Your business has perhaps never been more appreciated in Hawaii as the state makes a comeback from the tragic fires on Maui in 2023. Plumeria, used in leis, can be seen and smelled at the Koko Crater Botanical Garden on Oahu. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post) “I believe we have become more appreciative of the beauty and significance of this place — and more dedicated to preserving the culture, land and people that make Maui so special,” said Chelsea Livit, director of marketing and public relations at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort in Wailea.
“The people of Maui have further embraced the aloha spirit and are eager to perpetuate that aloha with all who visit the island.” Wailea is about 30 miles from Lahaina, the historic town that was almost entirely destroyed by a wildfire that quickly spread in August 2023. The Associated Press reported 102 people were killed and more than 2,200 homes were destroyed in the fire.
While the burn area remains closed, there are some area businesses open that are welcoming tourists: Mala Ocean Tavern, Old Lahaina Luau, and a little removed from the former business district, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. To be sure, this is not disaster tourism and visitors need to be sensitive. For example, the website for Mala Ocean Tavern preemptively asks guests not to speak to their staff about the fire as everyone has been personally affected.
“The better tourism does for Hawaii’s economy at large, the better we can do to help support t.