Travelers can return to West Maui this coming weekend as it reopens in the wake of the devastating Lahaina wildfires. The mayor of the Hawaiian island has released details of the phased reopening of West Maui, including where to access this part of the island. Moreover, other areas of the island will open on a rolling basis. Read on to find out what you need to know to visit West Maui from this weekend on.

West Maui to reopen to visitors from Sunday, October 8, 2023

According to Travel & Leisure, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen has given details of the phased reopening of West Maui starting this weekend. This comes in the wake of the devastating and deadly fires this summer.

Bissen explained that travelers can visit starting on Sunday with access via the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and south to Kahana Villa. From then on, other areas of the island will gradually reopen on a rolling basis.

Last month, Governor Josh Green set the opening date after signing an emergency proclamation to lift the travel ban to the area. Meanwhile, the deadly wildfires broke out during August, devastating the historic town of Lahaina. Moreover, according to the Maui Police Department, the fires killed 97 people.

Focusing on the well-being of the people of Maui

Mayor Bissen explained in a statement that their priorities have focused on the well-being of the Maui people and this will continue to be “critically important,” adding:

Six weeks ago, we focused on searching for unaccounted loved ones and supporting the safety and health of survivors. As we take careful steps forward in an unprecedented disaster, addressing our West Maui visitor industry, their employees, and the local businesses that work in conjunction with the industry requires planning that will get us to a manageable re-opening.

Phased reopening of Maui

Bissen explained that following phase one, the second phase will see Maui planning to reopen the area from Mahinahina to Maui Kaanapali Villas. Moreover, this will be followed by the area from Royal Lahaina Resort through to the Hyatt Regency. This area is where many displaced Lahaina residents sheltered following the blaze.

Meanwhile, every phase will take off following a careful assessment of the previous phase. However, Lahaina and its surrounding areas will remain closed to visitors.

Other areas of the Hawaiian island

While West Maui is currently not open to visitors until Sunday, other areas of Maui, not affected by the wildfires, are already welcoming visitors. The areas include Hāna, Kahului and Wailea. Moreover, the rest of Hawaii state is open to visitors as it was unaffected by the blaze.

The good news for those wishing to visit Maui in the coming weeks and months is the cooler temperatures as fall heads into winter. Despite the temperatures being cooler, the weather is still warm and sunny and perfect for the beach. However, visitors can expect more rain during that time than in the summer.