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Planning Travel to Hawaii? Here’s What You Need to Know.

The extent of the damage from the wildfires is still being assessed. Many hotel companies and airlines are offering refunds and waiving cancellation fees for Maui-bound travelers.

By Vjosa Isai

• Aug. 10, 2023

About 11,000 tourists have been evacuated and another 1,500 were slated to fly out of the Hawaiian island of Maui on Thursday, after wildfires inflamed by gusting winds killed at least 36 people, destroyed homes and businesses and caused outages to cellphone service and power.

“Visitors who are on nonessential travel are being asked to leave Maui, and nonessential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time,” the Hawaii Tourism Authority said in a statement issued late Wednesday.

The agency also urged travelers with plans to visit West Maui in the coming weeks, or the Mauna Kea resort area of the Big Island, where fires are also burning, “to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.”

Here’s what travelers with an upcoming trip to Maui or other Hawaiian islands need to know.

What is the status of the wildfires?

President Biden on Thursday issued a major disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii and approved federal aid funding to support people in Maui County, which encompasses the island of Maui and several others. Officials have said the wildfires are largely contained , though heavy smoke and ash has lowered air quality and displaced thousands of people.

While the fires are no longer classified as out-of-control, they continue to burn in Lahaina, on Maui’s western edge; Pulehu, closer to its center; and nearby Upcountry, the elevated area surrounding the island’s highest peak, Haleakala, the Maui County officials said in a statement Wednesday evening. Firefighters are still tending to flare-ups, the statement said.

Road closures are in effect along a main highway on the northern coast of the Big Island because of brush fires.

High winds had previously been forecast into Friday morning, but the National Weather Service has since canceled that warning for the Hawaiian islands.

I have travel plans for a Hawaiian island other than Maui. Should I still go?

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said in a statement on Wednesday evening that travel to the other islands in Hawaii — Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai — and parts of the Big Island “are not affected at this time.”

But Oahu, home to the state capital, Honolulu, is mobilizing to support evacuees as airports become overrun. The Hawaii Convention Center, a few miles east of Honolulu’s international airport, is being converted into an assistance center with the help of the Red Cross. It will serve as a temporary shelter for those travelers evacuated from Maui who are not immediately able to return home, the tourism authority said.

Travelers may confront restrictions to outdoor activities as road closures persist in several locations across the Big Island.

What are major airlines doing about flights to Maui?

Airlines have been flooded with calls. Hawaiian Airlines is asking travelers to hold off on contacting its call center with less urgent questions as it tries to address customers immediately affected by the wildfires. The carrier is offering refunds and rescheduling at no extra cost for customers with flights to Maui’s Kahului Airport through Aug. 31. Other airlines have also implemented flexible cancellation policies and exemptions because of the wildfires, including Alaska Airlines , United Airlines , Southwest Airlines , American Airlines and Air Canada .

Southwest plans to fly its typical daily schedule on Thursday, of roughly 90 flights for Hawaii, many of which run between the islands, according to a spokesperson, with additional flights to provide extra seats for travelers leaving Maui.

American added one additional Maui flight on Thursday to help evacuate travelers. The airline has said that travelers whose plans have been affected by the fires will be able to rebook without fees, or cancel and receive a refund. Delta Air Lines is operating on its regular schedule.

United has canceled reservations on flights to Maui, to use planes to return travelers to the continental United States. The airline also waived change fees and offered refunds to customers with plans to fly to, from or through Maui.

Travelers should note that if they purchased their flights through an online travel agency, like Expedia, they may need to contact that organization directly.

Can I still check into my hotel on Maui?

That could depend on your arrival date, and the location of your hotel. But getting answers about your lodging could take some time, as disruptions to cell service and power outages across swaths of Maui have affected hotel operations.

For those who planned to visit a property owned by a large hotel chain, the recommendation is to call the company’s corporate help line. Travelers with bookings at Hilton properties on Maui through Aug. 15 are encouraged to contact the company by calling 1-800-HILTONS. The company is also waiving any cancellation penalties through Aug. 14 for guests with Maui plans.

Several Hyatt properties in Maui have initiated emergency procedures, including evacuating the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort and Puunoa Beach Estates. The Hyatt Regency Maui and Kaanapali Ali have announced shelter-in-place measures, and have paused guest check-ins until Sunday. The resorts will refund deposits and payments for that duration. Travelers who booked reservations in the coming days with Hyatt are recommended to contact the company’s Global Care Center , and those who used third-party travel agents should contact their booking provider.

Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort is offering guests the option to change reservation dates at the same rate, or to be rebooked at another location on Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island.

Buses are shuttling visitors out of the Sheraton Maui Resort in Ka’anapali, and the Days Inn by Wyndham in Maui is closed to guests, as emergency responders take shelter there. Company cancellation policies have been relaxed, a Wyndham spokesperson wrote in an email, and suggested travelers contact customer service at 1-800-407-9832 .

One of the buildings destroyed in Lahaina was the Pioneer Inn, built in 1901 and operated as a 34-room hotel by Best Western in front of Banyan Tree Park, home to a famous 150-year-old banyan tree . The hotel’s staff and guests were evacuated, Best Western said in an email.

Are short-term rentals in the area allowing cancellations and refunds?

On Vrbo, decisions about refunds for cancellations are up to the individual hosts. The company in a statement issued Wednesday said hosts are able to cancel and refund bookings “without worrying about how it will affect their listing performance in future guest’s searches.” But guests have less flexibility, as natural disasters like wildfires, the company said, are not covered in its typical cancellation policy. Vrbo is advising those with upcoming bookings to contact their hosts, and their travel insurance provider, for more information.

Airbnb is offering travelers in parts of Maui a flexible cancellation option through its “ extenuating circumstances policy ,” which could result in a full refund on eligible stays.

Christine Chung , Derrick Bryson Taylor and Niraj Chokshi contributed reporting.

Vjosa Isai reports for The Times from Toronto. More about Vjosa Isai

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• Hawaii wildfires

Planning to visit Hawaii? Here's what to know about fires on Maui and Big Island

Devastating wildfires in the Hawaiian Islands - coupled with vast communication gaps created by the interruption of services - have many travelers in limbo as they struggle to leave the especially hard-hit island of Maui or reschedule imminent travel plans.

Here's what we know right now about Hawaii travel.

Which islands are affected?

Fires on parts of the islands of Maui and Hawaii were burning Wednesday, creating dangerous conditions in some parts of those two islands. The most harrowing conditions on Wednesday appeared to be in West Maui in the town of Lahaina.

A blaze engulfed the historic town, which is a popular tourist destination, and the town was evacuated. Communication networks have been crippled, and it's still unclear how much the fires have impacted the surrounding coast, where numerous resorts are located.

"The last person out has the most information," said Lahaina resident Claire Kent. Kent escaped the blaze and told CNN's Jim Sciuttothat practically everything on the town's Front Street has burned, including the historic Banyan tree, a Lahaina landmark.

Travel adviser Jim Bendt, owner of Pique Travel Design in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, also noted the communications challenges. Bendt had been in contact Wednesday with people in Hawaii.

"Our local contacts have told us the damage is contained around the Lahaina area. The major resort areas such as Ka'anapali, Kapalua, and Wailea were not part of the fire," Bendt told CNN Travel via email.

Some areas of the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaii were evacuated because of fires, according to the county's website . Mandatory evacuations there were lifted Wednesday evening. Fire hazards are noted here . By late Wednesday, state officials had not discouraged travel to that island.

How are travelers getting out of Maui?

State officials were working with hotels and a local airline to try to evacuate tourists to another island, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told CNN on Wednesday morning. But severed communications have hobbled efforts to reach everyone.

Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is open, the Hawaii Department of Transportation posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The HDOT urged patience at the airport.

"All airlines are sending additional support to aid in getting people off island," the DOT said in another post. "@TSA_Pacific Hawaii leadership will be adding resources to support OGG."

Hawaiian Airlines added three additional late-night flights on Wednesday to Honolulu from Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) to help evacuate travelers affected by the fires. The airline said it also added six additional flights earlier in the day and planned to add four extra flights from Maui to Honolulu on Thursday.

"Hawaiian is continuing to offer reduced $19 main cabin fares out of Maui to facilitate urgent travel needs," the airline said in a statement.

United and American told CNN Wednesday that their inbound flights to Maui were canceled. They were operating outbound flights from Maui.

Nonessential inbound travel to Maui is strongly discouraged, Ed Sniffen, director of the Hawaii State Department of Transportation, said Wednesday at a news conference.

About 2,000 people stayed overnight Tuesday at the airport in Maui, Sniffen said.

Over 11,000 people were flown out of Maui on Wednesday, Sniffen said in a press conference Wednesday evening.

Sniffen said roads to the airport in Maui have reopened and they are expecting more travelers to fly out on Thursday. The county is also running buses to help get travelers to the airport.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority also said on Wednesday afternoon that visitors who are in Maui on nonessential travel are being asked to leave the island.

What about travelers who have upcoming plans to visit Maui?

As noted above, government officials are discouraging nonessential travel to Maui.

Travel adviser Jim Bendt is following that guidance. Bendt said Pique Travel Design is advising clients traveling to Maui in the next week to reschedule their trips to "help ease the burden on local infrastructure."

Pique Travel will be working with its partners on the island to waive or minimize cancellation and change fees, he said.

Hawaiian Airlines , Alaska Airlines , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , Southwest Airlines and United Airlines all are offering travel waivers for travel to Maui allowing passengers to change plans without penalty.

"Guests with non-urgent travel inquiries are encouraged to call back later so that we can assist those with immediate needs," Hawaiian Airlines posted on social platform X. The airline urged travelers to check their flight status before going to the airport.

For clients who had plans to visit Maui for part of their Hawaii trips, Bendt's company is looking at finding alternatives for them on other islands such as Kauai or Oahu.

"For future travel, we are waiting on damage assessments to determine the best path forward but don't anticipate canceling trips once it's safe to return," Bendt said.

Inits travel guidance, the Hawaii Tourism Authority specifically called out West Maui as the area that near-term travelers need to avoid.

"Visitors with travel plans to stay in other parts of Maui and the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island in the coming weeks are encouraged to contact their hotels for updated information and how their travel plans may be affected," the tourism management authority said in an update Wednesday.

Inke Kappeler, a producer with CNN Digital in Berlin, Germany, is among those caught up in sudden travel disarray. She and her family were scheduled to head to Maui on Thursday from Kauai. Hawaiian Airlines told them they would need to reschedule as it was not advisable to travel to Maui for the next two weeks.

She's been unable to communicate with the hotel they had booked in the resort area of Ka'anapali, which is near one of the fire outbreaks. "I've tried to phone them several times, but the line is absolutely dead. I sent them a text message but no reply so far."

Their return flight to Germany is scheduled out of Maui. Kappelar anticipates trying to fly out of Daniel Inouye International Airport on Oahu instead.

What about other islands?

Bendt said travelers with plans to visit islands other than Maui won't need to change their plans.

"Hotels and tours are operating as normal," he said.

Another travel adviser, Norman Aynbinder, who is president and CEO of Excursionist in Miami, also noted the limited range of the current fires.

"It is important to note that Oahu, Lanai, and Kauai have no active fires and that the fires on the Big Island are limited to the Kohala Coast and do not impact most of the touring on the rest of the island," Aynbinder said via email.

The tourism authority noted that tourism to "Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lnai, and other parts of Hawaii Island are not affected at this time."

More broadly, what's next for travel to Maui?

For now, it's a wait-and-see situation.

"Natural disasters are, by nature, quick-moving. If you have a trip to Maui a fewweeks from now, your best bet for now is to wait and see if the fires get contained," said Scott Keyes, founder of travel site Going.com .

Keyes said that "there's no added benefit to canceling a trip a few weeks in advance versus a few days in advance."

And canceling could have a big impact on the island.

"The potential loss of tourism revenue could be anotherdevastingblow to the local community that relies on it," Bendt said.

"As of today, the tourism infrastructure outside of Lahaina has not been damaged and will be open for business," Bendt said. "Once officials have said it's safe to travel back to Maui the best thing people can do is not cancel their trips."

CNN's Cheri Mossburg, Stephanie Becker, Jamiel Lynch, Ross Levitt, Pete Muntean and Tori B. Powell contributed to this report. The CNN Wire ™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Big Island Fire Evacuations, Closures And Shelter Updates

Fires in North and South Kohala spurred evacuations and road closures in the area.

Hawaii County has lifted all fire-related evacuation orders and road closures following a severe weather emergency proclamation on the island.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, acting as governor while Gov. Josh Green was traveling, issued a state emergency proclamation early Wednesday and called the event “an unprecedented disaster.” Green, who represented the Kona area for a decade as a legislator, cut his trip short and was scheduled to return Wednesday night, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth issued mandatory evacuation orders Tuesday as firefighters battled flames fueled by the dry winds of a hurricane passing south of the islands.

Strong, dry winds from Hurricane Dora had fueled fire conditions midweek, but National Weather Service officials anticipated a more normal pattern of trade winds Thursday through Friday as the hurricane barrelled away from Hawaii, officials said in a Wednesday afternoon forecast .

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Big Island Evacuation Orders

• All evacuation orders were lifted as of Wednesday night.

Big Island Evacuation Centers

• All emergency shelters were closed as of Wednesday night.

Big Island Road Closures

• All roads were reopened as of Wednesday night.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates or visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency hazard impact map .

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Maui fires: is it safe to travel to Hawaii right now?

Maui and big island have both been affected, with travellers evacuated and flights cancelled. the flare-ups are now largely under control, but tourists have been discouraged from travelling to maui — here’s the latest travel advice.

T he wildfires that have blazed through the western and central parts of Maui in Hawaii have now taken the lives of at least 99 people, with more fatalities expected. The fires, which started on August 8, were fanned by strong winds from Hurricane Dora and several neighbourhoods have been burned to the ground. The historic city of Lahaina on the island’s west coast has been devastated, and wildfires have also hit Kihei in the southwest and Kula in the centre of the island. Fires are also affecting Hawaii’s Big Island, although to a lesser extent. Firefighting efforts are continuing, although the fires are now largely under control barring a handful of flare-ups — if you’re travelling to the US state, here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: a wildfire burns in Lahaina, Maui (Alamy)

Where are the fires in Hawaii?

So far the fires are restricted to Maui and Big Island, two of the main islands in the state of Hawaii.

On Maui, the fires have mainly affected the western side of the island, with rescue efforts hampered by power outages and disruptions to mobile phone signals. As of Tuesday, August 15, the fires were mainly under control.

Several neighbourhoods in Lahaina, where most of the island’s hotels are located, were completely burned to the ground. The harbour area was also destroyed, and residents were relocated to shelters. Fires here are still burning but have been largely contained. There are also fires in Kihei in the southwest and Kula in the centre of the island. So far, 11,000 tourists have been evacuated.

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Big Island, known as Hawaii Island, is also affected by fires although the damage hasn’t been as extreme as on Maui. Most of the flames have been centred around the north of the island, in particular Mauna Kea, Waimea, and North and South Kohala.

Fires in these areas have mainly affected residents as it’s not a key tourist resort. The relative remoteness of the areas also means that fewer people have been affected. The Hawaiian Tourism Authority, alongside celebrities, has discouraged non-essential travel to Maui.

What started the fires in Hawaii?

The cause of the fires has yet to be determined.

However, Hurricane Dora is thought to have made it worse. Although the weather system passed around 500 miles south of the island chain, strong winds from it fanned the flames, making it difficult to keep them under control.

The remoteness of some parts of the Hawaiian islands also means that rescue efforts were restricted.

Is it safe to travel to Hawaii?

Hawaii is a popular surfing, honeymoon and family holiday destination, and it’s generally safe for travellers. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the state’s hurricane season lasts from June 1 until November 30, and storms have had devastating effects on the island in the past.

Hawaii is affected by wildfires every year, but scientists from the University of Hawaii have found that instances have quadrupled in recent decades. The cause is down to a mixture of human action, drier and hotter summers, and non-native plant species that are more susceptible to fires.

The fires are currently affecting only Maui and Big Island, which means the other Hawaiian islands are still safe to travel to (more below).

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Can I get a refund if I choose not to go?

If your Hawaiian holiday is on an unaffected island, there’s no reason not to travel. If you decide to cancel your trip anyway, it will count as a disinclination to travel and you won’t get a refund.

If you’re heading to Maui or Big Island, check with your tour operator or travel company — the local government has advised against non-essential travel to Maui, while a number of flights have been cancelled (more below). Your operator should be in touch to talk about your options, which might include a cancellation with a full refund, or a change to your itinerary such as new travel date or a different destination.

Am I covered by my travel insurance?

You should check your policy to see what your travel insurance covers. Most policies have weather-related coverage that will help you recoup some of your costs if you cannot travel or if your holiday is cut short by extreme weather or events such as wildfires.

• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know

What is the Hawaiian government’s advice?

The acting governor of Hawaii, Sylvia Luke, issued an emergency proclamation advising against non-essential travel to Maui for the foreseeable future.

The Hawaiian Tourism Authority said: “Visitors who are on non-essential travel are being asked to leave Maui, and non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time.

“Visitors who have travel plans to West Maui in the coming weeks are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.

“Visitors with travel plans to stay in other parts of Maui and the Mauna Kea Resort area of Hawaii Island in the coming weeks are encouraged to contact their hotels for updated information and how their travel plans may be affected. Travel to Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and other parts of Hawaii Island are not affected at this time.”

What flights have been cancelled?

All of the airports in Hawaii are currently open and operational. However, several airlines, including American Airlines, cancelled flights to Maui’s Kahului airport. Outbound flights are still operating.

Travellers due to fly in or out of Maui in the next couple of days are being given the opportunity to change or cancel their flights without penalty. This waiver applies to Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

You should make sure your airline has up to date details for you in case of any last minute cancellations.

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Maui Travel Updates

Maui Recovery

On August 8, 2023, wildfires resulted in the devastating loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites, and businesses in Lahaina, located in West Maui. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt aloha to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. We also urge visitors throughout Hawai‘i to be especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this extremely difficult time.   The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is continuously coordinating efforts with federal, state and county emergency management officials, as well as our community partners, visitor industry and Global Marketing Team. We are also providing updates to our travel partners — airlines, accommodations, ground transportation companies, activity providers, travel agents, and wholesalers, as well as to local, national and international media — to ensure the public is kept informed.

While Lahaina itself will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents, West Maui accommodations have reopened to visitors.

Latest News

February 15, 2024

Mākaukau Maui - We Are Ready

With a deep commitment to our community’s well-being, West Maui is ready to return a comforting sense of stability to the lives of its residents. Reopening our doors is one step towards reducing the uncertainties that weigh on our shoulders. It also ensures our community has the jobs and financial opportunities to thrive. On the horizon is a new day. As one, Maui is moving forward – hopeful and optimistic that it can share its culture with those beyond our shores. Learn more at: https://makaukaumaui.com .  

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board Approves Action Plan to Support Maui’s Recovery in 2024

On December 22, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board of Directors furthered its ongoing commitment to mālama Maui and support the island’s recovery by approving an immediate six-month action plan for 2024 to help address major challenges confronting residents, small businesses, visitor industry providers, Maui’s economy, and families seeking housing. Learn more here .   The action plan is designed to fulfill tourism’s responsibilities in alliance with the leadership established by Governor Josh Green, M.D. and within the broader scope of Maui’s recovery efforts being conducted by the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and other state agencies. HTA’s full report identifying major strategies and not only short-term but also mid- and long-term recommendations is being provided to DBEDT in their role coordinating the State’s Economic Recovery Support Functions. Read the full report .

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board Of Directors Approves $2.6 Million In Funding For Maui Marketing Recovery Plan

HTA's Board of Directors took decisive action at its monthly board meeting on August 31 to approve $2.6 million in funding to launch the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan , which is centered around a new Mālama Maui campaign with heartfelt messages shared by kama‘āina of Maui. The plan's focus is to rebuild responsible travel demand from the United States market to Maui in the wake of the devastating Lahaina wildfires. Watch the board meeting . HTA staff and board members were on Maui throughout August to meet with residents and business owners and listen to them about the challenges they now face with visitor arrivals decreasing significantly since August 8. Visitors help to support the economy, supporting local shops, local restaurants, and local activities which ultimately aids in the island’s overall recovery efforts.

For Visitors

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Travel trade.

Information and resources for travel advisors is available on our GoHawaii website.

Mālama Maui

NOTE: While multiple dictionary sources propose "Lāhainā" as the old pronunciation for the region, living kūpuna, mānaleo and recordings of mānaleo serve to demonstrate that the contemporary pronunciation is Lahaina. Heeding the call from the Lahaina community, HTA uses the spelling Lahaina across all platforms.

Maui fires: 6 dead, at least 271 structures impacted as Hawaii battles blazes

Coverage on this live blog has ended. Please follow our latest updates here.

What to know about the wildfires:

• At least six people have died in fires in Maui, officials said Wednesday. Some injuries have been reported, but officials did not provide a number.
• Crews continue to battle fires in Maui and the Big Island, which have been fanned in part by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm.
• The Coast Guard on Tuesday rescued 14 people including two children, who went into the ocean to escape the blazes and smoke.

At least 271 structures have been damaged, destroyed or otherwise impacted in the western Maui town of Lahaina after a devastating wildfire, Maui County officials said.

• The full extent of the damage may not be known for weeks or even months, acting Gov. Sylvia Luke said.
• Lahaina, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, is destroyed in the fires.

Satellite images capture devastation in Lahaina from wildfires

Tim Stelloh

Phil Helsel

Satellite images captured the devastation on Maui Wednesday after a wildfire tore through Lahaina, a popular vacation destination on the island’s west coast that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii .

In one image from the company Maxar Technologies, the historic area of Banyan Court — home to the island’s oldest living banyan tree, at 150 years old — appears to have mostly been reduced to ash.

Other images showed similar devastation in and around Lahaina Square, a shopping area, and a neighborhood on the southern end of the town.

Read the full story here.

Visitors asked to leave Maui as soon as possible due to crisis

Visitors “with vehicles or any means of transportation” are being asked to leave the fire-ravaged Lahaina area and Maui as soon as possible, county officials said today .

The county made the request because officials have limited resources in what it described as a crisis.

Buses will be taking people from Sheraton Maui Resort in Kaʻanapali to Kahului Airport, the county said.

Widespread damage has been seen in Lahaina in western Maui from one of three wildfires. At least six people are dead, and western Maui does not have power or cell service.

Firefighters battling spot fires around Lahaina, no new evacuations

More than 100 Maui firefighters were battling three wildfires today, and helicopters have been making water drops and conducting searches, Maui County said .

No new evacuations were ordered in Maui, which has faced severe wind-fueled wildfires, but the damage in the western Maui town of Lahaina was called widespread.

There are three fires on Maui — the Lahaina, Pūlehu and Upcountry fires. The National Guard and other military units are assisting with helicopters doing water drops, officials said.

Firefighters in Lahaina were putting out spot fires around the community of around 12,700, the county said in a statement.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell also tweeted that she has spoken with the state’s lieutenant governor, and that the agency has authorized federal assistance to help firefighting efforts.

‘Everyone I know in Lahaina, their homes have been burned down’

Residents who have fled their homes in advance of devastating wildfires have shared their heartbreak and uncertainty with NBC affiliate KHNL of Honolulu .

“Everyone I know in Lahaina, their homes have been burned down,” Tiare Lawrence, of the community on the western edge of Maui, told the station. She said she was trying to make sure everyone in her family is safe.

Holly Zackious, of Kula, found her home was intact but told the station that others in the neighborhood were burned to the ground.

“It’s awful the amount of damage that this fire wreaked havoc,” she said. “We’re praying for Lahaina.”

Gabe Johnson, Maui County council member for the island of Lāna’i, told KHNL that those who have not been affected are coming to help others.

“We rebuild. You know, Lahaina strong,” Johnson told the station. “It’s not just an expression.”

At least 271 structures damaged or destroyed in Maui fires

Andrew Blankstein

The state’s lieutenant governor said earlier today that it could be weeks or months before the full damage of the fires on Maui is known.

Fires continue to burn both on Maui and the island of Hawaii and high-speed and erratic winds continue to make it difficult to fly aircraft to get a better sense of the totality of the damage, a Hawaii Emergency Management Agency official said.

"Widespread damage to the West Maui town, the harbor and surrounding areas are being documented," the county said in a statement.

Wildfire decimates Lahaina, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom

Sakshi Venkatraman

A historic seaside town that once was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii has been largely reduced to ash as wildfires continued to rip through the state Wednesday. 

Hawaiians say Lahaina’s disaster leaves them mourning the loss of a place dense with Native Hawaiian history and culture — and they’re bracing for what the tragedy will mean for their communities in the long term. 

“People are worried about their loved ones, their homes, their businesses, their jobs,” said David Aiona Chang, who is Native Hawaiian and a professor of history at the University of Minnesota. “So many of the disasters that hit Hawaii hit Native Hawaiians the hardest. It’s something that we are going to be dealing with for a long time.”

Satellite imagery shows Maui fires

Aerial video shows devastation in maui.

Helicopter video from Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina shows the devastation in the community of around 12,700 on the western coast of Maui, after wildfires.

Two patients in Maui fires in critical condition, hospital says

Two of five people being cared for at Maui Memorial Medical Center following wildfires on the island were in critical condition, Maui Health said today.

The hospital is treating five people in all, and seven others have been sent to Oahu for specialty services, some of whom suffered fire-related injuries, Maui Health, a nonprofit hospital organization, said.

Two new brushfires on Hawaii's Big Island

Two new brushfires started today on the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, where fires have also been burning, officials said.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth has said the focus should be on Maui, where devastating wildfires have occurred, causing at least six deaths.

The new fires were in the Kaʻū region, and one of those was under control, the Hawaii Fire Department said .

The Akoni Pule Highway brushfire is about 60% contained but is threatening structures, according to the Fire Department, and there are fires in the Mauna Kea Beach area. People at the Mauna Kea Resort have been told to shelter in place.

Roth in a video briefing earlier today thanked assistance from state agencies and the National Guard in dealing with brushfires on the island.

Full damage may not be known for weeks or months

It’s expected to take weeks before officials know the full scale of the damage to Maui in the wake of wildfires, Hawaii’s lieutenant governor said today.

“This is not going to be a short journey. It’s going to take weeks and maybe months to assess the full damage,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who is acting governor until the governor returns early from a trip, said.

She said the state will provide whatever assistance possible, and federal aid was also sent or being sent to help in the wildfires and the aftermath.

“We will rebuild,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said at a news briefing.

Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with water buckets, as well as three CH-47 Chinook with 2,000 gallon water buckets, have been or were being sent to Maui today to help, said Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara, adjutant general for the state.

Also sent with one of the Chinooks is an “enhanced emergency response force package,” which involves a specialized team capable of confined space search and rescue, he said.

Maui has seen winds of over 50 mph

High winds from passing Hurricane Dora may have helped fuel wildfires in Maui, and today the National Weather Service said gusts on the island have reached as high as 67 mph.

In the 48 hour period between 10 a.m. Honolulu time Monday and Wednesday morning, the highest recorded gusts were between 45 and 67 mph, according to the weather service .

Forecasters had warned of fire risk due to high winds starting Monday, and a “red flag” warning about fires had also been issued.

Biden orders ‘all available federal assets’ to help

President Joe Biden and the first lady today expressed their condolences to the people of Maui, and Biden pledged assistance from federal assets.

“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the wildfires in Maui, and our prayers are with those who have seen their homes, businesses, and communities destroyed,” Biden said in a statement . “We are grateful to the brave firefighters and first responders who continue to run toward danger, putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives.”

Biden said he has “ordered all available Federal assets on the Islands to help with response.” The Hawaii National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard and the Navy’s Third Fleet is assisting, he said.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said that the state will be submitting a request for a presidential disaster declaration once officials know the scope of the devastation. Such declarations allow increased federal aid.

Urgent care clinics in Lahaina can’t treat patients, say their structures are either damaged or destroyed

Aria Bendix

Cliff Alakai, an administrator at Maui Medical Group, said he learned on Facebook that the group's Lahaina urgent care facility was damaged.

"One of our IT people found a picture and put a circle around our clinic. It’s a two-story clinic. It looks like the second floor is heavily damaged," Alakai said.

Alakai said Maui Medical Group operates four additional outpatient clinics outside Lahaina that are open to patients, but many Lahaina residents are hesitant to leave the area because road closures would prevent them from returning home, he said. Employees who live in Lahaina have called out of work, but so far appear to be safe, he added.

“Our employees who live out there are calling to say, ‘Yeah, we’re all right. Our house burned down, but we’re fine. We got out in time,’” Alakai said.

Justin Prouty, owner of Minit Medical Urgent Care, said he assumes his Lahaina facility is no longer standing.

"All reports coming out of Lahaina are super sketchy right now. There’s just no news there, no cell service so nobody can get any information. It sounds like a couple of our employees have lost their homes," Prouty said. "I’ve had reports that places around our clinic are burned to the ground, so my guess is our clinic is too."

Avoid nonessential travel to Maui, officials urge

Doha Madani

With wildfires raging, Hawaii officials urged both residents and tourists to avoid all nonessential travel to Maui.

There were at least 2,000 people at the airport overnight either attempting to leave or waiting for new flights to come in, according to Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen.

"We made sure that we process them through this morning. We were working with our airline partners on all of that," Sniffen said. "There's another 4,000 visitors that we're expecting who want to leave the island from the west side."

Sniffen also noted that traffic on the highways will be congested as people are evacuated and certain areas of the island remain inaccessible.

Acting Gov. Luke also discouraged tourism to Maui as authorities struggle to contain the wildfires.

"This is not a safe place to be in certain parts of Maui," Luke said. "We have shelters that are overrun. We have resources that are being taxed."

Nigel Chiwaya

Helicopters able to take off for water drops as winds reduce

The Kula Fire has not been contained on Maui, but officials are hopeful that the situation will improve now that firefighters can deploy water overhead.

"I think a big thing that was hampering us yesterday is because of the high winds, we were not able to get helicopters in the air," Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. said. "It was not safe for them to do water drops. Apparently as of this morning that situation has improved."

Almost 100 firefighters have been working in shifts, including 11 who work for the state airport firefighting and rescue teams. Maui first responders were also offered assets from other local and federal partners.

The military has provided Black Hawk helicopters and a Chinook helicopter in addition to aircraft from the Hawaii National Guard, according to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, speaking on behalf of the Department of Defense.

'Focus right now is to save lives and preserve lives'

Maui officials say that it's "impossible" at this point to quantify the structural damage from the deadly fires.

"Our main focus right now is to save lives and preserve lives," Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. said.

FEMA will assist with property assessments, Luke said.

6 deaths confirmed in Maui, mayor says

At least six people have died in the wildfires, and search-and-rescue efforts continue, Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. said.

Bissen said he's unsure of how that number might change as authorities continue to battle the flames.

"There were a lot of people putting things out on social media; we have not had a chance to yet to confirm any of that," he said. "We are still in that phase of gathering information."

More than 2,100 people have been housed in shelters.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said no fatalities had been confirmed in his county.

Burn patients flown to Honolulu

Several burn patients from Maui were being treated at Straub Medical Center, the hospital said in a statement. The facility has the only specialized burn unit in Hawaii.

The Honolulu Emergency Services Department transported one woman in her 60s from Maui to the burn center, agency spokesperson Shayne Enright said. The woman was in critical condition.

The department has also received reports of multiple patients being flown from Maui to Honolulu, she said.

Maui issues water conservation advisory

Alicia Victoria Lozano

Maui's water department is asking consumers across the island to conserve water to reduce demand and extend existing supplies.

 "The Department of Water Supply urges all residents and visitors to please be mindful of their water use and especially reduce outdoor water use," it said in a statement. "The Water Department is working diligently to ensure our resources are used as efficiently as possible and we need the community to do their part."

Customers are asked to not wash cars, sidewalks or driveways, or irrigate lawns until further notice.

Hawaii governor says he expects ‘some loss of life’ in wildfire catastrophe

Marlene Lenthang

Green said Wednesday he anticipates there will be casualties as a result of the wind-fueled wildfires scorching the islands.

“Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring, but some loss of life is expected,” he said in a statement. 

Green called the severe weather a “terrible disaster,” noting the wildfires have “spread widely” because of Dora's winds and the region already had underlying drought conditions. 

“Much of Lāhainā on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced,” he said. 

Green said he anticipates submitting a request for a presidential disaster declaration in the next 36 to 48 hours once the damage extent is assessed. 

He had been on personal travel until Aug. 15 but will return to the islands Wednesday night to respond to the crisis. 

Hawaii officials to hold news conference on wildfire

Hawaii state officials will host a briefing on the wildfires and the impact of Dora at 10 a.m. local time (4 p.m. ET) Wednesday. 

Luke, who is serving as acting governor because Green is traveling, will speak, along with the Hawaii County and Maui County mayors.

Emergency proclamation issued for Maui air travel

Luke issued an emergency proclamation Wednesday to extend the state of emergency to all counties and to discourage “non-essential air travel to Maui.”

The proclamation cited ongoing wildfires in Hawaii, fanned by Dora's winds.

“This is an unprecedented disaster as an indirect result of Hurricane Dora passing just south of our islands,” Luke said. “It is truly devastating and my heart goes out to the residents of Maui and all those impacted.”

The proclamation discouraging travel will allow the state to “prioritize our scarce resources for Maui residents who desperately need assistance," she said. 

Under the proclamation, visitors to West Maui are encouraged to depart the island as soon and as safely as possible. 

Wednesday's announcement follows Tuesday’s initial emergency proclamation authorizing the activation of the National Guard and authorizing state general revenue funds to be used for relief. 

It has already been a devastating year for extreme weather

Denise Chow

It may be days or weeks before the full extent of damage from the wildfires in Hawaii is known, but the blazes add to what has already been a devastating year of weather and climate disasters.

A report released Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that there were more billion-dollar disasters in the first seven months of 2023 than in any year since 1980, when the agency began tracking these events .

Scientists at NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information said there have been 15 extreme weather events so far this year that each caused at least $1 billion in damage. These included severe storms, tornado outbreaks, hail, one flooding event and one winter storm.

NOAA said these climate and weather disasters caused 113 direct and indirect fatalities and resulted in more than $39.7 billion in damage from January through July.

Hawaiian Airlines offers refunds because of wildfires

Hawaiian Airlines tweeted early Wednesday that it will allow passengers to get refunds or change their travel dates because of ongoing wildfires. 

The airline cited the emergency order in Maui County and the fact that “non-essential travel is being strongly discouraged.”

“We have a travel waiver in place and will allow you to receive a refund or change travel to a future date without penalty," the airline said.

Kihei in Maui is ‘clear’ and residents can return, officials say

Kihei, a census-designated area, is “clear” and residents can return home, Maui County said in an update at 6 a.m. local time (12 p.m. ET). 

Officials also said residents on Ohukai Road can return home, adding the fire in that area is “not a threat.”

However, Lahaina officers were evacuating residents in Launiupoko Estates and Punakea Loop. 

2,000 sheltering at Kahului Airport

Travel in and out of Hawaii has been disrupted because of wildfires burning on several islands, prompting 2,000 travelers from canceled flights and arrivals to shelter at Kahului Airport in Maui County, the county said just before 5 a.m. local time Wednesday. 

So far Wednesday, there have been 27 delays at the airport and two cancellations, following 45 delays and six cancellations Tuesday, according to FlightAware.com . 

Almost 100 firefighters have been on duty, including 11 from state airport rescue personnel, the county said.

Maui County plagued by power outages

More than 14,000 power outages have been reported across Maui County, according to poweroutage.us , a site that collects and monitors live data from utilities across the United States.

Hawaiian Electric, the largest supplier of electricity in the state, said Tuesday that crews are working on extensive repairs to downed power lines in West Maui and Upcountry, and warned customers to be prepared for extended outages.

"With the sustained high wind weather, we are seeing additional impacts to our electrical infrastructure at the same time the crews are making repairs so we are asking customers to please prepare for possible extended outages into the night,” spokesperson Shayna Decker said in a statement Tuesday .

Fires in Hawaii unlike other U.S. wildfires

Associated Press

Fires in Hawaii are unlike many of  those burning in the U.S. West . They tend to break out in large grasslands on the dry sides of the islands and are generally much smaller than mainland fires.

Fires were rare in Hawaii  and on other tropical islands before humans arrived, and native ecosystems evolved without them. This means great environmental damage can occur when fires erupt. For example, fires remove vegetation. When a fire is followed by heavy rainfall, the rain can carry loose soil into the ocean, where it can smother coral reefs.

A  major fire in the Big Island in 2021  burned homes and forced thousands to evacuate.

The island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, also was dealing with power outages, downed power lines and traffic problems, said Adam Weintraub, communication director for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Hawaii under red flag warning

All the Hawaiian islands are under a red flag warning through 6 p.m. local time Wednesday. 

A red flag warning is an alert issued by the weather service when a combination of very low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds are expected to combine to cause fires to spread rapidly. The warning serves as a signal to officials and fire managers to be on the lookout for potential wildfires in the area.

The warning is for leeward areas, meaning land that faces away from the wind usually sheltered by hills and mountains, due to strong winds and low humidity, the agency in Honolulu said in a morning advisory . 

“Very dry fuels combined with strong and gusty easterly winds and low humidities will produce critical fire weather conditions through the afternoon hours,” the advisory said. 

East winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts from 40 to 50 mph are forecast, along with humidity levels at 40-45% through the afternoon.

“Any fires that develops will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” the agency warned. 

Schools closed in Maui on Wednesday

Schools were shuttered Wednesday due to spreading brush fires and evacuations in Maui. 

Closures in West Maui: Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary, King Kamehameha III Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate, Lahainaluna High.

Closures in South Maui: Kihei Elementary, Lokelani Intermediate, Kamali‘i Elementary and Kūlanihāko‘i High.

In Upcountry Maui, King Kekaulike High was closed and in Central Maui, Maui High was being used as an evacuation shelter. 

Coast Guard rescues 12 Hawaii residents who fled into water

Twelve people were rescued overnight Tuesday by the Coast Guard after entering the ocean to escape blazes burning in West Maui, a Coast Guard spokesperson said.

All were in stable condition when recovered. 

“The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions,” Maui County said in a  public notice . “Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas.”

The U.S. Coast Guard tweeted that a dozen people were rescued near Lahaina by a 45-foot response boat from the Coast Guard’s Maui Station.

"The USCG continues the joint response with federal and state partners while the USCG Cutter Kimball is en route to Maui to enhance efforts," it said.

Wildfires continue to burn across Big Island and Maui on Wednesday.

Winds strengthened by hurricane helped fuel devastating fires

Strong winds driven by Dora, which has been churning over the central Pacific Ocean and moving west, helped whip up wildfires that spread quickly in Hawaii.

The weather service Tuesday warned that 45 mph winds and gusts up to 60 mph could create "high fire danger with rapid spread."

The winds strengthened by the hurricane exacerbated multiple fires in Maui and hampered efforts to put the blazes out, the Associated Press reported. Helicopter crews were unable to dump water on the fires to help contain the spread, and downed trees and power lines blocked some road access.

Dora was passing more than 500 miles south of Hawaii, and was not expected to make landfall on the island chain. The Category 4 storm is not thought to be directly responsible for the wildfires, but rather added to dry and windy conditions that heighten the risk of such blazes.

Hundreds evacuated, homes destroyed

In the Kula area of Maui, 80 people were evacuated from 40 homes, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said Tuesday .

He said at least two homes were destroyed in a fire that engulfed about 1,100 acres.

He noted that fierce winds were the biggest challenge in confronting the blazes, as the wind conditions are unsafe for helicopters to do water drops.

Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth said that about 400 homes in four communities in the northern part of the island were evacuated Tuesday. He said one roof had caught fire.

Where the blazes are

Two brush fires were burning Tuesday in the Big Island in North and South Kohala, Hawai’i County officials said. 

“A mandatory evacuation was called for in the Kohala Ranch area, and 2 residents have taken shelter at Hisaoka Gymnasium,” the county said in a public notice Tuesday.

Evacuation shelters were opened at Hisaoka Gym in Kapaʻau and the Waimea Community Center in Waimea, officials said.

Wildfires are also burning in Maui, with the biggest blaze believed to be in Lahaina .

An emergency proclamation was issued Tuesday by Lt. Gov Sylvia Luke, activating the Hawaii National Guard. 

Evacuations in Big Island and Maui

Evacuations are underway in Big Island and Maui amid wildfires that are raging across the area, fueled by winds associated with Dora . 

No fatalities reported in wildfire

Officials were not aware of any deaths and knew of only one injury, a firefighter who was in stable condition at a hospital after experiencing smoke inhalation, Maui County spokesperson Mahina Martin said in a phone interview early Wednesday.

There’s no count available for the number of structures affected by the fires or the number of people affected by evacuations, but she said there are four shelters open, with more than 1,000 people at the largest.

“This is so unprecedented,” she said, noting that multiple districts were affected. An emergency in the night is terrifying, she said, and the darkness makes it hard to gauge the extent of the damage.

Bus routes suspended because of fires

Several transportation services were disrupted Wednesday due to wildfires burning in Maui. 

The Lahaina Islander Route #20, Lahaina Villager Route #23, Kaanapali Islander Route #25, and West Maui Islander Route #28 were suspended until further notice, the county said in a public notice .

Maui Bus ADA Paratransit Service and MEO Human Service Transportation trips to and from and within West Maui were also suspended. 

“All Maui Bus Commuter Services will be suspended until further notice,” the county said.

911 service down in Maui’s west side

First responders faced a hurdle in grappling with wildfires burning in Maui as 911 service went down early Wednesday.

Maui County said on social media the service was unavailable in the island’s west side at 12 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET).

Locals are urged to call the Lahaina Police Department directly in case of an emergency.

How to adjust your travel plans for Hawaii during the wildfires

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The Hawaiian island of Maui is asking visitors to stay away as it tries to recover from devastating wildfires.

Officials said Thursday morning that two of the three fires on Maui were largely contained. But the damage to portions of the island is extensive, particularly in the tourism-heavy region of West Maui, where fire appears to have incinerated much of the historic town of Lahaina .

The Kahului Airport on Maui remains open, at least in part because of all the people being evacuated (officials have asked all visitors on “non-essential” trips to leave). With the wildfires causing more than 50 deaths and an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion in damage and economic losses, the Hawaiian government is strongly discouraging tourists from coming to the island.

If you had a vacation planned, this is what you need to know.

World & Nation

Mapping how the Maui fires destroyed Lahaina

The Lahaina fire in West Maui ignited as firefighters focused on the Upcountry fire. What happened next — the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century — left the historic town in ashes.

Aug. 14, 2023

Should I cancel my trip to Hawaii?

The state tourism authority emphasized that most parts of Hawaii continue to welcome visitors. “Travel to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi” and parts of Hawaiʻi Island other than the Mauna Kea resort area “are not affected at this time,” the authority said on its website Wednesday. By Thursday, the Mauna Kea Resort on the big island was open again after three fires in the area were brought under control, the authority said.

Maui, and particularly West Maui, is a different story. The tourism authority said Wednesday night that visitors bound for West Maui in the coming weeks “are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.”

“In the days and weeks ahead, our collective resources and attention must be focused on the recovery of residents and communities that were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses,” the authority said.

Death toll in Maui fires rises to 67: ‘We have not yet searched’ buildings

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green says the fires are probably the state’s deadliest natural disaster in decades.

Aug. 11, 2023

What can I do about my flight to Hawaii?

Some major airlines offer customers the ability to obtain refunds for travel to Maui in the coming weeks, as well as the option to reschedule their flights. The exact terms depend on the airline.

At United Airlines , if you had paid for a flight to Kahului Airport between Aug. 11 and Aug. 31, you can cancel and get a refund, according to the United website. You can also reschedule your trip and the change fees and fare differences will be waived under certain circumstances.

If your new trip is after Aug. 31 or is to a destination outside Hawaii, United will still waive any change fees, but you may have to pay a fare difference, depending on the flight.

At Delta Air Lines , customers who can’t reschedule their trips to Maui may cancel their reservations and apply the ticket cost to the purchase of new flight — but that flight has to be booked no more than a year after the Maui ticket was purchased, the airline’s website says.

If you schedule a new flight on or before Aug. 18 at the same level of service as the Maui flight, Delta’s website says it will waive the change fee and any difference in fare. After that, only the change fee will be waived.

The American Airlines site suggests that refunds are possible for flights to or through Maui if you cancel by Aug. 13. You can apply for one on the airline’s website .

If you want to reschedule your flight, American will waive the change fee if you rebook by Aug. 13, but you may have to pay any difference in the fare. To see if your flight is eligible for a refund or fee waiver, use the “ Find your trip ” tool on the airline’s website. If you can’t change your trip online, call Reservations for help.

At Alaska Airlines , if you’d purchased a ticket to or from Maui by Aug. 9, you can obtain a refund as long as you cancel before the original flight’s departure date, the airline’s website says. You can also reschedule onto a new flight to or from Maui or three other Hawaiian airports through Aug. 31 at the same fare if you stay in the same cabin. But you have to exchange their tickets prior to the departure of their original flight.

Hawaiian Airlines is allowing customers to cancel their flights in exchange for a refund or a credit for future flights, or to change their flights to a different island, its website says. To change or cancel your flight, call the airline’s reservations line at 800-367-5320.

A spokesperson for the airline said, “We ask guests with non-urgent inquiries to please call back later so that we can assist travelers with immediate needs. Guests traveling through Kahului should continue to check their flight status on our website or app before coming to the airport.”

How to help Maui residents displaced by the devastating wildfires

Wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui have killed at least 36 people, displaced thousands of residents and destroyed hundreds of structures, including homes, businesses and a school, prompting President Biden to declare a “major disaster.”

Aug. 10, 2023

Will my hotel charge me a fee to cancel my stay in Maui?

Under normal circumstances, many hotels penalize last-minute cancellations by charging fees that can be considerable. Some in West Maui are waiving those fees at the moment, but figuring out the policy at the hotel you’ve booked can be a challenge — the closer it is to the fire, the more likely that its power and phone lines are down.

The Hyatt family of hotels is waiving cancellation fees for arrivals “in the coming days,” the company said in a statement. It suggested that guests with reservations call its customer support line at 800-233-1234 “for additional details and assistance in alternate accommodations.” It also noted, however, that canceled reservations made through online booking sites and other third parties may be governed by those sites’ policies.

An Expedia spokesperson told The Times in an email that it is working with hotels that book through Expedia and Hotels.com to institute a “flex policy” for reservations on the full island of Maui through Aug. 31. “This means that travelers with upcoming bookings in the impacted area can change or cancel their hotel booking without penalty,” she said. “The flex policy can be accessed when you engage with a virtual agent once you log into your account or provide your itinerary number to the virtual agent.”

Expedia and Hotels.com ’s customer service agents are available 24 hours a day by phone or online to help with travel arrangements.

According to a spokesperson for Marriott hotels, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and the Ritz-Carlton Maui in Kapalua have been evacuated and will close temporarily due to extended power outages. Cancellation fees at the three hotels have been waived through Aug. 31. She advised travelers to the area to follow the news and MauiCounty.gov for local situation updates. To adjust reservations, guests should visit Marriott.com or the Marriott app.

If you’re headed for other parts of Maui or the Mauna Kea resort area on the island of Hawaii, the state tourism authority says, you should talk to the hotel you booked for updates about how you might be affected.

Hotels in Maui may still be taking reservations, and some are providing refunds up to the date of travel. For example, you could book a room for next week at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort on Thursday afternoon, even though the power and phone lines at the resort were out, according to a reservation agent.

‘Gone forever’: Fire devastates historic Lahaina, former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom

The wildfire that ripped through Maui devastated Lahaina, a town boasting centuries of history and that was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom.

Can I cancel my Vrbo or Airbnb?

Expedia Group, which owns Vrbo, said in a statement that it is “applying an extenuating circumstances exception for eligible Vrbo reservations in Maui where travelers will be able to get a full refund.” It added, “We will continue to work with our Vrbo hosts who have upcoming bookings in impacted areas to make sure all of our travelers are treated fairly.”

Airbnb customer service says that they will provide penalty-free cancellations in parts of Maui for hosts and guests who request them. However, people need to call the site’s customer service line at (844) 234-2500 to make sure that they are eligible.

Travelers whose accommodations aren’t directly affected by the fires may have a harder time obtaining a refund.

One reader told The Times that he and his wife wanted to heed the government’s request and cancel their trip to Maui, but their Airbnb host declined to give them even a partial refund on their $2,000 stay. According to Airbnb’s site, cancellations and refunds are up to the hosts , not Airbnb.

Will travel insurance cover me?

According to the insurance comparison site Insuremytrip.com , “If a wildfire that affects your trip is known before you purchase a plan, your coverage may be extremely limited.” So if you are thinking of purchasing travel insurance now for a trip in the coming weeks, don’t bother.

What you can do is see if wildfires fall under the definition of “natural disaster” on your travel insurance policy. You may also be eligible for coverage under “trip delay” if your flight is canceled, “trip interruption” if your accommodations or primary residence are damaged, or “trip cancellation” if your destination has been evacuated, Insuremytrip says.

About The Times Utility Journalism Team

This article is from The Times’ Utility Journalism Team. Our mission is to be essential to the lives of Southern Californians by publishing information that solves problems, answers questions and helps with decision making . We serve audiences in and around Los Angeles — including current Times subscribers and diverse communities that haven’t historically had their needs met by our coverage. How can we be useful to you and your community? Email utility (at) latimes.com or one of our journalists: Jon Healey , Ada Tseng , Jessica Roy and Karen Garcia .

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Emma Fox was a 2023 summer intern on the Utility Journalism team at the Los Angeles Times. A student at Loyola Marymount University, she majors in journalism with a Chicano/Latino studies minor and was the arts and culture editor at the on-campus publication, the Lion. Fox is the president of her school’s chapters of the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists and the Society of Professional Journalists and previously was an intern for the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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Hawaii declares emergency due to wildfires, discourages all nonessential travel to Maui

Editor's Note

As of Thursday morning, wind-driven wildfires continue in Hawaii, prompting thousands of evacuations, road closures, power issues and devastation to much of west Maui and the Big Island's Kohala Coast, including Lahaina, where at least 36 people have been killed.

State officials are discouraging nonessential travel to Maui, while the other islands — Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and other parts of the island of Hawaii — remain unaffected.

What travelers to Maui and the Big Island should know

"Visitors who are on nonessential travel are being asked to leave Maui, and non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time," a statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority reads. "Visitors who have travel plans to West Maui in the coming weeks are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time."

Based on this guidance, upcoming trips to west Maui should be canceled. The tourism board advises travelers with plans to other parts of Maui and the Kohala Coast of the island of Hawaii in the coming weeks to contact their hotels for guidance on whether their properties will be open at that time.

"In the days and weeks ahead, our collective resources and attention must be focused on the recovery of residents and communities that were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses," the Hawaii Tourism Authority said.

Some hotels — such as the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and the neighboring Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka'anapali Beach — are closed to arrivals and currently plan to resume operations on Aug. 11 and Aug. 13, respectively. However, that is likely subject to local conditions and needs.

Is it safe to travel to other areas of Hawaii right now?

Travel to elsewhere in Hawaii, including Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and other parts of the Big Island, is not affected at this time.

However, for those who are on the island or who have essential travel, hotels like the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort are still operating, according to their social media channels.

Earlier developments

On Wednesday, Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke declared only those with essential travel reasons should go to Maui due to a disaster emergency relief period that will be in place through at least Aug. 15.

Luke told CNN, "We encourage anyone with travel plans to Maui to cancel their flight…it is really a tragedy that we're dealing with right now."

Power outages were widespread, and several resorts on Maui indicate that many are still without power. This includes the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, which says it is closed to arrivals and not accepting guests until at least Aug. 11. Power has been restored on parts of the island. However, more than 11,000 are still without electricity, and west Maui remains without power.

More than 11,000 travelers were evacuated from Maui, according to the director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Ed Sniffen; nearly 600 people were awaiting flights to get out Thursday, according to The New York Times .

The fires began Tuesday, with winds from Category 4 Hurricane Dora , passing south of Hawaii, contributing to the fires but not directly responsible, as noted in reporting by CNN .

Some residents from Lahaina, Kula, North Kihei and Kaanapali on Maui and Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii were evacuated Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. The Associated Press reported rescues of several people who fled the flames into the ocean.

"911 is down. Cell service is down. Phone service is down. That's been part of the problem," Luke told CNN Wednesday morning . "Maui County has not been able to communicate with residents on the west side, the Lahaina side."

On Wednesday, satellite phones were the only means of communication in parts of Maui.

"What we are trying to do is deploy individuals to go into areas with satellite phone service. We have only been in contact with perhaps one hotel because the one hotel, the people in charge of that hotel have satellite phones," Luke told CNN.

Hawaii National Guard members were also deployed.

Flights to and from Maui

Kahului Airport (OGG) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) remain open, but Hawaiian Airlines encouraged travelers flying in and out of OGG to continue monitoring their flights for updates. Nearly 1,800 tourists were stuck at the airport awaiting guidance, according to CNN.

In response to affected flights, Hawaiian Airlines travelers can reschedule their flights at no cost for those scheduled to fly in and out of OGG.

"You can reschedule your flight to new dates, no change fees will be charged, and we'll waive any applicable fare difference and other fees related to changes or guest servicing on the same city pair for travel and same cabin of service," the waiver said. "Tickets must be rebooked into the same compartment (Main Cabin or Business Cabin) by Aug. 18, 2023, and travel must recommence by Sept. 1, 2023 HST."

Alternatively, these travelers can cancel their flights in exchange for a future flight credit, expiring one year from the original date of purchase. No change fees apply, but there may be a fare difference.

American Airlines canceled all incoming flights to OGG Wednesday.

"Given the current situation, all flights to OGG are canceled for today," American Airlines spokesperson Curtis Blessing told CNN. "We are still operating the majority of flights out of OGG today to ensure customers evacuating OGG are able to do so."

There were 17 inbound flights to Kahului canceled Wednesday, plus another 13 flights for Thursday, including 10 from United Airlines , according to FlightAware data .

Southwest Airlines is offering $19 flights to those looking to leave Maui to fly to one of Hawaii's other islands in the coming days, as reported by View From the Wing . The airline is reportedly reducing the in-cabin pet fee to $1 on those flights.

Evacuations and road closures

Mandatory emergency evacuations occurred in some areas via state and federal agencies, including the National Guard.

Orders to exit from Wailea also impacted tourists, as it's laden with beachfront hotels . Though most hotels have yet to publicly communicate plans for guests, they will likely adhere to county officials' guidance; some resorts have lost communication abilities, per the Maui Emergency Management Agency .

As of Wednesday afternoon , the road to west Maui (Lahaina) was closed to all traffic, minus emergency personnel. The only way to reach resorts over there is via its north route.

Related reading:

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• The best travel credit cards
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• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson, Summer Hull and Becky Blaine.

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West Maui Is Rebuilding Tourism After the Fires—Here's How Travelers Can Do Their Part

By Crai S. Bower

As I approach the fifth green on the Royal Ka'anapali Golf Course, I spy the first spout; the telltale sign of a humpback whale that, as winter progresses, will be joined by several thousand others. When I first visited Maui over twenty years ago, I assumed the myriad whitecaps I saw off the coast were caused by wind stirring up the Pacific. Pausing at a pullout to scan the sea with my binoculars, I was shocked to learn they were, in fact, whale spouts. As a wildlife photographer , such a magical setting, where whales reliably breach and loll about in epic numbers, remains high on the list of my favorite sights in the world.

“They’re arriving early this year,” says Karl Reul, my playing companion and the general manager of Ka'anapali Golf Courses . Like every West Maui resident, Reul has a personal story about August 8, 2023, when the horrific Lahaina fire burned through the historic West Maui town. Karl’s wife and daughter were in Old Lahaina that day to catch a matinee showing at Wharf Theaters, until the screening was canceled because high winds knocked down power lines. They returned to their home north of Kaanapali unaware, at the time, of the impending inferno.

The devastating 2,000-acre blaze resulted in 99 deaths, displaced hundreds of families, and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. It was the deadliest American wildfire in more than a century. At a September community meeting, Lahaina Mayor Richard Bissen said it could take up to two years of clearing the hazardous, ash-covered debris before residents can even begin to rebuild their homes.

To an outsider, the areas of West Maui that escaped the fire’s path remain paradisiacal—a fact that's easily seen while strolling Kaanapali Beach, snorkeling among sea turtles, or listening to a ukulele and slack-key guitar on the sandy terrace at Hulu Grill in Whalers Village. But while Kaanapali and Kapalua were not physically affected by the Lahaina Fire, tourism here has changed .

Like many travelers, my partner and I hesitated to return to Maui when tourism reopened in November . However, friends who live or work in West Maui encouraged us to come, urging that our tourist dollars are vital in helping residents get back on their feet. We were assured that our room at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort would not displace any Lahaina residents still staying hotels. Every worker we met, from the jewelry kiosks to the restaurants, thanked us profusely for visiting—and yet, many travelers remain unsure if it’s appropriate to resume vacationing on the island.

The ambivalence is shared by residents who, while historically dependent on tourism (West Maui accounts for 15% of Hawaiian tourism revenue), believe the rebuilding process provides a rare opportunity to address overtourism , environmental degradation, and economic imbalance. In October, over 17,000 people signed a petition calling for the Governor to delay the reopening in order to properly address the needs of working-class Lahaina residents. The Hawaii Tourism Authority estimates the state has lost $9 million tourism dollars per day in the wake of the fire, prompting the agency to invest $2.6 million in the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan to help rebuild travel demand.

“Most, if not all, people on Maui feel we need to better manage tourism for the betterment of the lives of our local population, and the fires brought this to the forefront, yet again, but in more personal and tragic ways,” says Kainoa Horcajo, who grew up on Maui and spent most family occasions in Lahaina. “The tourism for West Maui is both the lifeblood of the economy for the last few decades and the open wound that still hurts, knowing what Lahaina once was and what many of us see it as.”

Lahaina, the former center of the kingdom of Kamehameha, exemplifies how the archipelago’s fraught history with colonial forces has contributed to its current reliance on tourism. In 1887, King Kalakaua was forced to sign the Bayonet Constitution, a now infamous document that undercut Indigenous sovereignty and engendered an agricultural export-based economy; a colonial-run banana republic. Tourism arose in the mid-twentieth century after plantation owners moved sugarcane operations to countries with cheaper labor and fewer regulations. Lahaina, like much of West Maui, then saw the rise of resorts and housing communities that further denuded the landscape of native plants and other natural barriers. Today, local opinions on a solution range greatly, from banning tourism entirely to pleas for visitors to return ASAP. For now, the most practical solution might lie somewhere in between.

But instead of returning to the status quo, many believe the reopening of West Maui presents an opportunity to focus on regenerative tourism , a socio-ecological model that “seeks to ensure travel and tourism reinvest in people, places and nature and that it supports the long-term renewal and flourishing of our social-ecological systems,” as defined by tourism policy researcher Dianne Dredge in the Journal of Tourism Futures . A bottom-up paradigm shift along these lines “depends on our capacity to evolve our thinking from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and to develop compassion, empathy, and collaborative action," Dredge writes.

How does that play out in real life? A fifth-generation resident of Lahaina Town, Kalikolehua Storer, Cultural Specialist for Hyatt's Maui properties and a Lahaina Advisory Council member—whose family is currently living at the hotel where she works—explains there is a delicate balance between rebuilding tourism and the needs of residents.

“There are those living in the hotel without the opportunity to return to work,” she says. “We are finding that potential visitors who want to support our economic recovery are hesitant to come because of the commentary in the media.”

An opportunity for mindful travel

Leanne Pletcher, Director of Communication for Maui’s Visitors and Convention Bureau, says West Maui visits offer guests the opportunity to become more intentional travelers .

“Become a mindful traveler by supporting local businesses and volunteering,” she says, “There are several opportunities to volunteer. Kipuka Olowalu offers community workdays to replace invasive plants with indigenous ones. The Feed My Sheep Foodbank accepts dry goods and seeks volunteers for Thursday distributions.”

Clancy Casad's last visit was in May, prior to her November return. The Seattle resident, who has visited Maui biannually for years, says the burn scars she saw driving through Lahaina made a deep impression on her and her friends. She added several charity events to her holiday schedule.

“We went to a few fundraiser popups for restaurants that burned down,” she says. “The farmers, who usually supply restaurant food, hosted weekend brunch and dinner events upcountry in Kula."

In addition to carving out time in your vacation to give back to the community, small signs of respect are greatly appreciated, beginning with patience and understanding.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

“Visitors love to embrace our aloha spirit,” says Storer. "to 'do what the locals do.' We ask that guests understand that people here don't want to be asked 'where the locals go' when providing snorkeling equipment, for example. They prefer inquiries that ask, 'Where can I go snorkeling that is most respectful?' It's a subtle but important difference." And nobody wants to discuss his or her tragic experiences with strangers, regardless of our good intentions.

Daniel Logtenberg, a Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii board member and Maui resident, says supporting locally owned businesses is the first step visitors should take. “Buying from small grocers, regional products, family restaurants , island farms, smaller shops, and local cultural experiences are all ways that visitors can contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Storer also recommends the Maui Strong Fund website as a platform. The fund distributes donations to many immediate and long-term recovery programs, from mental health support to youth centers. “I see progress every day,” she says. “We must celebrate the small wins. We have no playbook. But our hearts are pure, and we’re trying our best to leave no one behind.”

When I last spoke with Storer, she told me she was excited to welcome annual holiday visitors, many of whom she considers family, having known them for well over two decades. She had also called an emergency meeting for that afternoon with Lahaina community members, having learned about plans to build a temporary elementary school directly above the burn zone.

Her “not atypical” day demonstrates the delicate balance moving forward. The West Maui economy depends upon tourism, yet we visitors must also realize that many residents may not be emotionally prepared for our return. The reopening of West Maui provides an opportunity for each of us who visit to travel differently, to enjoy Maui’s community and sublime natural offerings with respect and understanding, an attitude that, like the aloha spirit, we can carry with us wherever we travel next.

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‘A perfect storm’: Hawaii firefighters confront Big Island’s largest wildfire in history

As immediate danger recedes, blaze serves as a warning of what’s to come amid worsening climate crisis

F irefighters on Hawaii’s Big Island in recent days battled the biggest brush fire that has ever burned on the island , wrangling a blaze that has torched more than 62 sq miles (160 sq km) and destroyed two homes.

The dangers posed by the fire receded on Tuesday, allowing for evacuation orders that had forced thousands to leave their homes to be lifted.

Mike Walker, the state fire protection forester for the department of land and natural resources, said the total area burned could end up being the most the state has ever seen.

“It is pretty significant,” he said, adding that sustained 30mph winds with gusts of up to 50mph drove the fire roughly 100 acres an hour through Saturday and Sunday. Airborne crews observed walls of flame that shot and spiraled 200ft into the air atop the blaze, which was fueled by the desiccated landscape. “It was a perfect storm of drought conditions,” Walker said.

Parker Ranch Inc, one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the US, reported on its Facebook page that most of the burn had occurred in its pastures. Cowboys were able to save up to 3,000 animals from the burning hillsides, but roughly 100 cattle perished in the fire.

“Unfortunately, the 40 mph+ sustained winds for 3 days were powerful enough to jump firebreaks cut by as many as 15 dozers working day and night,” the ranch wrote. “It appears some animals were lost to this fire as the torrent of winds pushed the fire faster than resources could move to confront it.”

Even though Hawaii has a wet, tropical climate that isn’t typically at risk from large fires, blazes could become more frequent as climate change-related weather patterns get worse. The climate crisis has increased the risks of larger dangerous conflagrations on the islands, just as it has done in the west of the contiguous US . Nearly 100 large fires were burning in 12 US states as of Tuesday morning, having consumed more than 2,919 sqmiles.

Mitch Roth, the mayor of Hawaii’s Big Island, told local news reporters on Monday that his teams had known early on that it was going to be a difficult fire season.

“It’s the biggest we’ve ever had on this island,” Roth said of the blaze. “With the drought conditions that we’ve had, it is of concern. You see something like this where you’re putting thousands of homes in danger, it’s very concerning.”

Drought conditions have already reached the most severe category in some parts of Hawaii in recent years, according to the US Drought Monitor. That has made wildfires even harder to fight.

Along with drier summers, Hawaii has also had wetter winters, spurring the growth of grasses and shrubs that quickly brown into the perfect kindling to feed the flames. Researchers have found that the area burned annually in Hawaii has quadrupled in recent decades .

Though residents were allowed back into their homes on Monday, toxic smoke from the fire was still a problem early in the week. The fire chief advised those living in nearby communities, which could be inundated with smoke, and anyone with health or breathing problems to find somewhere else to stay.

With gusty winds still in the forecast this week , residents have been told to stay on alert.

According to the National Weather Service, strong winds and generally dry conditions will continue throughout the islands on Tuesday, and ease only slightly on Wednesday. “Our current wind forecast is showing wind patterns between 18 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph,” the Hawaii county fire chief, Kazuo Todd, said on Sunday night. “This temporary lift on the mandatory evacuation may have to be re-enforced later on due to prevailing weather patterns.” The wind, which erratically swirled and changed direction, has already exacerbated risks and complicated containment efforts.

“Moving forward, we will have a better plan,” Roth added, noting that this was the first time the Big Island area of Waikoloa had ever been evacuated. Choke points brought traffic to a crawl as residents tried to escape. “It is basically a cul-de-sac,” Roth said. “It took a couple of hours to clear that community.”

More developments are coming into the area, adding more urgency to build new strategies to keep people safe from fast-moving flames.

Residents recounted the terrifying scramble to leave, as the flames crept closer. “I just seen the flames coming,” Kanani Malakaua, a Waimea resident, told Hawaii News Now (HNN). “I mainly got my important papers, made sure my kids were in the car, got my animals – but this is a very, very scary time for us.”

Others attempted to battle the blaze. “I had a dozer on my lawn, my land, and I tried to make a fire break,” Joshua Kihe of Waimea told HNN . Despite his efforts, the fire consumed the home that they’ve had for generations . “I definitely need to think of a plan,” he said, “because it’s a life-changer.”

His family started a GoFundMe, which has already received more than $30,000.

“Joshua and his brother Waylon did everything that they could to save their home,” Pi’ikea Kihe wrote on the page on behalf of his son, who had lived in the house.

“Despite their hardest efforts, their home was demolished right in front of their eyes. We are blessed and grateful that everyone is safe, but are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild our lives.”

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8 places to visit in Maui if you want to help the island's economy right now — and where tourists should avoid

• Wildfires on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii destroyed homes and killed 115 people.
• West Maui was most affected by the fires and is closed to tourists.
• However, authorities encouraged people to visit other parts of Maui to stimulate the economy.

Catastrophic wildfires on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii destroyed homes and forced tens of thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate last month. As of August 29, The New York Times reported 115 confirmed fatalities. 

Still, Maui is dependent on visitors — in 2022, 2.7 million people visited the island and spent $5.82 billion, according to a report by Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism — and in the aftermath of the wildfires, its tourism industry has suffered. 

On August 19, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation strongly discouraging all nonessential travel to West Maui. However, at a press conference with President Joe Biden on August 21, Green encouraged people to visit other parts of Maui in order to "to support our local economy and speed the recovery," according to a press release from the Office of the Governor .

Here are eight areas of Maui that are open to tourists, and the places that are off-limits right now.

West Maui is closed to tourists after the area was devastated by wildfires.

Areas in West Maui that tourists should avoid include Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua, according to a press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

However, Green said that other parts of the island need visitors to stimulate the economy. The Hawaii Tourism Authority urged tourists to be "especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this tragedy."

But Maui officials are encouraging tourism on other parts of the island to revive its economy. Other places to consider visiting include Kahului in Central Maui.

Kahului doesn't just house the island's main airport — it's also a cultural hub.

The Maui Arts and Cultural Center, located in Kahului, features live-music performances and films. The center will host a series of benefit concerts and events to support victims of the wildfires in September and October, according to its official website .

You can also find crafts by local artisans, as well as souvenirs and knick-knacks, at the Maui Swap Meet flea market on Saturdays, according to the market's Yelp page.

Wailuku in Central Maui features 'Īao Valley State Park and its famous 'Īao Needle landmark.

Once a historic battlefield and burial ground for Hawaiian chiefs, the highlight of the 4,000-acre park is the 'Īao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock overlooking the valley, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

In Southwest Maui, Kihei's Maluaka Beach is also known as "Turtle Town" for its abundance of sea turtles.

Kihei offers opportunities for snorkeling to catch a glimpse of Hawaiian green sea turtles without the crowds often found on Oahu, Hawaii Magazine reported. Tourists should respect the wildlife by remaining 10 feet away from turtles at all times.

Wailea in South Maui is the island's luxury resort capital with 1,500 acres of beaches and hotels.

Season one of "The White Lotus" was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The resort is donating a portion of the cost of some room packages to community relief funds and encouraging guests to donate to a fund supporting hotel employees who were impacted by the wildfires, according to its official website .

The area also features five beaches, golf courses, and high-end shopping at The Shops at Wailea, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

Makena's Big Beach in South Maui stretches for nearly two-thirds of a mile along the coast.

At 100 feet wide, Makena Beach State Park is one of the largest beaches in Maui known for its white sands, according to Hawaii Guide .

Makawao, located in East Maui, is known for its community of artists and Hawaiian cowboys called paniolo.

The Makawao Rodeo, Hawaii's largest paniolo competition, takes place in Makawao every year on July 4. The town also has various galleries, artist studios, and the Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

"We recognize the power of the arts in healing and mental health. For this reason, the Hui is OPEN and offering regularly scheduled classes, which we hope will provide a positive and healthy respite for all those who need support," the Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center wrote in an Instagram post after the fires.

The 52-mile road to Hana in East Maui is a tourist attraction in itself with numerous waterfalls and scenic views along its hairpin turns.

After completing the treacherous drive to Hana, tourists can visit Hawaii's largest Hawaiian temple at Kahanu Garden, one of five gardens that make up Hawaii's National Tropical Botanical Garden, and the black-sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park.

"Our hearts continue to be with all those affected by the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii Island," the National Tropical Botanical Garden wrote in an Instagram post . "Just like an unforgettable fragrance, every act of aloha surrounds and uplifts families and communities in need. When we support one another, hope blooms."

Paia on Maui's North Shore is known as the windsurfing capital of the world.

The large waves at Ho'okipa Beach attract windsurfers and kite surfers from around the world, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority . For those less inclined towards water sports, Paia also features several Buddhist places of worship including the Maui Dharma Center and Paia Mantokuji , which is holding an auction to raise money for the wildfire relief effort until September 2.

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What it’s like to visit Maui after the wildfires (and how to be a good visitor)

L ast December, I planned a Presidents Day long weekend in Maui with my kids, husband, and in-laws. I knew that Maui was once again welcoming visitors, but I still felt a bit nervous about planning a trip there. I wasn’t sure if my vacation goal of having a relaxed beach vacation on which my kids could hang out with their grandparents was appropriate in the context of the people of Maui having just endured such a collective hardship. 

But we went ahead with it, trusting that the messages that Maui was open were true. And the Maui we found was both open and welcoming. Much of the island feels pretty normal – that’s not to say locals weren’t profoundly affected by the fires, but in most towns, shops and restaurants are open, downtowns are busy, and advance reservations are once again necessary at popular spots.

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There are also plenty of signs of an island in both mourning and recovery . At stores around the island, I saw items ranging from hats to chocolate bars for which the proceeds were being donated to fire relief. Along the highway in Lahaina, there are memorials to those who died, along with tall fences decorated with uplifting art made by students from around Maui. 

I followed the advice not to actively ask people about the fire, but a few times, I ended up in conversations with locals who wanted to share their stories. In these moments of listening, I heard sadness but also resilience and a strong sense of community that Maui is lucky to have.

How to be a good visitor to Maui

The best advice I received about how to be a visitor in Maui right now boils down to an invitation to come with empathy, respect and plenty of aloha . Aloha – a term that holds the concepts of kindness, unity, and patience – is so central to Hawaiian identity that it’s written into the state’s laws. There are so many places around the world that deserve our respect as travelers. But few destinations have worked harder than Hawaii to share with travelers the local culture of appreciation. 

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For more advice about how to travel with empathy, respect, and aloha, I turned to Sissy Lake-Farm, executive director of the Maui Historical Society, and Rudy Balala, vice president at Haliimaile Pineapple Company. 

“Support our economy by shopping local,” said Lake-Farm, suggesting choosing restaurants and eateries that are both run by locals and that support local farmers and growers. Balala notes the “vast array of locally grown produce that you can find on menus across the island,” including the crop closest to his heart, the Maui Gold pineapple. 

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Choosing local and family-run tour companies, boat excursion operators, and shops also helps support locals trying to recover after the fire and the drop in tourism that followed. And wherever you go, bring that “respectful, compassionate, empathetic, and loving” spirit that Lake-Farm says embodies the visitor traits Maui needs most right now.

There are also ways to actively support both the recovery and to give back to the islands. Hawaii's Malama Hawaii program helps connect visitors to cultural and environmental volunteer opportunities. And Lake-Farm also suggests checking out the Kako'o Maui program for more ways to donate and support recovery efforts. 

What's open and closed on Maui

Though it’s a relatively small island, Maui has a lot to see and do. For now, most of Lahaina remains closed, though the Old Lahaina Luau, Mala Ocean Tavern, and the Lahaina Gateway Center are all open. The rest of West Maui is open to visitors again , though extra care and kindness are in order if you’re visiting Olowalu, Ka’anapali, Kahana, Napili, Honokowai, or Kapalua.

Other parts of Maui, including Makena, Kihei, Wailea, Central, North Shore, Upcountry, and Hana, are also open, and everyone I talked to was keen to spread the word that these areas were unaffected by the fire. 

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I went on a Road to Hana tour, and my guide mentioned that this is the quietest the Hana Highway has been in years. As a visitor, part of me was glad that I could see it at a time when minutes would go by without passing another vehicle. But realizing how many people – tour guides, banana bread bakers, and farm stand workers among them – depend on a steady flow of traffic made me see just how precarious island life is without a predictable flow of visitors. 

Why visit Maui right now?

This is a time of reimagining Maui . As visitors, we’re a part of that. Hawaii is a microcosm of the challenges of tourism – there’s a complicated interplay between how many locals depend directly and indirectly on tourism and how tourism depletes the island’s limited natural resources and drives up prices for those who live there. But as Maui figures out how to rebuild and redream Lahaina, visitors can support this future by coming with kindness, supporting local businesses, and learning and celebrating what makes Hawaii unique. 

What it’s like to visit Maui after the wildfires (and how to be a good visitor) originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What it’s like to visit Maui after the wildfires (and how to be a good visitor)

8 Must-Know Details on Visiting Maui After the Fires

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Share with your friends!

In the spirit of first-hand knowledge, our family returned from a seven-day trip to Maui on September 18th. We were looking forward to seeing friends and business owners get their take on visiting Maui after the fires. Unprovoked, they all said the same thing,

“ The best way you can support Maui is to visit. “

And Maui needs visitors. A Kahului runway has 20,000 dusty rental cars on it. We swam alone in the Pua’a Kaa waterfalls on the Road to Hana. Rental cars can be found for $30 a day. Plenty of seats open at The Hula Show at South Maui Gardens.

The Hawaiian owner of Da Mean Bean in Hana said, “Why did our government officials say Maui is closed?”

As West Maui was our home, it was refreshing to stay a full week in South Maui. We traveled the island from Makena to Wailuku to Hana to Kula during our stay. Here are our takeaways on visiting Maui after the fires.

Reminder: West Maui is now open as of the end of October which means you can book and stay in Kapalua to Ka’anapali. Lahaina is still closed of course. See our Maui Travel Updates for details.

Tips for Visiting Maui After the Fires

These takeaways on visiting Maui after the fires were first published in our twice-a-month newsletter. You can sign up for our Hawaii travel newsletter here !

As we love to show and tell, we also have these takeaways in a video. Watch to see what you can expect when you visit Maui after the fires.

1. What Should You Expect When Visiting Maui After the Fires?

Visiting Maui feels like a vacation to Maui. The crews on the snorkeling boats were thankful to have us visit, and so were the waiters at all the restaurants. People greeted us with aloha and were thrilled to have us on the island.

The biggest difference was the lack of crowds. As less than 40% of the daily visitor census is on the island, it was easy to walk into restaurants, book a tour, and drive an empty Hana Highway.

The University of Hawaii Economists expect visitor arrivals to reach 50% of their 2022 level by the end of this year, and to top 80% of their pre-fire levels by the end of 2024 50% of

As the fires were specific to the Lahaina area, we did not see any damage. We didn’t see the damage from the Kula fires during our trips to Upcountry to walk historic Makawao Town or volunteer in Kula. 

There are Maui Strong signs all over the island and people are grieving. That is clear from talking to locals and listening to the radio. As the recovery effort continues, workers want to work and businesses are eager to have you wait in line for shave ice.

2. Where to Stay: South Maui is Open!

Ma’alaea to Wailea is full of vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels that are welcoming visitors. Ma’alaea and Kihei are full of vacation rentals, here are Erica’s 9 favorite vacation rental complexes in Kihei .

Wailea is home to luxury resorts. The Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, The Andaz, and Wailea Beach Resort are some of the nicest places to stay in Hawaii.

We stayed in a vacation rental in Wailea during our stay so we were close to the famous Wailea beaches while having more space for the kids. See Erica’s 7 Best Vacation Rentals in Wailea and Maken a to get some ideas and book!

See our where-to-stay directory for hotel and vacation rental reviews on Maui.

3. Save on a Trip to Maui

Since so few people are visiting Maui after the fires, supply and demand have brought down prices.

Our price research has found steep discounts if you want to do a last-minute trip to Maui. Hawaii in October is our favorite time of year to visit…

Rental car prices at Kahului Airport are less than $30 a day for a standard car in October. 

Airlines like Alaska and Hawaiian continue to offer flash sales and low ticket prices in general. Hawaiian Airlines has $200 to $350 roundtrip flights.

Vacation rentals are dropping in price as websites like Airbnb adapt to decrease demand but hotels have been reluctant to drop prices.

All the Hawaiian Islands are experiencing price drops as tourism decreases due to the fires. You can find good prices even into Thanksgiving when prices traditionally start to increase with demand.

4. Things to Do on Maui

730 square miles of Maui are open and ready to be explored. From sunrise on Haleakala to driving the Road to Hana with 10% off ( complete Road to Hana guide is here ), don’t think small when planning your trip.

Here are some of our favorite things to do on Maui:

• 16 Things to Do in Upcountry
• 14 Things to Do in Wailea
• 14 Things to Do in Kihei
• The 9 Best South Maui Beaches

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the maui itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.

5. Supporting Local is Easy

To run a business well on Maui, you have to live on Maui. Hence, most restaurants and shops are locally owned. Maui has many of the classic stores found on the mainland and other large brands so it isn’t hard to spot the mom-and-pop places.

We made sure to visit as many small Maui businesses as we could on this trip. Here are some recommendations.

• Rent your car from a local company like Kimo’s or Kihei Rent-a-Car . The Huskin family opened Kihei Rent-a-Car in 1990 and rents Altimas, vans, and Jeeps at good prices.
• The best local grindz (food) can be found at food trucks! South Maui Gardens has a new food truck park that will be going in my Maui Food Truck Guide . Here are Erica’s favorite restaurants in South Maui .
• Local shopping can be found along South Kihei Road in Kihei, Baldwin Avenue in Makawao, or with a trip to Wailuku. 

Before you visit Maui after the fires, check out our video with more tips on shopping locally on Maui.

6. Do a Tour! 

There is nothing more local than going on a guided tour. Everything is local on a snorkel tour, especially the ones we do as they source their food and drinks locally. 

We took the opportunity during this Maui trip to go out with one old friend and one new friend.

The Molokini Crater Sunrise Deluxe Snorkel tour is one of our favorites in all of Hawaii. It leaves from Maluaka Beach in Wailea. The sunrise over Haleakala is gorgeous and having Molokini Crater to yourself is a special thing. The local Hawaiian owners are doing their best to keep their full crew employed. They have a sunset tour also!

We met Sage of Maui Sailing Canoe on Polo Beach in Wailea. Sage and his first mate Brody took us canoe sailing and snorkeling offshore Makena. The kids loved playing on the nets, we loved Sage’s Hawaiian history lessons, and a large female turtle loved hanging around the canoe.

Whale season on Maui starts in December! Lahaina tour operators have moved to Ma’alaea Harbor in Central Maui. We expect a prolific whale season this year. Explore our favorite whale-watching tours on Maui to pick one for your trip.

Get this, during the Lahaina Fire one of the owners of Trilogy (a family-owned company) gave his truck to a family who was stranded at the harbor so they could escape. He hopped aboard Trilogy V and steered it out of the harbor using a compass because the smoke was so thick. Trilogy’s oldest boat sunk in the fire but the rest of their catamarans survived.

Explore all our favorite Maui tours and activities here . We have updated the Lahaina Harbor tours.

7. Consider Volunteering

Thou shalt not feel obligated to volunteer or donate when visiting Maui after the fires. The act of visiting speaks volumes in our opinion.

If you do feel inclined to volunteer at a kitchen or other event, we have a list of Maui volunteering opportunities that are possible while you are on vacation. 

We volunteered at Hungry Heroes Hawaii at their Kula Kitchen. They are a wonderful group that makes meals for people all across the island. They are an efficient operation. So efficient that they were mostly done cleaning up by the time we arrived to be the clean-up crew.

8. Consider Bringing Supplies

Folks in our newsletter community love to recommend bringing a suitcase of supplies to Maui and then going home with a suitcase full of souvenirs. That is a wonderful idea. 

Maui Food Bank has drop-off locations across the island, including Kihei Rent-a-Car and Safeway grocery stores. They also list what they need on their homepage so take a look .

Final Thoughts on Visiting Maui After the Fires

We understand that it is a complicated decision to visit Maui after the fires. There is a lot of information, some not accurate, on what is going on in Maui. We enjoyed our trip and felt we were greeted with aloha as we brought our aloha spirit.

The island is working together to support those who survived the Lahaina Fire. Our friend at Valley Isle Excursions provided some more advice when she answered, Can You Travel to Maui Right Now?

If you do visit Maui after the fires, bring your aloha spirit and have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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Hawaii faces its 'greatest emergency in decades' from Maui fires, governor says

Rachel Treisman

Ravenna Koenig

Myrna Ah Hee reacts as she waits in front of an evacuation center at the War Memorial Gymnasium, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Wailuku, Hawaii. The Ah Hees were there because they were looking for her husband's brother. Rick Bowmer/AP hide caption

Myrna Ah Hee reacts as she waits in front of an evacuation center at the War Memorial Gymnasium, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Wailuku, Hawaii. The Ah Hees were there because they were looking for her husband's brother.

Federal help is on the way for the Hawaiian island of Maui, where wildfires have killed at least 53 people , torched thousands of acres, destroyed hundreds of structures and sent scores of residents and visitors fleeing.

Officials say it could take years — or longer — to repair the damage. At a late afternoon news conference, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green warned the death toll will rise.

"We are seeing loss of life," Green said, adding that recovery from the fires poses the "greatest emergency we've seen in decades."

The Picture Show

Satellite images show utter devastation from wildfires in maui.

Green said many hundreds of homes were destroyed and that thousands of people would need to find places to stay. He called on people around the state to take in displaced residents from west Maui if they had the room to accommodate them.

Officials painted a picture of absolute devastation in the historic town of Lahaina. They said that power, water, and internet continued to be down there. When asked for specific numbers on how many structures had been burned, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said: "I'm telling you, none of it's there. It's all burned to the ground."

Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura said there were still active fires, and with the current weather pattern, potential for rapid fire behavior. He said people still needed to stay out of the burn areas because it was still very dangerous, with falling telephone poles and other safety hazards.

Earlier on Thursday, Maui County officials provided more details on the three different active fires in the area: the Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry fires. In Lahaina, they said, the fire was 80% contained as of this morning. The Pulehu fire was 70% contained this morning after overnight crews used heavy equipment to create firebreaks. And the Upcountry fire, officials said, had an undetermined containment percentage.

This graphic shows the location of fires on the island of Maui, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. AP hide caption

This graphic shows the location of fires on the island of Maui, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

Earlier Thursday, President Biden approved a federal major disaster declaration , making funding available to people, governments and nonprofits affected by the wildfires.

The White House said he also spoke on the phone with Green and expressed "his deep condolences for the lives lost and vast destruction of land and property."

Hawaii is also receiving assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Guard, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said . But she cautions that it will take the island, and its people, a long time to recover.

"A lot of individuals will have mental health issues that they're suffering. They have never been in a situation where they just overnight lost the businesses that they invested in," she says. "It's going to take years, sometimes maybe decades, for us to replace some of the infrastructure, including schools and roads."

Officials say some 14,000 residents remain without power as crews work to contain the blazes.

Photos: 'Whole town went and dissolved into ashes,' Hawaii lieutenant governor says

The historic town of Lahaina — a popular tourist destination and economic hub — has been especially hard-hit. Luke got a glimpse of the destroyed homes and businesses firsthand while taking a Coast Guard flight over the area.

"It just looked like the whole town went ... into ashes," she said. "And we're so heartbroken to see this happen before our eyes."

Luke said internet and cell phone service are down on parts of the island, making it hard for people to check in with their loved ones or call for help.

And while the Big Island and Maui County have shelters, she says they are crowded with evacuees and have also been forced to close down and reopen in new locations to avoid the fire's path.

Government officials and airlines say they are working to help fly passengers off the island. Hawaii's tourism authorities have asked non-essential travelers to leave and reconsider any upcoming trips.

The rare hurricane-wildfire combination

Hurricanes are commonplace this time of year in Hawaii, which is used to heavy rainfall and significant flooding that can follow.

An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023, shows two people walking down Front Street past destroyed buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023, shows two people walking down Front Street past destroyed buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii.

But officials say fierce winds from Hurricane Dora — which is passing far south of the islands — fanned the fires, making for a rare and deadly combination.

"We have never experienced this type of wildfires as a result of a hurricane," Luke said.

Luke said high temperatures on the island created wildfire conditions to begin with, and the Category 4 hurricane — with maximum sustained winds near 140 miles per hour — triggered brush fires.

Dorman, of Hawaii Public Radio, said the wildfire-hurricane combination is unusual but not unprecedented, having happened on Maui and Oahu in 2018 .

"That combination is dangerous because not just the high winds spreading the flames, but those storms dry out the atmosphere, so that it gives the fires more fuel to burn," he explained.

And as climate change drives more extreme weather , Luke worries that what's happening in Lahaina could play out again elsewhere — especially with parts of the country experiencing drought.

Environment

The climate change link to more and bigger wildfires.

"This is something that we need to assess, and how we can better serve our residents," she said. "But the focus still remains right now to contain the fires and provide services for the health and safety of both the residents and visitors on Maui."

Tourists scramble to get home

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is discouraging non-essential travel to Maui and asking visitors to leave.

They're getting help from several U.S. airlines , who are waiving change fees and adding flights to ferry travelers off the island.

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are adding service, while United Airlines says it canceled Thursday's inbound flights to Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) and is using those empty planes to pick up travelers who are already there, CNBC reported . Hawaiian Airlines is offering $19 seats on flights out of Maui through the end of the week.

How to prepare for the 2023 hurricane season with climate change in mind

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is started staging mass bus evacuations on Wednesday to help get visitors to the airport. It's urging people to be patient at the airport.

"All airlines are sending additional support to aid in getting people off island. [TSA Pacific] Hawaii leadership will be adding resources to support OGG," it wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Tourism authorities are also urging those with plans to visit Maui in the coming weeks to consider rescheduling.

Maui resident Napua Greig acknowledged that while the wildfires are disrupting many travelers' plans and service might not be what they expected, the community has to prioritize dealing with this tragedy.

"And I just ask everyone who had plans to travel to Maui to to be prayerful and knowing that the people that you're encountering when you come, if you still intend to travel to Maui, the people you're encountering are experiencing great loss, and so be kind and be compassionate," she said.

A community eager to rebuild after loss

While the full extent of the damage is not yet clear, eyewitness accounts and video footage are starting to give a clearer picture.

The historic port town of Lahaina has mostly been destroyed, Dorman said. The popular tourist attraction holds important history: It was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early 1800s and one of the centers of Hawaii's booming whaling industry. It's also home to wooden buildings and docks.

"Right now that's history that in many cases is burned to the ground and charred," Dorman says.

Greig said many of the iconic places on Lahaina Front Street are gone — including shopping, restaurants, the wharf where boats come in and out for dinner cruises and whale watching, and even parts of the beloved banyan tree in the center of town.

"I've heard that the high school is still intact, but a lot of the homes leading up to the high school have been burnt," she added. "We have not seen a destruction like this on our island, I don't think, ever before."

Utter devastation left by the wildfires in Maui, Hawaï. It is far from hyperbole to say that Lahaina has been wiped off the map. Credit: Vince Carter pic.twitter.com/dlwxTNY51R — Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 9, 2023

Greig and her 80-year-old mother had both evacuated and returned to their homes by the time she spoke with NPR, a process she described as being in a holding pattern as fires broke out all around their area.

"It's an unnerving feeling — you don't want to fall asleep because you never know what's going on, how that fire is going to progress," she said. "And so we're very thankful that our area has been preserved through that."

As crews continue working to extinguish the fires, Greig said many in the community are eager to help but don't yet know what to do.

She's a musician, and said some artists are already working to organize telethons and fundraising concerts. She also ran into who she described as a well-known local chef, who said his industry is starting to organize to help feed and eventually rebuild the community.

Several local nonprofits and lawmakers have started fundraising for recovery efforts, Hawaii Public Radio reported , though officials urge people to verify charities' legitimacy before donating.

Former President Barack Obama, who grew up in Honolulu, wrote on X that "it's tough to see some of the images coming out of Hawai'i — a place that's so special to so many of us." He encouraged people to donate to the Hawai'i Community Foundation's "Maui Strong" fund .

Greig says members of the community are also helping on the ground, including as firefighters and EMTs. Her own son is a heavy equipment operator who has been building firebreak walls to try to slow the blazes.

"We have so many of our community out there just doing all they can because Maui is just really one big family," she said. "And so they're really doing all they can to recover everyone and just do the best we can to make sure the least lives are lost in all of this."

The Ultimate Big Island Travel Guide

Hawaii is made up of eight islands that sit smack dab in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and the Ring of Fire. And it’s the fire that gave birth to the islands as the Pacific Plate pushes over a magma hot spot underneath the archipelago. The magma builds up pressure over hundreds of years only to spout out of the water to create these magnificent isles.

But as islands rise, so do they fall. You won’t find any volcanic activity on Kauai , Oahu , Molokai or Lanai. The fire that gave birth to these older islands has died out which means the landmasses are now slowly fading away. Each storm, raindrop, and stiff wind erode more of the island into the Pacific. Soon, at least in geological terms, these islands will vanish into the sea like so many other Hawaiian islands before them.

But the Big Island is vibrant, dynamic, young and continues to grow. It’s the only island in the state where you can reliably see lava as it flows into the ocean. And it’s this pouring lava that grows the young island by 40 acres per year. In fact, The Big Island contains five of Hawaii’s six still-active volcanoes .

The flowing lava adds drama to the landscape. It destroys everything in its path yet it gives birth to a new land; a yin and yang of death and life. And the fire that forged the Big Island is powerful; so powerful that it erected two 13,000-foot peaks: Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea . And it’s these two still-active volcanoes that add even more drama to the Big Island’s landscape.

You’ll find 10 of the world’s 14 different climate zones along the long, slow slopes of The Big Island’s massive mountains. From the snow-capped peaks of the largest volcano on earth to the fiery lava fields of the lowlands, The Big Island is ripe for dramatic exploration. You just need to know where to look in order to have an unforgettable Big Island vacation.

Hawaii: The Big Island

And here’s what’s great about the Big Island. You’ll find some version of Maui, Oahu and Kauai’s most stunning natural features in Hawaii. You’ll find volcanic craters in Volcanoes National Park like the one found atop Haleakala in Maui. The Big Island has two big cities to compare to Oahu’s massive Honolulu. And there’s even a mini version of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast along the north shore. In the end, The Big Island is for the first-timer who can’t decide on a favorite island and wants a little piece of it all.

10 of the World’s 14 Climate Zones

And that’s the beauty of The Big Island. Its massive mountains literally cut the island up into climate zones. On the west side of the island, you’ll find the city of Kona sitting in a field of volcanic rocks. It’s hot, dry and the sun reflects heavy off the glassy rocks of fresh lava flows. On the east side of the island, you’ll find the city of Hilo sitting in a lush rainforest. So, every day, you get to choose which kind of climate you experience.

The waterfalls are pouring at their most powerful after a fresh snowfall. All the snowmelt joins up with rainwater and fresh artesian springs to carve streams into the island. These streams trickle down the island, join up and tumble over beautiful tropical waterfalls near the edges of the island. 

You can find the 442-foot Akaka Falls right next to the 100-foot Kahuna Falls in Akaka Falls State Park on the Hilo Coast. A short, well-paved hike takes you through the rainforest to dramatic lookouts where you can see the power of mother nature up close.

And the extraordinary Rainbow Falls can be found underneath a jungle canopy just a short drive inland from Hilo City. These drive-up falls pour over an impressive cliff to make a stunningly powerful pool below. And it’s all a part of the Wailuku River which pours out into the Pacific in the middle of the city.

Kilauea Volcano

The Big Island’s two other volcanoes are near-impossible to see. Hualala is just to the northwest of Mauna Loa, but it hasn’t erupted since 1801. And Loihi can be found just south of Kilauea. Unfortunately, the volcano is submerged completely underwater making it impossible to visit.

But Kilauea is Hawaii’s most reliable volcano, and it just so happens to Hawaii’s youngest and strongest volcano. And you can visit the peak of this volcano inside Volcanoes National Park in the southeast of the island.

Volcanoes National Park is home to the Halema’uma’u and Puʻu ʻŌʻō craters. Halema’uma’u Crater used to house a lake of lava which was visible from a visitor’s center observation deck. Park Rangers used to host nighttime viewing of the lava to add to the growing drama. And Puʻu ʻŌʻō Crater once had a reliable river of flowing lava pouring from it.

Unfortunately, an eruption in May of 2018 changed the landscape of the southeast portion of the island. Kilauea’s most recent eruption drained the lava lake out of Halema’uma’u and put an end to the lava flowing out of Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater. The park has since reopened, and park rangers are not worried about the lack of lava in the park.

Similar eruptions have temporarily drained the craters in the past only to have the lava return sometime later. But, for now, the park is devoid of visible molten rock. However, that shouldn’t deter you from visiting Volcanoes during your visit.

There are plenty of beautiful hikes inside the park, and many of the walks have dramatic names like Devastation Trail. These hikes can take you to the edge of volcanic craters and teach you about the history of Kilauea’s lava flows. And the visitor’s center is quite an educational treat, as well. You’ll learn all about Hawaii’s fiery history, and you can even ask a park ranger about Kilauea’s current activity.

Kilauea’s lava may have stopped flowing in the park, but the volcano is still very active on the island. You’ll just have to go looking for it outside of the park’s boundaries.

Hunting For Lava

You can hike yourself to these lava flows should they exist. Just remember that volcanic activity is quite unpredictable, so there may not be flows during your vacation. But, if there is an activity, you may be able to hike your way through a field of volcanic rock to a river of lava.

It’s advisable to hire a tour guide to take you to the hot spot. This may cost you some money, but it will save you a lot of time. And time is the most valuable thing you have during your vacation in Hawaii. A tour guide will keep you safe and hydrated while taking you to the best lava viewing spot of the day.

If there’s lava flowing into the ocean, you can join a boat tour that takes you to the pour point. The cooling lava hisses to send a toxic plume of steam and glass into the sky, and a boat can take you right to the spot where the new island is being born. You’ll be safe on the boat, and you’ll get closer than most to the lava flow which makes for a great social media pic.

The Big Island Has The Tallest Mountain On Earth With Snow!

And during the months of January and February, you’ll find snow atop the largest volcano in the world. Drive yourself to the top, and you’ll find locals sledding and even skiing. Now, skiing isn’t the best. There are no lifts and the terrain is rather rough. Plus, if you ski well enough, you’ll eventually run out of the white stuff as you descend into another climate zone. So maybe it’s best to save skiing for Colorado.

You’ll also find locals loading up truck beds with snow. They’ll drive it back down the slopes of the mountain through a variety of climate zones for the children. After all, a snowball fight is rather refreshing when it’s pushing 90 degrees outside!

Waipio Valley: Black Sand Beaches, Waterfalls, and Boundless Hiking

The north shore of The Big Island is dramatic; nearly as dramatic as Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. And the jewel of the north shore is the Waipio Valley . The Wailoa Stream carves its way through the rugged hillsides of the north shore to carve the valley, and at its confluence, you’ll find black sand beaches framed by dramatic coastal cliffs. Follow the stream inland, and you’ll find an amazing array of waterfalls on endless hiking trails. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream.

Kona Coffee

You can take a tour of one of the world-class coffee farms where you’ll learn about the environment and growing process. You’ll get to taste the young red coffee fruit before it’s put through the process of becoming a coffee bean. It’s actually very sweet and full of antioxidants. In fact, you’ll find red coffee bean juice in many locations around the island. 

Finally, the tour will wind down with a cup of the good stuff on the slopes of the mountain. You’ll be able to look out over the dramatic landscape to the west, and you’ll see the stunning blue waters of the Pacific past fields of glassy, young volcanic rock.

Beautiful Beaches of the West Side

And you’re likely to see a sea turtle or monk seal during your time on the west coast. The turtles and seals love to lounge on the soft sand, and the friendly sea creatures eat just off the shore. Just remember that it is illegal to touch monk seals or sea turtles, so keep your distance when snapping that selfie.

Black and Green Sand Beaches

And the Big Island is home to something incredibly rare -- The Green Sand Beach . You can find this marvel at the southernmost point of the United States. You’ll have to hike a few miles on flat land, but you’ll eventually end up at a blown-out cinder cone. That cinder cone sits right on the coast, and it has been eaten away by the pounding surf.

The cinder cone is full of olivine crystals. These shattered pieces of olivine mix with the beach’s white sand to create a green hue. You’ll have to hike down into the cinder cone on a steep trail, but it’s well worth it. If the surf is calm, the beach makes for great body surfing as the water gets deep rather quickly. And you just might find yourself body surfing alongside sea turtles in this rare green coastal cove. But only swim if you’re incredibly confident in your ability. There’s no protective reef or lifeguard, the waves can be rather powerful and you’re miles away from help.

Merrie Monarch Festival and Ironman Championships

The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place in Hilo every April. The best hula dancers in the world converge to put on a show in order to win the championship. There are different competitions all through the week, and the entire event is a celebrated citywide.

In Kona, the Ironman Championships take place every October. International competitors from all age and gender groups converge on the hot, dry side of the island to compete in this invite-only event. Contestants swim 2.5 miles, bike 120 miles, and cap off the day by running a marathon (26.22 miles). Yes, they do this in a single day. The grueling contest is celebrated city-wide all week long, and the highways of the west coast are shut down on race day.

The Hilton Waikoloa

In the end, this is just an article, and by itself, it couldn't be an ultimate travel guide. However, by planning your trip with Hawaiian Planner, you have access to dozens of travel tools and information to really make the Ultimate Guide. 

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How to Be a Better Tourist in Hawaii

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40 Must NOT Be Done Things While in Hawaii

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Planning a Trip to Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide

The state of Hawaii features diverse and stunning landscapes spread over a myriad of mid-Pacific islands. And while you can always find ...

20 Interesting Facts About Hawaii

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Secure Cloud Storage – The Best Options For Large Files

If you work with large files, look for cloud storage suppliers with strong authentication and security features such as hash-based message authentication credentials separate from user accounts, compliance targets (which is essential if HIPAA requirements exist), etc.

Consider whether your provider provides primary data backup services. This is important, as cloud service providers’ data centers could potentially become vulnerable to being breached and their clients’ information stolen by hackers.

Dropbox stands out from other cloud storage providers by providing an effortless user experience that does not require technical expertise or live support to setup, manage or retrieve files. Instead, when users save files to their Dropbox accounts it automatically backs up into their cloud folder, eliminating the need for manual backup on hardware thereby helping reduce business downtime due to lost or corrupted data.

Dropbox uses 256-bit AES encryption and versioning technology to protect against ransomware or accidental deletion of files, providing additional protection from ransomware attacks or deletion by accident. Free accounts offer 2GB of space while paid accounts offer unlimited space.

Dropbox can also offer integrations with native and third-party apps that help businesses streamline productivity and increase collaboration, while privacy issues still persist as data may be shared with trusted third parties and lack zero-knowledge encryption despite security and compliance warnings. Despite such warnings, many employees continue using consumer-grade cloud storage services for company data storage purposes despite compliance warnings.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive is one of the world’s premier cloud storage services. It features various online tools for collecting esignatures and passwords securely online as well as collaborating on larger files with others while transferring large files quickly. Furthermore, its instant search results and user-friendly layout ensure it stays at the top of users’ minds.

Google provides data security using both AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS protection in transit, two-factor authentication and a strong password policy as well as signing an HIPAA compliance agreement and offering enterprise-grade features.

One drawback of Google Drive is that it does not guarantee a zero-knowledge policy and users’ data can be accessed by Google system admins. Furthermore, its advertisement-based business model and lack of client-side encryption may make privacy advocates uneasy; but if these restrictions don’t bother you, then Google Drive makes for an excellent choice when it comes to large file storage needs.

3. SkyDrive

SkyDrive, available free for those with Microsoft accounts, provides 25GB of cloud storage. Not only can users utilize SkyDrive to back up files after formatting their computer but it also enables access from any signed-in device.

Windows Explorer file system enables Windows users to easily access files without the need for online browser access, making this feature particularly convenient for companies adhering to strict compliance standards such as HIPAA in which web access may not be permissible.

Many of these providers also provide desktop applications to make file transfers simpler, speeding up uploads and eliminating bandwidth limits. Furthermore, these apps can be customized with APIs and command-line tools for IT teams and integrated with third-party services such as Masv which offers reliable transfers that can ingest up to 15TB at one time.

Box is a file-sharing and storage service with more of a business-oriented orientation than others on this list. Their free account tier offers up to 10GB of cloud storage with file uploads limited to 250 MB per upload.

Other tiers offer enhanced levels of cloud storage and collaboration, catering to three or more users under a single account, with additional features such as data loss protection and advanced administrative controls. These upgrades are available on platforms like Beeble .

Box prioritizes security by offering SSL encryption during transit and 256-bit AES at rest on its servers, along with strong collaboration features like document watermarking and HIPAA compliance. Two-factor authentication comes standard while Business-tier plans add features like data loss prevention and KeySafe to protect information more securely. In addition, Box offers access to an impressive variety of enterprise apps through its App Center.

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Lumen revisión – qué hacer exactamente nos damos cuenta sobre ello .

Lumen aplicación es increíble y especialmente producido relación programa que era creado para hombres y mujeres por encima de 50 años de edad. Este citas aplicación había sido lanzado por Antoine Argouges y Charly Lester el 16 de julio de […]

CONBODY Proporciona Socios un Ejercicio al estilo de la prisión mientras Es desafiante Su Propio Conceptos erróneos sobre ex delincuentes

El rápido tipo: CONBODY suministros Nueva York individuos y parejas liberales peso corporal rutinas de entrenamiento que obtienen propio torrente sanguíneo poniendo. Los campos de botas son preferidos solo para efectos ellos alcanzan también para donde el ejercicio físico técnicas […]

Wat heeft casino pino de Hollanders in dit jaar te bieden?

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Iceland: The land of fire and ice

A view of the eruption area with the northern lights dancing in the sky near the town of Grindavik, Iceland, on April 16. Photo: The Associated Press

By Robert C. Jones Jr. [email protected] 04-24-2024

Beneath an island named for ice flows some of the hottest rivers of all. 

Iceland, home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, sits atop a volcanic hot spot, with magma regularly breaching the surface, creating long, narrow fissures that spew lava, ash, and smoke. 

“It’s a geological wonder on steroids,” Falk Amelung , a professor of marine geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science , said of the land of fire and ice, which boasts some 32 active volcanoes. “It is part of the mid-Atlantic ridge, which is a massive crack located on the ocean floor caused by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. When those plates pull apart, new magma rises, and that’s what triggers volcanic activity.” 

A series of eruptions has rocked the island nation’s Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021, when volcanoes that had been dormant for almost 800 years suddenly roared to life, spitting out steam and lava. 

Since late 2023, the eruptions have been especially frequent. Only days ago, the Icelandic Meteorological Office issued lava warnings, reporting that more volcanic activity near the Sundhnúkur area may be imminent.

Could climate change be contributing to the increase in Iceland’s volcanic activity? 

Amelung believes so. 

“There are two mechanisms at work,” the marine geoscientist said. “Large parts of Iceland were covered by ice caps. When they melt, there is less pressure on the magma chamber. So, for the magma it is easier to break the rock and travel to the Earth’s surface. This has caused the increase in volcanic activity in central Iceland in the past two decades. 

“The other mechanism,” he continued, “is that hot rock melts when the overburden pressure reduces. This can be achieved by upward movement of the rock mass, which is the typical melt generation mechanism at hot spot volcanic systems, or directly by the melting of an overlying ice cap.” 

Amelung is quite familiar with Iceland’s volcanology, having visited the island to use data from satellite-measured ground uplift to study its retreating ice caps. 

He continues to be enthralled by its geology and the way in which climate affects it. 

“Geologically speaking, it’s an amazing place, not only because of its tectonics but also because of the glaciers that respond rapidly to changes in the climate,” Amelung said. “During cold periods lasting a few hundreds of years, winter sea ice develops, temperatures drop dramatically, and Iceland freezes over and develops an ice sheet. There have been several little ice ages in the recent geological history when Iceland was partially or fully glaciated. And the glaciations are associated with changes in the ground surface elevation. When Iceland is covered by an ice sheet, the weight presses the ground down by up to 500 meters.” 

Currently, Iceland’s Vatnajökull ice cap, which is the largest glacier in Europe, loses about 1 meter of ice per year. As a result, the ground is uplifting by 2 to 3 centimeters annually, according to Amelung. “And when the ice melts, volcanic activity increases,” he said. 

Amelung recently taught a class on the geology of the Galápagos Islands as part of the Rosenstiel School’s UGalapagos program for undergraduates, comparing for students the similarities and differences between the volcanology of that famous archipelago and that of Iceland. 

“They are both oceanic hot spot volcanic systems where the melt is generated by upwelling material in the Earth’s mantle,” he said. “But Iceland is sitting on a divergent plate boundary where new crust is generated as two tectonic plates move apart, which makes it easy for magma to escape to the Earth’s surface. In contrast, under the Galápagos volcanoes, the magma is accumulating in big magma chambers and the volcanoes erupt once the pressure in the chamber is high enough to rupture the surrounding rock.”  

Amelung noted that the volcanism on both islands is of a basaltic nature. “The magmas are very hot and flow readily because they have low viscosity,” he said. “Therefore, the eruptions are not violently explosive. But the large lava flows can destroy property as we have seen in Iceland.”

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Southwest Airlines hosts first mock travel day for families with Autism Moms of Kona

From toddlers to teens, about 10 keiki and their parents walked through Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport Thursday afternoon to catch their Southwest flight to Kona.

Those families boarding Flight 143 were members of the Facebook group Autism Moms of Kona . And this mock travel day was meant as a fun activity to help children with autism get more comfortable with the process of going through the airport — starting from the ticket counter, to going through security, and agriculture to boarding a plane and ending at baggage claim.

“Just in general it’s anxiety-ridden, let alone having to go through all these other hoops and having a child that struggles with things that are different or unusual,” said Tia Banks, customer service agent with Southwest Airlines. “So we’re doing anything that makes it easier for our families.”

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Those on the spectrum often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.

While these mock flights happen often on the mainland, this was the first time Southwest held an event in Kona. And just like a real trip to the airport, all families got their boarding passes and went through security, placing bags, phones and keys in bins to be scanned.

They were reminded to remove their shoes as well before walking through the metal detector.

Once through security, families continued their journey to gate 4 for Flight 143.

Trudy Palik and her partner Brendonn Vaiula were among the parents who brought their children along for the afternoon “plane ride.”

Palik travels with her 3-year-old son BJ, who has autism, regularly as he has doctor appointments once a month in Honolulu. She explained traveling with her son is hard as he gets scared with all the people.

“I think it’s too many faces,” she said.

Normally Palik travels with BJ alone, but on Thursday, Vaiula was there to experience flying with their son. Normally in a stroller, Vaiula tailed BJ around the airport gate as he wandered about.

When it was time to board, the 3-year-old was nervous, but he walked out to the plane calmly with his parents.

“He is more comfortable because his dad is here,” Palik said.

Jessica McCullum, founder of the Facebook group Autism Moms of Kona, was also there with her children. She carried Josephine, 2, who is on the autism spectrum.

While she is not new to taking her kids on planes, it’s never easy as the process of getting through the airport can be challenging with children who are sensitive to crowds, lights and noises.

“Waiting in long lines can cause a meltdown,” McCullum said.

McCullum was looking forward to this experience so she could communicate with the airline about the needs she and other parents with children on the spectrum have when they travel.

“A lot of these kids are picky eaters,” McCullum said, adding a lot of times parents are told to throw their snacks away.

This leaves them, McCullum said, hungry with no calm space to retreat to.

Once the plane was ready, the Southwest crew welcomed families through the gate and walked them to the 737-800 aircraft. Three flight attendants and a pilot volunteered their time to give families the authentic experience of flying on an airplane.

Once seated, volunteer flight attendants went through the safety briefing going over instructions on how to buckle the seatbelt, how to use the oxygen mask if there is a loss in cabin pressure and how to inflate the life jacket, stowed beneath the seat, in the event of a water landing.

Served drinks and snacks, keiki also got a peek inside the cockpit where the pilot allowed them to push buttons and where the captain’s hat.

As the plane prepared for “landing,” one of the children got on the intercom saying: “We’ll be on the ground in 10 minutes. Thank you for flying Southwest Airlines.”

Before deplaning, staff with Southwest informed families of the program TSA Cares , which ensures families traveling with children with needs, have an escort through the traveling process, from check-in to boarding.

After “returning” to Kona, the families deplaned and collected their draw-string Southwest Airlines backpacks from the baggage claim carousel.

McCullum said the experience was awesome. “No meltdowns!”

A newer member of the Autism Moms of Kona group, Tisha Delima participated in the flight with her 3-year-old daughter Melia.

Delima said Melia has been identified as on the spectrum and they have an upcoming doctor’s appointment in Honolulu. Melia hasn’t been diagnosed.

“I thought this would be a good opportunity to get tips and have a fun outing,” Delima said.

Delima said the mock flight was good practice in not getting overwhelmed by the process.

Banks hopes the program grows so the airline can offer these experiences once or twice a year.

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Fighting 'intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back'; UK estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began

Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi says his troops have taken up new positions west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka in order to conserve their forces while armed forces minister Leo Docherty tells the UK Defence Journal tens of thousands have deserted Russian's military since February 2022.

Sunday 28 April 2024 22:34, UK

• Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back
• UK minister estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began
• Tajikistan citizens warned not to travel to Russia
• 'Well-provisioned' Ukrainian troops could prevent Russian advances
• Russia destroys 17 drones launched by Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all from our live coverage for tonight. For a reminder of today's updates, you can scroll back through this live blog. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is still waiting for promised supplies from its allies, urging the international community to hurry up. 

In his nightly video address today, he said: "We are expecting those volumes and scope that can change the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine's interests." 

He also said he had spoken with US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, and had thanked Congress for passing the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine. 

"In my conversation with Mr Jeffries, I underscored that Patriot systems are needed, and as soon as possible," he said. 

Ukrainian forces are facing a worsening position in the east and are still awaiting the delivery of US weapons. 

Mr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more air defence systems to protect its citizens and infrastructure, particularly the Patriot systems. 

Russia will start restricting those called up for military service from leaving the country, according to news site Meduza. 

Electronic summonses will reportedly be sent out from 1 November.

Those who are called up will not be allowed to leave Russia, and they will face further restrictions if they do not go to a military registration and enlistment office within 20 days.

In that case, they will not be allowed to register to run a business, drive a car, take out loans, or conduct real estate transactions, Meduza said.

New satellite imagery appears to show damage at Russia's Kushchyovskaya military airbase in the Krasnodar region. 

Planet Labs shared images comparing how the base looked on 19 March compared with today. 

A source in Ukraine's security and defence forces earlier told Ukrainian media that Kyiv had launched drone strikes against the airbase and two oil refineries overnight. 

They told the Kyiv Independent the SBU and Ukraine's Defence Forces hit the airbase where "dozens of military aircraft, radars, and electronic warfare devices were stationed".

Earlier we brought you news of a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv. 

The attack set a hotel ablaze and damaged energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. 

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of the southern Mykolaiv region, said in an update the attack had "seriously damaged" the hotel.

The strike also damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city.

There were no casualties, he said. 

A priest sprinkles holy water on believers holding willow branches during an Orthodox Palm Sunday service. 

The service is being held in Donetsk, in an area occupied by Russian forces. 

Russia gained full control of the city of Donetsk in October 2022, but the area has been a major site of fighting since 2014. 

The majority of people in Ukraine are Orthodox Christian, although they follow different branches. 

As we've been reporting, Russia has been pushing forward in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. 

Ukrainian military officials say their troops are falling back to new positions in at least three places along the frontlines. 

But they are facing public criticism about the transparency of their military updates. 

Ukrainian military blogger Myroshnykov and Ukraine's DeepState monitoring group, which updates daily changes in frontline positions, both say the updates have been unrealistic. 

DeepState shared a video on social media of a Russian soldier being killed in a drone strike in the village of Soloviove, arguing such footage was being used to mask a bigger picture. 

"You can watch with pleasure forever the video of a Russian [soldier] being torn to pieces, but nearby there is another location that requires attention: Muscovites calmly moving around the village, keeping it under control. 

"The [Ukrainian] Defence Forces inflict fire damage on them, and one can repeat at least a billion times that two-thirds of the village is under the control of the Ukrainian military, but the picture of reality is completely different." 

It appeared to be referring to a statement from Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military in the east, who also said the nearby village of Ocheretyne was still two-thirds controlled by Ukraine. 

However, DeepState says it believes Russian troops have been in control of the centre of Ocheretyne for at least three days. 

The site accused some military spokespersons of incompetence last week. 

Police have arrested a 57-year-old Russian on suspicion of murder following the killings yesterday evening, German news agency dpa reported. 

The two Ukrainians were 23 and 36 years old, and lived in the southern German county of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

They were killed at a shopping centre in the village of Murnau in Upper Bavaria.

The names of the victims and suspect have not been released due to German privacy rules. 

It is not clear if the men knew each other. 

More than one million Ukrainian refugees fled to Germany following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine is "not as black and white as some people think", the Polish foreign minister has said. 

The former US president, who is running for election again this year, has said he will not commit to providing Ukraine with defence assistance. 

Republicans aligned with Mr Trump were also the reason behind a six-month delay to aid for Ukraine. 

But foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the Axel Springer media company that Mr Trump had sent Ukraine anti-tank missiles before Russia's invasion "when others were not doing it". 

He was referring to Javelin anti-tank missiles supplied by the US in 2018. 

Mr Sikorski also said Mr Trump was "right in urging us all in Europe to spend more on defence".

He said he "did not hear any protests from Trump" once the $61bn aid package for Ukraine was approved. 

"So, I hope that candidate Trump has seen that this opposition to helping Ukraine is not actually popular in the United States, that it is harming his chances [to be re-elected]," he added.

Earlier we reported that a top Ukrainian general said troops had fallen back from three villages in the east of the country. 

We can now bring you more from Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief of Ukraine's armed forces, about the situation on the ground.

Mr Syrskyi said the Donetsk region (in the east) remains one of the hottest sectors of the frontline as Russia continues its offensive.

He described the situation in the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove as "the most difficult one" now.

Russia is reportedly using up to four brigades (anywhere from an estimated 8,000 to 32,000 personnel) to conduct assault operations in the direction of both the cities, which lie west of Avdiivka, which was captured earlier this year. 

Mr Syrskyi said the situation is changing "dynamically" on the frontline as a result. 

Meanwhile, Mr Syrskyi said the situation in the south also remains "intense" as Russia tries to advance near the village of Krynky in Kherson.

It also wants to advance towards the villages of Robotyne and Verbove villages in Zaporizhzhia.

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