The Hawaii Tourism Authority has asked that all non-essential visitors to Maui depart the island. That, in addition to asking those who would be arriving to postpone travel to the entire island of Maui until further assessment.

“For those coming to Hawaii over the next weeks or perhaps even months, depending on what we learn as the situation unfolds, a safer alternative is to plan travel to Kauai and Oahu.

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. 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.

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

Hawaii Tourism Authority

They also said that “visitors with travel plans to stay in other parts of Maui (not West Maui) and Kohala Coast (on the Big Island), in the coming weeks are encouraged to contact their hotels for updated information and how their travel plans may be affected.”

West Maui has no communications.

It hasn’t been possible thus far to reach West Maui via the Internet and telephone. And we have yet to hear when the data and cellular providers believe they can restore service. Beat of Hawaii editors have relatives and other loved ones in that area with whom we cannot be in contact.

The entire Maui infrastructure is over the edge.

While the physical infrastructure of South Maui is intact and hasn’t suffered any damage, the issues go far beyond those issues of just fire.

Maui Hospital employee and regular Beat of Hawaii commentor Eldo just posted:

“I work in the ER of Maui’s only hospital. I was there from 3 PM yesterday until 7 AM today. I’m going back this afternoon.

It was horrific. I plead to anyone with a trip planned to Maui in the coming months to please cancel their trip. Our infrastructure, usually at maximum capacity, has been pushed over the brink. We will have thousands of newly homeless individuals, entire families, to care for. Our hospital will be over capacity caring for burn victims. There will be shortages of many essential items and services for many weeks if not months.

Please help us by staying home and allowing us the chance to help those who need help the most.”

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