Maui Fires Update (Aug. 25, 2023): This Week in Review with Garrett Marrero of Maui Brewing Company
In this weekly series, Garrett Marrero, CEO and co-founder of Maui Brewing Company, will join me to discuss a week-in-review on the recovery efforts on Maui.
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This post gives general info and isn’t legal or authoritative advice. It helps travelers with tips but can’t replace personal abilities, fitness, experience, or local knowledge. Marine activities have risks; assess conditions and follow local laws.
Maui’s Unique Position
Maui has always been a favorite destination for many. But with the recent fires, there’s been a major shift in the narrative. The focus isn’t just about enticing tourists to visit but ensuring they do so responsibly.
Per Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green, non-essential travel to West Maui is strongly discouraged until at least October 17th.
However, the rest of Maui welcomes visitors. It’s a delicate balance of safeguarding the community and supporting it economically.
Why Responsible Tourism?
Garrett painted a vivid picture of the future implications of the Maui fires. Emphasizing that while we can’t control what’s happened in the past, we can shape the future by not causing further economic harm with misinformed messages about tourism.
The goal? To bring the right kind of visitors to Maui. Those who don’t just come to enjoy the sun and the sea but also wish to contribute positively to the community.
What does this look like? Imagine not just lying on a beach, but also serving at the food bank, volunteering at the Maui Humane Society, or even participating in organized volunteer organizations that build houses for those affected by the fires.
A United Vision
Garrett shared a touching vision of both visitors and locals working side by side to rebuild the community. Just think about the powerful image of visitors and residents, from places as diverse as California to Sweden, swinging hammers together to reconstruct homes.
But remember, if you visit, please keep actions and memories respectful. Refrain from taking insensitive photos in front of burned homes and instead capture moments serving the community.
Wrapping It Up
In times like these, the true spirit of Aloha shines brightest. Let’s come together, be responsible, and show the world how tourism can be a force for good.
To fully grasp the depth of the conversation and the current state of Maui, I highly encourage you to listen to the full episode. Let it inspire and inform your next journey to the islands.
Listen On:
RESOURCES
Maui Strong Resources:
Self-Guided Island Tours
- Episode 70 – How to Volunteer in Hawaii
- Episode 87 – How to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii
- Episode 35 – 5 Things to Not Do in Hawaii
Travel Pono (responsibly)
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Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel, is a certified Hawaii destination expert from the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. He actively participates in the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau as a member and has a strong educational background focused on local culture and sustainability. As the host of "Hawaii’s Best Travel," a top-30 US travel podcast, Bryan combines his years of experience with valuable insights. He connects with a broad online community, reaching nearly half a million people, and offers a richer, more responsible way to experience Hawaii.
