If you choose to vacation on Maui in the next few months, plan to spend more than you had already budgeted for.
It’s been almost three weeks since the fires broke out in Kula and Lāhainā on Maui. While most of the burn area on the Island’s west side has been surveyed and cleared, there are still more than 300 people unaccounted for with 115 people who have lost their lives to the fire. In addition to this unprecedented loss of life, the most devastating wildfire in U.S. history, thousands of people have lost their homes, their businesses, and their livelihoods. The world has come together on a massive scale to help those on Maui who lost everything, but there’s still so much work to be done.
Most tragedies flow right out of the news cycle very quickly, with intense coverage and support at the beginning of the event. As the news dwindles, so do the donations and volunteers. But West Maui will need support for a long time. Maui has given so much to so many by creating lasting memories for people when they’ve visited, it only makes sense that people give back to this special place. If you have been considering doing something to help Maui (or to help again), here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your efforts.
Beware of Scammers
It’s sad to say, but there are plenty of folks out there who come out of the woodwork during tragedies to take advantage of horrible situations. It’s extremely important to do your due diligence on every GoFundMe, direct donation request, t-shirt sale, and charity request. Yes, we are going to recommend donating through these methods, but with the caveat that you must do your research–it doesn’t do anyone any good for you to lose your donations to scammers.
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Be Sure That Shirt is Really Benefiting Maui
Mere moments after the tragedy unfurled on August 8, supportive t-shirts began popping up all over social media. The ads implored people to help the Lāhainā community with heartfelt messages and simple, yet effective designs that everyone could get behind. What those ads didn’t include was anything about where those funds were going, because most of those were going straight into these scammers’ pockets. Remember–anyone can slap the outline of a tree and some empowering words on a shirt and call it a fundraiser. Be particularly careful on Meta and Amazon where these frauds are rampant. For legitimate Hawai‘i businesses with t-shirt fundraisers try Hawai‘i’s Finest, Hae Hawai‘i, KaiAloha Supply, Sacred Ties Tattoo, Manufacture, and Aloha de Mele (many of which are Indigenous-owned).
Don’t Forget About the Little Guys
While organizations like the American Red Cross have name recognition and decades (if not more) of experience, the bigger the organization, the less likely your donation will have as much of a direct impact. Small, community-based organizations are often more nimble, connected with the direct needs of the community, and tend to spend their dollars more directly on beneficiaries. The Maui Strong Fund, managed by the highly trusted Hawai‘i Community Foundation, is collecting and distributing money to community organizations throughout the state that are providing services to Maui. ‘Āina Momona’s website is a great first stop where you can find links to the large Maui Strong fundraiser, as well as as list of vetted GoFundMe requests, firefighter relief fund, and more. If you want to go even smaller, think about your favorite causes and search for a Maui charity that is doing work that you are passionate about.
Direct Payments to Families
While the dangers of GoFundMe scams are definitely real, there are also hundreds of people using the platform honestly. For the highest reward to the beneficiary, you can’t do much better than putting the funds directly in the hands of those who have lost everything. A community collective known as Help Maui Rise has come together to create this spreadsheet with ways to directly help those who were affected by the fire.
While fraudulent fundraisers do happen, GoFundMe is working hard to make sure your money goes where it’s meant to. Alex White, GoFundMe Regional Spokesperson, notes, “We have had a team of experts working around the clock to review fundraisers and prevent misuse since news of the wildfires on the island broke. During humanitarian disasters and other crises, our team proactively monitors and verifies fundraisers so the communities impacted can receive the quick and trusted support they need. To make it easier for people who want to help those affected, GoFundMe launched a centralized hub housing verified Maui wildfires relief fundraisers. The hub continues to be updated as fundraisers are verified by our Trust & Safety team.”
White notes, “Additionally, our team has been in direct communication with the organizer of the spreadsheet, and is reviewing all GoFundMe fundraisers listed within it.”
So you can feel more secure that your donations are going to those who have been affected.
Support Your Favorite Local Businesses from Afar
You may not be going to Maui any time soon, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t help keep them afloat during hard times. Have a favorite restaurant that you always visit during vacations? Go ahead and purchase a gift certificate (but be aware of expiration dates–you may want to call and ask the manager to extend it due to the circumstances). Better yet, purchase a few gift certificates and mail them to families in need. Order a goodie box of Hawai‘i products to help close out your summer. Go ahead and start your holiday shopping! Making any size purchase is helpful when these businesses have lost foot traffic. Also, keep an eye out for those that are using their businesses for good. Shops like Sunkissed Wahine are making a big impact in their communities, showcasing a variety of makers and products and donating portions of sales to charity. Supporting businesses like them makes your dollar’s impact even greater. Not sure where to start? Community members have been working on a list of more than 400 Maui businesses that have online stores, sell gift cards, or are pre-booking–and it’s been vetted!
Don’t Forget About Musicians and Other Live Artists
Many local musicians depend on their regular hotel and other gigs where they spread the joys of Hawaiian and other music to guests. Not only do they depend on regular checks from these gigs, they also rely on tips from those who enjoy their music. Famous events like the weekly Masters of Hawaiian Music Slack Key Show have been put on hiatus for now; their website currently reads “Due to the Lāhainā fire disaster affecting all of West Maui, shows are canceled up to November. When our staff is ready, we hope to temporarily locate in south or central Maui. Mahalo for your support and aloha.” If you know of any local musicians, setting up and supporting a virtual tip jar can help get them through the next few months as they try to find new gigs and opportunities.
Plan to Spend Big and Volunteer if You’re Going to Visit
So soon after the wildfire there are still a lot of tensions about visiting Maui, in general, right now. While the west side is officially closed, businesses on other parts of the Island are seeing a tremendous drop in visitors, and subsequently visitor spending. If you choose to vacation on Maui in the next few months, plan to spend more than you had already budgeted for. Go shopping, get that massage, indulge in dessert–and tip heavily. Like crazy heavily. Also, be sure to use your time there wisely and do your best to give back if you can. Just remember to be patient and kind with people who are hurting so deeply right now.
Just Don’t Forget About Maui
While Maui is on everyone’s minds right now, who knows how long that will last. If you truly want to support Maui for the long term, consider setting up recurring gifts with some of the charities that you find. Don’t want something so permanent? Set up a few calendar reminders around paycheck time for the next few months so that you’ll remember to donate. Follow Maui charities on social media and send them $20 when you see them fundraising. It doesn’t have to be difficult, it just takes a little extra effort and aloha.