10/01/2023
SHOULD YOU COME TO MAUI???
🌸🌺🌸🌺
It’s been nearly 2 months since one of the largest deadliest fires in US History, destroyed much of Lahaina, Maui.
As a Lahaina resident and business owner, I would like to answer any questions you have about visiting.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have.
Some highlights:
1) Most locals agree that visiting all sides of the island (outside of Lahaina) is encouraged now. If feels 50/50 about visiting Lahaina now. Please travel with aloha, come to spend money, tip well, buy from small local business. Be sensitive if coming West side.
2) Most locals do not want tourists “STAYING” on the West side (Lahaina)- Napili, Kapalua, ka’anapali). While small businesses are struggling, too many are without homes, jobs, loved ones, grieving, and people are still missing.
Most feel the Governors encouragement to staying West side starting 10/8 was too soon.
3) 7k people without homes are currently housed at large hotels awaiting housing that we do not have available on the West side. (Picture families of 4 in a single room, without kitchens, and keiki who will celebrate holidays this way.). All condo owners West side can rent their condos out Longer term to families and get reimbursed by FEMA.
4) I live this life every day and I’m happy to share any real, live accounts of what it is like here. Most people on travel forums/FB groups are not locals and spread misinformation. Please don’t listen to anyone who says “I have a local friend who said”.
5) If you are staying in Wailea/Kihei, Central or upcountry, I am now accepting bookings again for GF concierge services (GF dining recs that practice safe cross contact) and Goodie bags with GF treats delivered. This will be on a limited lbasis, so please contact me with questions.
6) My Instagram is updated daily in my stories, along with highlights of real news and accounts of life or GF recs on Maui before/after the fire. .
7) My website is not updated still. I am still at a pause since the fire on how I may proceed with this business.
Please “travel pono”. Be thoughtful about interactions, don’t ask survivors if they lost their homes, take pics of damage, or come with expectations. Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit and built on kindness. Please read about Hawaii before visiting and practice sensitivity at this time.
Aloha,
Sadie
Hawaii Gluten Free, LLC