Saying Aloha to Maui, Once Again

In August 2023, Maui faced devastating wildfires that deeply impacted its tight-knit community. Yet, the island’s indomitable spirit and unwavering aloha persisted. Guided by the Hawaiian proverb “ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia,” meaning “No task is too big when done together by all,” luxury hotels on Maui have united to support recovery and rebuilding efforts. At a time when aloha is more important than ever before, these hotels extend a warm welcome back to guests, inviting them to connect with the culture and people of the island and embrace the kuleana (responsibility) of a meaningful visit to Maui.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

In the aftermath of the Lahaina Fire, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort has displayed endless compassion. The hotel swiftly transformed into a much-needed sanctuary, offering refuge and assistance to those impacted by the tragedy. Throughout September, the resort demonstrated its commitment to the community by donating $100 USD to the Maui Strong Fund for every booking—an initiative by the Hawai’i Community Foundation that provides crucial financial support to wildfire-affected individuals. Additionally, the resort collaborated with local organizations to provide meals and supplies to the community, reflecting Hyatt’s dedication to caring for its colleagues and the broader community. Andaz Maui’s support for the World Central Kitchen‘s efforts in Maui further exemplifies the true essence of aloha.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Despite the journey of renewal ahead, the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort extends a warm welcome to returning guests, inviting them to be a part of Maui’s rebuilding. Their support includes charity spin rides, relief payments for affected team members, collaborations with Clean the World to provide hygiene kits to locals in need and organizing the Wiwo’ole Maui Benefit Concert in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The iconic property right on the steps of stunning Wailea Beach offers a list of mindful travel suggestions for guests, including visiting accessible areas of the island, engaging with local businesses, dining at restaurants and volunteering or donating to organizations like the Maui Food Bank.

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

“Now is the time for people to come together as one, to support one another,” says Fairmont Kea Lani’s Director of Recreation Tali Silifaiva via Instagram. “We need visitors to come now more than ever.” On the sunny southwest shores of Maui, this resort’s deep-rooted connection to the local community embodies the true spirit of aloha. The hotel’s ʻohana proudly participated in Anahulu Hōʻīnana Ola, a ten-day ceremonial period of collective prayer, symbolizing their unwavering solidarity with the affected communities of Maui. Guests returning to the property on October 13, 2023 are invited to join locals and staff in taking part in the “Gathering of the Voyagers,” a three-day celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture that brings together revered voyagers, navigators, canoe builders and cultural practitioners. In partnership with the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society, a memorial paddle-out will take place, along with fundraising opportunities to honor and support the impacted communities of Maui.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Nestled amid the breathtaking natural beauty of Maui, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has been a stalwart pillar of support during the post-Lahaina Fire recovery. Among the various efforts undertaken by the property is the Love for Lāhainā culinary pop-up series, a heartfelt endeavor aimed at supporting the hospitality industry and farmers affected by the wildfires. Kicking off the series on October 1st was Chef Lee Anne of Papa’aina’s, who lost her restaurant in the fires but tirelessly worked to provide meals to displaced families and continues to advocate for those who have suffered losses. Another meaningful initiative introduced by the property is the Maui Strong offer, allowing guests to contribute up to $200 from each night of their stay directly to Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. For guests interested in further community support, they can connect with the property’s Director of Hawaiian Programs to explore the “Live Aloha” program, fostering an authentic connection to Hawaii’s rich culture and conservation, or engage with the Sustainability Manager to discover opportunities for hands-on volunteering in the affected areas.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration and honor in Hawaii. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in lush West Maui is ready to offer this symbol once again, welcoming guests back on October 8th, 2023. The property has been encouraging guests to learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina before their visit to the island. Impacted deeply by the wildfires, over 150 of the property’s staff lost their homes, and with deep sorrow, one life was lost. In partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, the property has set up a donation page where 100% of the proceeds will benefit these individuals. Guests interested in local volunteering options during their stay can work with the hotel team to set up opportunities with HandsOn Maui. As a member of The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua’s community elegantly put it, “Together, with respect and compassion for Maui, our lei will never lose its beauty.”

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in affected Lahaina is set to reopen to guests with existing reservations on Sunday, October 29th, 2023 and will begin accepting new reservations on November 17, 2023. While temporarily closed, the property has been a place where the aloha spirit has shone brightly, providing shelter, meals and immediate assistance to affected colleagues and the Maui community. The hotel transformed its meeting spaces into a Family Assistance Center, hosting over 20 organizations, including medical professionals, relief agencies and more. The Wildlife Team also helped rescue 15 displaced parrots and is continuously working with a bird rescue group.

Better together

In Hawaii, mālama means “to care for.” As Lahaina takes the time it needs to heal, the rest of Maui is ready to extend their warmest welcomes to guests eager to care for the spirit of aloha once again. “All other areas of Maui [except Lahaina] and the rest of Hawai‘i are safe and open to visitors,” Hawaiian Governor Josh Green has said about traveling responsibly in Maui. “We continue to welcome and encourage travel to our beautiful state, which will support the local economy and help speed the recovery of those who have already suffered so much.” These luxury hotels in Maui and their people are the ones who make a vacation extra special and together through an array of meaningful initiatives, they invite you to be part of a brighter future for this beautiful island paradise.

If you’d like to contribute to Maui’s recovery efforts, please consider donating to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Your support can make a meaningful difference in helping Maui rebuild and heal.