News

Maui Wildfires Impacting Upcoming Meetings

August 10, 2023

Wildfires continue to burn in multiple areas of Maui and within the Mauna Kea Resort area in the northwest part of Hawaii Island, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of residents and relocation of upcoming meetings—at least two as of press time, and likely more.

80 percent of the historic town of Lahaina, a popular spot for groups visiting Maui and staying at nearby resort areas, has been destroyed. As of press time, 55 people were dead and and more than 1,000 structures damaged or destroyed.

Fires on Hawaii Island closed down roads in North and South Kohala and guests at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort were forced to shelter in place.

In communication with state and county emergency management officials, and visitor industry partners, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has issued the following travel advisories and instructions for visitors:

Any non-essential travelers are being asked to leave Maui, and non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time. With imperiled residents to consider, emergency management officials are focusing their resources on recovery of people and communities forced to evacuate their homes and businesses.
Groups with travel plans to West Maui are encouraged to consider rescheduling their plans for a later time.
If your group’s travel plans are for other parts of Maui and the Mauna Kea Resort area of Hawaii Island in the coming weeks, HTA encourages you to contact your hotels for updated information. Travel to Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and other parts of the Hawaii Island are not affected at this time.
Although Maui’s Kahului Airport remains open for the time being, anyone who has booked a flight to or through the airport is encouraged to check with their airline for any flight changes or cancellations, or for assistance with rebooking.

As more information becomes available, HTA will be providing communication updates to their travel partners—including airlines, accommodations, ground transportation companies, activity providers, travel agents and wholesalers, as well as to local and national media—to keep them informed about travel to Maui and Hawaii Island.

In partnership with the Red Cross, HTA has opened assistance center at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu.

For updates, visit hawaiicounty.gov.