Maui Fires Update: Which Hotels and Resorts Are Open and Closed After Lahaina Fires
by Daniel McCarthy /This week’s wildfires that tore through Maui and the town of Lahaina caused widespread destruction on the island. According to the latest reports, at least 67 people lost their lives due to the fires, and thousands of buildings were left in ruins, including some of the island’s most iconic tourist sites.
Several hotels in the town of Lahaina have been ravaged by the flames, among them the historic Best Western Pioneer Inn. Meanwhile, hotels in the Kaanapali resort area have remained unaffected, as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Here’s a property-by-property breakdown in the aftermath of this week’s crisis:
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Andaz Maui said on Thursday that it is still operating and unaffected by the fires at this time, but reiterated the state’s non-essential travel warning.
“We are closely monitoring the active situation. We encourage all travelers to check ehawaii.gov for the latest updates. All non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time. Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted. Mahalo for your understanding and support,” it said.
Fairmont Kea Lani
The Fairmont Kea Lani is open and remains unaffected by the fires as of Thursday.
“The safety of our colleagues and guests is our top priority. We will continue to monitor and provide updates on the fire as they become available. Mahalo for your understanding and support,” it said in a statement.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s Post
In a statement on social media late this week, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s Post, the top hotel in Maui according to U.S. News and World Report, said it is continuing to monitor the situation but it is currently open. Still, it said guests should abide by the state’s non-essential travel order.
“We are currently open and are continuing to monitor the situation. In support of those displaced or impacted by the fires, all non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time. Mahalo,” it said on Thursday.
Grand Wailea
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, went unaffected by the fires and remains open.
“At this time, Grand Wailea and our surrounding community is not affected by the fires. We are closely monitoring the situation and following all instructions & directives from our local and state authorities to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our guests, staff, and community safe,” it said in an update.
Ho’olio House
Ho’olio House, a luxury B&B on Maui, said in a message on social media that it remains safe, but that the Lahaina community has been “utterly destroyed.”
“We are safe. We heard from a neighbor today that Ho’oilo House and our neighborhood still stand. However, Lahaina is utterly destroyed. Our hearts are broken,” it said.
“The State of Hawaii is asking that visitors not travel to Maui for at least the next couple of weeks. We will keep you updated as firefighting, clean up, and search and rescue efforts continue in Lahaina. Please note that during this difficult time on the island we might be slower to answer emails or texts.”
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Maui is closed through at least Aug. 17 and not accepting any new guests. Any deposits and prepayments for canceled stays on these dates, including prepaid rates, will be refunded.
“In response to the wildfire situation that originated in Lahaina, Maui, Hyatt Regency Maui has implemented emergency preparedness procedures in an effort to ensure the safety and security of our guests and colleagues. At this time, we can confirm the hotel is closed to arrivals and not accepting guests through 08/17/2023,” the hotel’s website reads.
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club
According to an update on Friday morning, the hotel remains without power, telephone (including cell service), and 911 service. According to Hawaiian Electric, the outages could last for weeks.
“Due to limited resources on Maui (limited food/water supply), visitors are being asked to leave the island as soon as possible. The resort, and the Hawaii governor’s office, are discouraging nonessential travel through August 31 to allow an effective emergency response to the wildfires,” it said.
Montage Kapalua Bay
Montage, the parent company of the hotel, has established an emergency fund to assist its workers who have been directly affected by the fires. Donations can be made here.
Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort
The Outrigger was unaffected by the fires, according to statements on social media.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the first responders for their efforts and thank our guests for their patience and understanding during this time,” it said.
Outrigger is also asking guests to donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation to help those displaced by the fires.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is currently closed due to extended power outages. Just like its other resorts, Marriott is waiving cancellation fees through August 31.
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
The resort was unaffected by the fires and remained open through the week. However, the power remained out late into the week.
“The destruction caused by wildfires across our beautiful island of Maui is devastating. Our top priority is taking care of our guests, staff, their families, and our community.
“All non-essential travel to Maui is currently strongly discouraged. The reservations team is standing by to assist with refunding and rebooking your Maui travel to a future date. To check availability, contact 1-833-539-5117,” the resort’s latest update reads.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is another Marriott property temporarily closed because of power outages. “This hotel is temporarily closed due to an extended power outage,” the hotel’s website reads.
Just like the other Marriott properties, cancelation fees have been waived through Aug. 31.
“Our teams have focused on facilitating this evacuation, communicating with guests, and supporting our associates during this difficult time,” Sara Conneighton, a spokesperson for Marriott International, told TMR earlier this week. “We are grateful to local emergency responders, as well as government and industry partners, and we are mobilizing to support relief efforts.”
Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
According to its website, the Westin Ka’anapali is open but remains without power, just like much of the Western Maui cost.
“Due to limited resources on Maui (limited food/water supply), visitors are being asked to leave the island as soon as possible. The resort, and the Hawaii governor’s office, are discouraging nonessential travel through August 31 to allow an effective emergency response to the wildfires,” it said in an update.
Westin Maui Resort & Spa
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, one of a few Marriott hotels impacted by the fire, is closed for the time being. Marriott is waiving cancellation fees for all of its impacted resorts through the end of August.
“This hotel is temporarily closed due to an extended power outage,” an update on the resort’s website says.