Tourism is Maui's pillar industry, accounting for about 80% of Maui's total economic revenue. The August 8 fire hit the Hawaiian island of Maui catastrophically, killing at least 115 people, destroying more than 2,200 buildings and burning the famous tourist town of Lahaina in the western part of the island. Local media reported that the plight of tourism was particularly impactful for ordinary Maui and small businesses. Local officials said in recent days that Maui's post-disaster economic recovery is "a long way" and that a revival of tourism is particularly important, and they hope to find a balance between reassuring victims and resuming tourism.
Two tourists view a beach on Maui, Hawaii, United States, August 23. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zeng Hui)
Tourists sit on a beach on Maui, Hawaii, USA, August 21. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zeng Hui)
Tourists walk on a beach on Maui, Hawaii, USA, August 23. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zeng Hui)
On August 24, a vacant lot outside Kahului Airport on Maui, Hawaii, USA, was parked with cars that had not been rented out by rental companies. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Gao Shan
On August 24, a vacant lot outside Kahului Airport on Maui, Hawaii, USA, was parked with cars that had not been rented out by rental companies. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Gao Shan
People watch the sunset on the seaside of Maui, Hawaii, USA, August 21. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zeng Hui)