Earlier this month the Mayor of Maui announced the re-opening of the island to visitors from Kahana to Ka’anapali after the devastating wildfires. This past spring, our families visited Maui and the Ka’anapali Beach area. We look forward to going back and visiting soon.
Like many who have visited the islands, we fell in love with the people and the island. We share some ways for people to support Maui.
DONATE
Even with the re-opening, financial relief is needed most. If you aren’t able to travel to the islands, below are some of the non-profit organizations that are dedicated to providing essential needs and support. Some are needing in-kind donations and others monetary.
These groups also welcome volunteers. They include:
The Maui Strong Fund, Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund for Maui, Maui Food Bank, American Red Cross and Maui Humane Society.
VOLUNTEER
For those looking to give back or a voluntourism type of trip, they have lists of projects on Go Hawaii. Whether you want to dedicate your entire trip to a volunteer project or just a couple of hours, there are quite a few organizations that are welcoming volunteers.
You can help food distribution and sorting on Maui through Feed My Sheep or sort and organize incoming donations for furry loved ones at the Maui Humane Society. Another option is to help with a beach and debris clean up with the Pacific Whale Foundation.
VISIT
For those looking to visit during the holidays or early next year, Kaanapali Beach Resort has put together a resource page to help those considering a trip. From events and attractions to hotel and restaurant reopenings, Kaanapali Beach Resort is dedicated to sharing Hawaiian culture and Maui’s rich history with its visitors through various experiences. We love how they respond to people wanting to know how they can be respectful and responsible visitors.
They share, “To know and respect the culture, the land, and its people are important pieces of responsible visitation. Seek out a hula show or musical performance, learn Hawaiian lauhala weaving, quilting, and lei-making, or learn more about Kā’anapali’s culture and heritage on the Kā’anapali Historical Trail walking tour. Ride the complimentary Kaanapali Trolley to see the land or visit the Hawai’i Wildlife Discovery Center.”
One of our favorite parts when we visited last spring was getting to know different people and the culture.
