The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is introducing new videos in collaboration with community members and partners. The recorded messages feature a diverse group of Maui residents discussing mindful tourism and guidance on respectful visits to Maui.
Collaborative Initiatives for Compassionate Travel
The Governor's Office of Wellness and Resilience, HTA, and the County of Maui have teamed up to provide informational resources promoting compassionate and responsible travel. Distributed extensively, these materials will be available to visitors and various businesses.
Key messages include:
- "Pack your patience and grace."
- "Do not enter or photograph the impacted Lahaina Town area."
- "Support local businesses."
MauiNuiFirst.com was launched as the County of Maui's platform for visitors to support local businesses and events.
HTA's Statement
Daniel Nāho'opi'i, HTA's Interim President and CEO, emphasized the significance of travelling with respect and understanding the current circumstances. He expressed gratitude towards community members for their appreciation and discussed responsible tourism's role in Maui's recovery.
"Heeding the community's guidance, HTA and our partners are educating travelers before and after they arrive with clear-cut ways they can support Maui by visiting with respect and compassion," said Nāho'opi'i. "We are working to ensure they understand the current situation and that their travel experience may be slightly different than what they are accustomed to."
Pre-Arrival Video Messages
Targeted at potential visitors, HTA and its Hawai'i Tourism United States (HTUSA) team have crafted video messages focusing on Maui's local voices. These complement the Mālama Maui videos that spotlight ways visitors can support the community.
As of 19SEP, eight messages have been released, and more will follow, available via HTA and @GoHawaii on various social media platforms with subtitles for international audiences.
Post-Arrival Mālama Maui Video
On arrival, distinguished Maui residents share insights on caring for the Valley Isle in new Mālama Maui. Their messages complement the Mālama Maui videos highlighting various ways to support the community by visiting areas throughout the island that are welcoming travel.
Compassionate Travel
Governor Green and Mayor Bissen led the creation of informational flyers and graphics promoting compassionate travel. These offer tips such as:
- Make sure you've packed patience and grace on a trip. Expect to wait longer than you're used to for food or other services.
- Support local businesses. Your visit will support Maui businesses that rely on tourism for their families livelihood. Visit MauiNuiFirst.com for various ways to eat, shop, play, stay and support locals.
- Hosting uninvited volunteers in direct recovery work may be difficult at this time. Visit MauiNuiStrong.info for efforts to welcome volunteers and contributions.
- Do not enter Lahaina Town or take photos of the area, even from afar. The site is restricted because conditions can be hazardous to your health. Please respect the privacy of survivors and the dignity of those who lost their lives.
- Do not ask about a resident's personal experience with the disaster. While a question such as "Were you impacted by the fire?" may be intended to be supportive, many survivors are not ready to share their experiences with others.
- Leave the area immediately if you encounter a memorial service or other private gathering. Respect the gathered survivors and residents — do not take photos or videos.
Visit HTA's Mālama Maui for more information.
