Maui will be reopened to welcome tourists by November of this year.
By November, according to officials, Maui will be open and ready for tourists, although some locations, like Lahaina, will remain closed due to the dreadful wildfire damages incurred recently.
Maui Readies for Tourists This November
Following the rehabilitation that took place after the fatal wildfires in August, the majority of West Maui in Hawaii could reopen to tourists as early as next month, according to the island's mayor.
According to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, all of West Maui will reopen to tourists on November 1 except for burned-out areas of old Lahaina. The mayor claimed that after consulting with his Lahaina advisory team, the Red Cross, and other partners, the decision to reopen was made.
On August 8, a fire that surged through Lahaina in Hawaii caused the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century, killing at least 99 individuals while destroying more than 2,000 houses.
With 11,000 hotel rooms or roughly half of all Maui's rooms, West Maui is a significant contributor to Hawaii's tourism industry. A large exodus of guests departed those hotels to escape the flames.
West Maui will formally reopen to tourists on October 8 as promised by Hawaii Governor Josh Green last month in an effort to restore much-needed jobs and aid the recovery of the economy.
Local Economy vs Rest
The governor's order to gradually reopen the county was modified by Mayor Bissen, who allowed a small area on the western tip of West Maui to reopen initially and the rest to do so later.
Locals disagree on whether or not tourists should return to the island; some believe it would boost the local economy, while others believe the disaster-stricken area is not ready.
Even a petition protesting the arrival of visitors was created by some locals.
During a press conference in Lahaina, Bissen appeared to acknowledge this opposition, saying that although this isn't for everyone, employees are prepared to resume their employment.
Bissen advises those who are not ready to return to work on November 1 to keep seeking the support and care they require.
The mayor also offered comfort to locals who were temporarily residing in West Maui hotels and other lodgings after losing their homes in the fire.
According to Bissen, the Red Cross assured them that the housing provisions wouldn't be under threat.
Some places have already made their own independent reopenings.
Also Read: Maui Widlfire: Nearly 100-Year Old Wood House Escapes Devastating Wildfire By Surrounding Open Space
Lahaina After the Devastating Wildfire
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Lahaina residents and their allies held banners and signs at a news conference at the Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu on a petition requesting Hawaii Governor Josh Green to postpone plans to reopen a stretch of West Maui to tourism beginning this weekend.
More than 14,000 people have signed the petition, which comes during a contentious and agonizing discussion about when visitors should be allowed to return to the area, which is home to the ancient town of Lahaina. The deadliest US wildfire on record for more than a century dealt a huge load of damage to the aforementioned historic town.
Related Article: Lahaina Banyan Tree: 150-Year-Old 'Traumatized Burn Victim' of Maui Wildfire 'Still Breathing'