What Maui Locals Want You to Know: Post-Fire, Post-Storm, and Why You Should Still Go

Should You Still Visit Maui? A Local’s Take After the Lahaina Fire and Kona StormHost Marcie addresses listener concerns about whether it’s a good time to visit Maui after the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire and March Kona storm flooding and road damage by interviewing longtime Maui resident blogger and Maui Life Podcast co-host Liza Pierce. Pierce shares what locals want visitors to understand: learn basic Hawaiian values such as aloha as a way of life, malama the land (including packing out trash), respecting wildlife like turtles and nēnē, honoring kupuna, and practicing kōkua through helping and giving. She notes common visitor missteps like driving too slowly, forcing pidgin, and seeking “hidden” or kapu spots. She encourages supporting local businesses and explains Lahaina’s Front Street remains closed while surrounding areas, restaurants, and Old Lahaina Luau are open; visitors should not tour the burn zone. Pierce says most areas have recovered from the Kona storm, with detours and reopened roads.00:00 Maui's Recent Challenges01:10 Meeting Liza Pierce02:24 Liza's Maui Journey04:30 From Mommy Blogs to Hawaii06:08 Understanding Hawaiian Culture10:49 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid16:05 How to Be a Good Visitor18:20 Supporting Local Businesses18:58 Lahaina Today22:03 Skip the Burn Zone22:37 Kona Storm Damage Update23:57 Road Closures and Detours26:08 Should You Cancel Your Trip26:43 Birthday Trip Storm Gamble30:53 Resilience and Real Help34:08 Social Media Info Overload36:04 Leave Maui With Gratitude37:48 Where to Find Lisa41:02 Planning Resources and WrapWhere to find Liza:InstagramA Maui BlogMaui Life PodcastRelated shows:February Maui trip report episodeEpisode 47: How to Plan a Trip to MauiEpisode 31: What You Need to Know About the Road to HanaAbout Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.comConnect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/