Amidst the “immense and unprecedented” devastation caused by the wildfires in Lahaina and West Maui (including Napili, Kaanapali and Kapalua), all non-essential travel to the region continues to be strongly discouraged through the month of August, says Hawaii’s governor.

In his latest emergency proclamation, Josh Green said “Visitors largely heeded the call to leave Maui in the early days of this unprecedented disaster. In the weeks ahead, the collective resources and attention of the federal, state and county government, the West Maui community, and the travel industry must be focused on the recovery of residents who lost loved ones, homes, their belongings, and businesses.”

The statement goes on to advise that hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations and that visitors are encouraged to refrain from attempting to reach West Maui accommodations for reservation adjustments until the situation stabilizes.

Visitors with travel plans to other parts of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena) should reach out to their accommodations to ensure they can still be hosted.

Travel to the other Hawaiian Islands, like Kauai, Oahu, Lanaii, and Hawaii Island, is not affected at this time.

How to help

• Vacation rental owners, as well as anyone with available space, are being encouraged to make these accommodations available to temporarily house displaced West Maui residents. The state has set up a referral program to make those connections possible to support West Maui residents in need of housing. For information visit the Fire Relief Housing Program website or email hawaiifirereliefhousing@hawaii.gov.

• Anyone wanting to make donations to help communities and families recover on Maui can do so through the Maui Strong Fund established by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. The link can be accessed here.

• The Maui United Way says all donations will “provide direct relief to families and nonprofits directly affected” by the wildfires, offering a place to donate and apply for help on its website.