.
5.Attend Public Events
Keep an eye out for local events such as art fairs and music festivals. Participating in these events not only supports local artists and performers but also enriches your experience on Maui, connecting you to our sense of aloha and community.
Tune in tomorrow, August 19th, for the Wiwoʻole Maui Benefit Concert Livestream A #MauiStrong Benefit Concert Led by Maui’s Celebrated Recording Artists & Hālau
Wiwoʻole in native Hawaiian means ‘fearless, brave, bold, and courageous.’ In this historic occurrence of unprecedented and catastrophic loss, the unifying and healing power of mele (music) has summoned Maui’s celebrated recording artists and hālau to gather for the Wiwoʻole Maui Benefit Concert to be live-streamed from Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
6.Explore Historic Attractions
Support local attractions such as historical sites, cultural centers, and guided tours that are operated by local businesses. This not only helps you learn more about the island's heritage but also contributes to the local economy.
7.Spread the Word
Share your positive experiences at local businesses with friends, family, and on social media. Word-of-mouth recommendations can go a long way in promoting local establishments. Leave Google/Yelp/TripAdvisor Reviews.
8.Be Mindful of the Environment
Supporting local also extends to taking care of the land, remember you have kuleana (privilege AND resposibility) when you come here. Respect the environment by practicing responsible tourism, such as picking up your trash, using reef-safe sunscreen, and following local regulations. Educate yourself on how to be safe when you are in our natural spaces —whether the ocean, hiking, or visiting waterfalls— so that we can prevent accidents from happening and avoid taking away resources from our first responders.
remember, our economy needs you.
Many of the local heroes who have been vital in relief efforts on the West Side also work for or own small businesses across Maui. Whether it be a popular lunch spot in Paia, a surf school in Kihei, or a shave ice stand, many of our local business owners have either lost everything or lost at least one location due to the fires. There is no debate that so many of our local businesses depend on customers, including visitors, to stay afloat.
According to the Maui Economic Development Board, "Tourism is the lifeblood of Maui’s economy, around 80% of which is generated by visitors spending their money on the island. That means $4 of every $5 the island generates comes directly or indirectly from tourism.”
While we need to focus our current resources and efforts on continuing to support relief efforts on the West Side and find homes for our displaced families, a looming economic crisis that could potentially cause an even greater disaster is on the horizon--if we continue to promote the sentiment that Maui is Closed.
In response, we as a community need to promote conscious travel to Maui.
From Trilogy’s point of view, we have 168 crew & staff — many of whom lost everything in the fires — that need work in order to continue relief efforts and meet their basic needs. Understandably, there have been a few employees that have already relocated to other islands or the mainland to seek shelter. The vast majority however have stayed, because Maui is their home and they want to do all they can to serve their community and keep their jobs.
As a business, we have made the decision to resume our Sunset & Dinner Sails, Discover Molokini, and our 6:30am Discover Lanai all departing out of Maalaea Harbor beginning today, 8/16/2023. While we cannot operate out of Lahaina and Kaanapali at this time, we are committed to keeping as many people employed as we can and contributing to our local economy.
TIV in front of beloved Historic Lahaina Town before the fires, the birthplace of Trilogy Excursions.
Why Businesses like Trilogy are important to Maui — and not just economically.
As a family-owned business, we're so proud to have celebrated our 50th birthday this past July. We share this tremendous milestone with the iconic Mama's Fish House, a business who has also woven themself into the fabric of Maui's identity. There are many businesses across the island who like us, have cultivated decades of service infused with the spirit of aloha while running their business.
1980 — The original Trilogy sailing trimarans featured in front of Launiopoko, Maui. Back then, before development of homes in Lauinopoko/Puamana, West Maui Land and Pineapple ran sugar cane operations across West Maui.
The viability of our cherished local businesses rely in part if not solely on the support of visitors who choose to book our tours, dine with us, shop from our local artists, and partake in the unique, authentic experiences we offer. Without the patronage of these visitors, the risk of seeing more local people leave and businesses having to close their doors becomes a real concern.
Most companies had to do a full reset during the covid pandemic and it will be very challenging if not nearly impossible for these same businesses to survive a second shutdown.
We started our business on Maui, our owners were born & raised on Maui, and our passion is to create lifelong memories that span the generations. It is our every intent to continue our passion and share the gift of aloha with people from around the world.
As a sustainable tour operator on the island of Maui, we are committed to perpetuating our host culture. supporting our community, and protecting our environment. When you come to Maui, we hope to share our passion with you.
Remember that supporting local businesses is not just about transactions – it's about building connections, preserving unique cultures, and creating a thriving community. By making conscious choices during your visit to Maui, you can contribute to its sustainability and the well-being of its residents.
E komo mai. We welcome you to Maui, Hawaii.