In the wake of the devastating wildfires that leveled the city of Lahaina, Maui, on Aug. 8, 2023, there has been a growing curiosity about the island's recovery and readiness to welcome back group business one year later. 

At the DMC Network Exchange on Aug. 1, we had the opportunity to sit down with Josh DeSilva, president of DeSilva Meeting Consultants, to get an update on the current situation in Maui, how the recovery process is unfolding, and what organizers can expect when planning their events. 

Here are highlights from our conversation. Watch the full interview here.

Backstory: Based in Haiku, Maui, DeSilva’s company provides consultation and coordination of corporate group, association, and incentive travel to Hawaii. DeSilva Meeting Consultants, which is part of the DMC Network, offers services for transportation, entertainment, theme events, teambuilding, tours, housing, staffing, photo/video production, gifts, amenities, and more. 

Year of Recovery

Despite Lahaina being unusable for a while, other parts of Maui have been actively welcoming groups, DeSilva said. West Maui has reopened, including key resort areas in Kaanapali and Kapalua, while the Wailea area was never structurally affected by the fires.

He shared that activities such as boat trips, snorkeling, whale watching, zip-lining, and rainforest tours are operational again. Numerous venues and restaurants have reopened, and post-event surveys report strong visitor satisfaction, indicating that group guests are enjoying their time on the island. This economic activity is vital for Maui's local community, which deeply appreciates the influx of visitors, he said.

Related: HILTON CONTRIBUTES NEARLY $500,000 TO AID MAUI WILDFIRE RELIEF INITIATIVES

Groups Returning to Maui

What types of groups have returned to Maui since the fires? In January, DeSilva worked with a group in Kaanapali involving 300 participants from the farming and agricultural industry. The group engaged in a range of activities, demonstrating that popular island attractions are still accessible.

He also mentioned a recent group that participated in charitable activities, such as donations to the Maui Food Bank and the Maui Strong Recovery Fund. This group alone donated more than $20,000, showcasing a positive impact on the local community despite the challenging circumstances.

Rebuilding Lahaina

Addressing questions about the rebuilding of Lahaina, DeSilva explained the phased recovery and reconstruction process. With more than 3,000 residences lost, there has been significant displacement. Initially, many displaced residents were housed in hotels, but this temporary accommodation is winding down as alternative housing solutions are implemented.

DeSilva highlighted community-driven initiatives, such as accessory dwelling construction, which have provided much-needed housing. He also shared a personal story: turning an old wash house into a studio for someone affected by the fire. These efforts reflect the community's resilience and unity in overcoming challenges.

Regarding Lahaina's future, DeSilva said that rebuilding efforts are underway, with the first building permits issued and initial constructions starting soon. While the exact appearance of rebuilt Lahaina remains uncertain, the community is determined to rebuild rapidly over the coming years.

Encouraging Tourism and Support

DeSilva encouraged corporate organizers to plan events on Maui and emphasized the beneficial impact of tourism on the island’s recovery. He highlighted the importance of ongoing support and expressed gratitude for the generosity of visitors. “The Aloha spirit is alive,” he said. “There is certainly still some sadness in our hearts, but the best way to get over that is to continue to build the island back up.”

Main photo: At an corporate event in Maui earlier this year, Courtesy of DeSilva Meeting Consultants