From understanding where you can and can't go to helping the island and its residents rebuild after the disaster, here is what native Hawaiians are asking visitors to consider as they return to Maui.

Know where to go

Given the extensive devastation on the north-western side of the island, the HTA reports that Lāhainā will remain closed to the public until further notice, while the communities of Kā'anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai and Kapalua will fully reopen to the public on 8 October – two months after the wildfires first erupted.

Yet, Maui's north-western sliver only comprises a small portion of Hawaii's second largest and second-most visited island. In fact, Maui's beguiling mix of lush rainforests, black-sand beaches and hiking trails that meander from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean) have led Hawaiians themselves to coin the popular local expression "Maui no ka 'oi" (Maui is the best), and residents say now is a great time to explore "the Valley Isle's" wilder side.

Crystal Smythe, a native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and Maui resident, recommends travellers explore Maui's upcountry region, including hiking the Hosmer Grove Trailhead in Haleakalā National Park – staying until dusk to catch one of Maui's most spectacular sunsets. "[You can also] enjoy other parts of the island that are also rich in beauty and culture like Haiku and Paia, that are renowned for windsurfing and vibrant ocean town atmospheres," she said. "Some of our favourite locally owned places to eat include Cafe o'Lei at the Mill House in Waikapu and SixtyTwo MarcKet in historical Wailuku town."

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