Maui Faces $1 Billion Tourism Deficit One Year After Wildfires

Despite efforts to rebuild, misinformation and housing shortages hinder recovery and tourism on the Hawaiian island.

Tourist arrivals to Maui dropped by 25% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.
Housing shortages have displaced thousands of residents, with many forced to relocate multiple times.
Local businesses, especially on the west side, are struggling due to decreased visitor spending and worker shortages.
Environmental recovery efforts are ongoing, with concerns about long-term impacts on marine ecosystems.
Mixed messaging has led to confusion about which areas of Maui are open for tourism, further affecting visitor numbers.