by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 5:55 PM ET, Fri August 18, 2023
In the wake of the Maui wildfires, there’s been an outpouring of support for the island from all corners, including from major travel industry companies and brands.
There’s been a great deal of publicity about how airlines, in particular, have pitched in to provide important assistance, including via increased flights to accommodate individuals seeking to leave the island, as well as those who need to reach the island to provide rescue and aid.
Hotels have also been a significant part of the disaster response. Up until recently, large numbers of survivors were being housed in Red Cross shelters. But the five shelters operated by the Red Cross will be closing over the next week, according to a report in Honolulu Civil Beat.
At that point, survivors who were displaced by the wildfires are going to be transferred to a variety of area hotels, where they will be allowed to live free of charge. Some individuals have already begun moving into hotels.
As of the August 17 publication of the Honolulu Civil Beat report, some 750 hotel rooms are being provided for displaced Maui residents. The publication reported that hotels have been extremely cooperative in providing support.
Hotel rooms are also being made available to impacted individuals who had been living in tents, cars and elsewhere since the fires.
While this is taking place, hotels and resorts in West Maui have temporarily stopped booking future reservations, according to the latest update from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).
In addition, the HTA is asking travelers to hold off on attempting to contact West Maui hotels about reservations, as they are focused on recovery efforts.
“At this time, hotels are housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders working on disaster recovery,” the HTA wrote in a recent advisory.
Hotels Also Victims of Wildfires
Hotels have also been impacted by the wildfires themselves. For instance, a few hotels in the Lahaina historic district were wiped out altogether. That includes the Best Western Pioneer Inn and the Plantation Inn. The Pioneer Inn dated back to 1901, while the Plantation In was built in 1987.
“We are heartbroken to share that reports indicate The Plantation Inn has been irreparably damaged as a result of the devastating wildfires in historic Lahaina Town,” the hotel company posted on its website. ”This charming 18-room bed and breakfast was a beloved retreat for the last 35 years.”
Company representatives said their top priority at this time is ensuring the well-being of its employees and guests.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that all of our employees are safe and are providing hotel rooms to any Outrigger employee who has been displaced by the fires,” says the hotel’s website.
Guests are being relocated as necessary within Outrigger’s properties across the Hawaiian Islands. The reservations team at Outrigger is also available to assist with rebooking tourist reservations and recommends evaluating travel plans for the remainder of this month.
Representatives from Best Western’s historic Pioneer Inn issued a statement in the wake of the fires.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of the Best Western Pioneer Inn, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii," Best Western said in a statement. "All hotel guests and staff were safely evacuated. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to emergency personnel for their exceptional support. Our hearts are with our guests, associates, and the entire Hawaii community during this time of immense challenge."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.
Topics From This Article to Explore
