West Maui reopens after fires -- but should travelers visit?

The Folo by Travel Weekly podcast about the West Maui fires and a return to tourism. Clockwise from top left: Hawaii contributing editor Christine Hitt, host Rebecca Tobin, Hawaii Tourism Authority public affairs officer Ilihia Gionson and Captivating Journeys founder Kathy Takushi.

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In August, deadly wildfires swept through parts of Hawaii, specifically Maui and the Big Island. On Maui, the wildfires spread to the historical town of Lahaina. Around 100 people died, homes, businesses and hotels were destroyed, and that section of the island had been shut off to visitors.

But the rebuilding and recovery process has been ongoing, and Gov. Josh Green proclaimed those sections of West Maui "open" again to tourism as of Oct. 8. But there has been concerns from locals over whether the region is ready for visitors. On this episode, host Rebecca Tobin speaks with three Hawaii tourism experts: Our contributing editor for Hawaii, Christine Hitt; Kathy Takushi, the owner of Maui-based travel agency Captivating Journeys; and Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs office at the Hawaii Tourism Authority, about the island's approach to reopening and whether travelers should go to West Maui, or to Maui at all.

In this informative and emotional episode, we talk about responsible tourism -- the right way for people to approach travel to those impacted areas. What to say to visitors who may feel apprehensive about going. The aloha spirit that's so unique to Hawaii. And concerns about overtourism: Could Lahaina's closure mean crowds in other parts of the island?

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Air France/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Stay on after this episode for a bonus interview with Charlotte Bowman, sales development director for Air France/KLM, and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing and partnerships for Travel Weekly and the Northstar Travel Group.