The devastating fires on Maui have swept across hundreds of acres, destroying businesses and homes, displacing hundreds of families, knocking out power and cell phone service and leaving at least 36 people dead. The historic town of Lahaina has been severely damaged. Thousands of residents and visitors have been evacuated, and the Hawaiian government, which declared a state of emergency in all counties, is asking travelers to leave and is discouraging travel to the affected areas. Fires within the Mauna Kea Resort area on Hawaii Island continue to burn as well.
Here’s what you need to know about the fires, plus ways to help those affected. Visit ready.hawaii.gov for the latest general information and hawaiitourismauthority.org for visitor-specific information.
Where exactly are the Maui fires?
At least three wildfires are burning on Maui, including the tourist area of Lahaina. At least three blazes are burning on Hawaii Island, in North Kohala and South Kohala, an area that includes Mauna Kea beach.
Can I travel to Maui?
The Hawaiian government is strongly discouraging non-essential travel to Maui, and non-essential visitors are being asked to leave so that resources can be focused on recovery. If you have plans to travel to West Maui in the coming weeks, the government encourages you to consider rescheduling. Visitors with travel plans to stay in other parts of Maui and the Kohala Coast of Hawaiʻi Island in the coming weeks are encouraged to contact their hotels for updated information and how their travel plans may be affected.
Is it safe to travel to Hawaii?
Travel to the rest of the Hawaiian Islands (Kaua‘i, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and other parts of Hawaii Island) is currently unaffected.
Can I cancel my trip and get a refund?
Because nonessential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged, a number of airlines are waiving penalty fees and offering waivers, including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Be sure to check with your airline before changing to avoid incurring additional fees.
Will I be covered by my travel insurance?
It depends on your travel insurance policy. However, most travel insurance covers emergency medical, including hospitalization while on vacation.
How can I help those affected by the Maui fires?
There are many ways to help victims of the Maui fires and Hawaii Island fires. As always, consult sources like Charity Navigator and GuideStar to confirm reputable charities.
The American Red Cross is providing disaster relief for those forced to evacuate.
The Hawaii Community Foundation is accepting monetary donations to support communities affected by the wildfires.
Maui United Way is accepting monetary donations to provide immediate financial assistance through grants to nonprofits at the forefront of relief efforts and to households that have been affected.
The Maui Food Bank is accepting monetary donations as well as certain foods, toiletries and household items.
GlobalGiving has launched a Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund, which will be used to provide immediate food, water and supplies to those affected, as well as long-term recovery efforts. The fund will aim to support locally-run organizations.
To help animals affected by the fires, the Maui Humane Society is looking for donations of pet food, pop-up kennels and litter, which can be delivered through its Amazon wishlist.