Norwegian Cruise Line announced its return to Kahului, Maui with the encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai’i State Governor Josh Green and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line stated, “We have a strong connection with the people and islands of Hawai‘i and a long history of bringing guests from all over the world year-round to this paradise in the Pacific.”
“When we heard of the tragic wildfires, we were quick to mobilize our network to support local recovery efforts in Maui. We temporarily adjusted our itineraries to avoid stressing the destination further, we donated $50,000 to Maui United Way, and together alongside our partners have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing and mattresses. We look forward to returning to this incredibly special destination soon with the guidance and support of the local community, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and encouragement of Governor Green.”
The cruise line’s Pride of America has an 18-year history of cruising the Hawaiian Islands year round, but, due to the wildfires in Lāhainā earlier this month, the calls to Maui were paused to avoid stressing local resources. Those weekly overnight calls to Kahului will resume on September 3, 2023.
Hawai’i State Governor Josh Green stated that travel to West Maui was still restricted to residents and first responders but that they were working with tourism partners to make a responsible return to the island and the state. Green said, “We appreciate the continued partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and the support it has recently provided to aid the recovery of the residents of Lāhainā.”
Chief brand officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, said, “The damaging effects of the recent wildfires to the Lāhainā community has been heartbreaking. As recovery efforts are underway, the island of Maui is dependent now more than ever on the return of mindful, respectful visitation which keeps our residents employed and businesses open. We are encouraging travelers and visitor industry companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, to make a responsible return to the island, visiting the many areas that were not impacted by the fires and are welcoming travelers back.”
In an effort to provide aid, other cruise lines have also held fundraisers or made donations to the relief efforts and residents of Maui.