Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club Exterior

West Maui Lifting Travel Restrictions + Marriott & Westin Resort Updates

Posted on by A Timeshare Broker, Inc.
 

Governor Josh Green declared that West Maui will reopen on October 8th, 2023. This decision is part of the state’s efforts to strike a balance between economic resilience and providing job opportunities for families as they work towards recovery and rebuilding.

West Maui To Lift Travel Restrictions

As of October 8, West Maui will lift all travel restrictions, welcoming visitors both from Hawai’i and globally, according to the governor.

Many have asked when it will be the right time to reopen West Maui to visitors. There is no easy answer to this question, but I can say that if we support Maui’s economy and keep our people employed, they will heal faster and continue to afford to live on Maui.

Governor Josh Green

This move aims to stimulate economic recovery by resuming travel activities. The governor noted that this challenging decision is intended to provide a glimmer of hope for recovery to families and businesses in Maui that have been profoundly impacted by the disaster.

Maui Resort Updates

Multiple resorts have released statements regarding the efforts in place to bring their accommodations back online since the devastating fires that recently took place in West Maui.

Marriott's Maui Ocean Club

Marriott Maui Ocean Club

Location: Lahaina, Hawaii

Summary

  • The resort was nearly fully occupied at the time of the Lahaina fires, and management assisted guests who couldn’t return to the property by packing their luggage for them.
  • The Management Company provided accommodations for associates and their families who were affected by the fire, housing almost 100 families at one point.
  • The Management team has relocated these families to nearby hotels with financial arrangements with FEMA or the Red Cross, such as the Hyatt Regency Maui, Westin Maui Resort, and Aston at the Whaler.
  • Less than 25 of the 459 villas are currently occupied.
  • All employees have been paid their normal wages under Marriott Vacations Worldwide emergency protocols so far. Future payments will be assessed considering both the needs of the associates and the financial impacts on the owners.
  • Some employees are assisting with deferred maintenance issues that are difficult to address when the resort is fully occupied.
  • Various facility issues are being tackled due to the current low occupancy, including repairs to the super pool, replacement of window tinting, and preparation work for an electrical upgrade next year.
  • A recent fire on the Kā’anapali hillside came within a mile of the resort, causing significant smoke over the property but was quickly contained with no injuries or structural damage.
  • 69 of the associates’ homes were lost in the fire, and five homes were damaged.
  • MVW has contributed $500,000 to the existing ILG Relief Fund, Inc., which supports MVW associates and their families impacted by disasters such as the Maui wildfires. Additional donations bring the total to over $1,000,000.
  • $500 grocery gift cards have been distributed to all associates, funded by association reserves.
  • Marriott Vacation Club has implemented a system allowing guests to donate directly to the Maui Relief Fund through December 18, 2023.
  • Hawaiian Governor Green’s directive discourages leisure travel to West Maui until October 17th, with the possibility of extension.
  • Almost all services and activities at the resort are currently closed, with more businesses closed than open on Kā’anapali Beach. A few restaurants are slated to open in the next few days.
  • TravelEx insurance coverage inquiries related to the Maui fires should be directed to TravelEx directly. Use the link travelexinsurance.com/wildfires to check coverages.
Full Update from Maui Ocean Club Vacation Owners Association President

Dear Owner:
We want to keep you informed about our resort and what we are doing to help our associates impacted by the Lahaina fires. Our management team continues to work tirelessly to address hundreds of issues, many of which they have never seen before. We could not be prouder of their efforts and many accomplishments.

Resort Occupancy

Our resort was almost fully occupied on the day of the fire. Many of our owners were on other parts of the island when the fire started and could not get back to the property. The management team helped them by packing their luggage and having it sent back to their homes. Those owners who were on property were provided with transportation to the airport. Almost all owners left within a few days of the fire.

The Management Company provided rooms to any of our associates and their families who needed a place to stay. At one point, there were almost 100 families on site. Because the Management Company doesn’t have financial arrangements with FEMA or the Red Cross, they worked with these families to relocate them to hotels nearby that have those relationships. Those include the Hyatt Regency Maui, Westin Maui Resort, and Aston at the Whaler. Almost all have now been resettled. Meals are being provided at the Hyatt Regency Maui and Westin Maui Resort. Aston at the Whaler has full kitchens.

The Management team distributed over 200 “Maui Strong” T-shirts to our associates that are working. The Management team also opened the property to certain emergency workers. While there are still a few, most are now housed elsewhere.

As of today, less than 25 of our 459 villas are occupied.

Staffing Levels

With the resort close to empty, management is working to appropriately size our work force similar to the Covid lockdown in 2020. Through last week, all employees have been paid their normal wages under Marriott Vacations Worldwide emergency protocols. Going forward, the Management Company will assess the situation to ensure associates’ needs as well as the financial impacts to our owners are considered.

One factor is the impact of the fires on the Maui labor pool. Many residents are apparently leaving the island because they believe the recovery will be too slow to guarantee steady jobs. We want to keep our long-term, loyal employees and believe going the extra mile for them now will pay off when we are back to normal operations.

If it is determined that some temporary reduction in hours or layoffs are appropriate, please know that the Management team will help them apply for unemployment benefits and give them assistance.

Accelerated Repair and Maintenance Work

Some employees are helping with deferred maintenance issues that are difficult to do when the resort is fully occupied. This keeps people productive, and it will make our resort better when our owners return.
Our current low occupancy has also allowed us to tackle some facility issues which have needed to be done but are difficult with our normally high occupancy levels. Some of these projects include:

  • Repair some sections of the plaster on the super pool
  • Re-plaster two of our spas
  • Replacement of the window tinting in our original buildings (MOC1)
  • Replacement of all 1,000+ phones on the property
  • Refresh of our activity room
  • Refresh of the main pool bar
  • Preparation work for the electrical upgrade to be done early next year

It is important to note that all these projects have already been budgeted.

Kā’anapali Fire

A new fire on the Kā’anapali hillside burned to within a mile of the resort a little over a week ago sending
significant smoke over the resort. Understandably, it was quite unsettling to many of our associates after their experiences in the Lahaina fire. The good news is the Maui Fire Department and an Army helicopter were quickly on the scene, and it was contained to about 7 acres with no injuries or damage to structures.

Associates Relief Fund

Sixty-nine of our associate’s homes were lost and five homes were damaged in the fire. Many more associates have incurred other losses and unexpected expenses. As I mentioned in my last letter, we chose to unite with other MVW entities on Maui to jointly raise funds for all employees impacted by the fire. The results so far are described in the next paragraph.

MVW has to-date contributed $500,000 to the existing ILG Relief Fund, Inc. (Relief Fund), a qualified 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit corporation that, among other things, supports MVW associates and their families who incur significant damage or displacement after a natural or civic disaster such as the Maui wildfires. In addition, other donations exceeding $500,000 bring the total to over $1,000,000. The Relief Fund has already disbursed at least $1,000 to each of the 362 MVW associates on Maui who lost their homes. MVW is encouraging all associates who have financial needs to file requests with the Relief Fund for assistance. Those requests will be reviewed, and funds will be dispersed as quickly as possible.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed. The link to that fund is:
https://donorbox.org/mvwrelieffund

100% of the donated funds go to MVW’s Maui associates. MVW absorbs all the administrative costs.
The $500 grocery gift cards we mentioned in the last letter have been distributed to all associates. These were paid for out of our association reserves. We also are helping individuals with applications for other available funds (Red Cross, United Way, etc.). Finally, the Management Company is providing mental health counseling sessions to our associates. Management tells us the staff have been very grateful for the comprehensive support they have received.

We are also happy to let you know that Marriott Vacation Club has changed its point-of-sale systems on a world-wide basis to allow guests who are charging expenses to easily donate directly to the Maui Relief Fund.

This will continue through December 18, 2023.

When Can We Return?

This is the big question for many of us. Hawaiian Governor Green’s most recent directive is no one should book leisure travel to West Maui (which includes Kā’anapali) until October 17th. We know the Governor is considering a possible extension of that date but have no knowledge of when any announcement may be made. It is possible by the time you read this letter the uncertainties will be resolved.

Our owners’ website (owners.marriottvacationclub.com) is the best place to keep current on the latest dates. If you have trouble navigating that site, you can go directly to the updates at hub.vacationclub.com and search for Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club.

Currently, almost all services and activities at our resort are closed. Likewise, on Kā’anapali Beach more businesses are closed than are open. Leilani’s on the Beach and Duke’s Beach House Maui are both slated to open in the next couple of days. Other shops and restaurants may open in the next few weeks, but we anticipate that most will not open until the Governor’s directive expires.

We wish we could be more helpful. However, the situation is still fluid, and changes occur almost daily. We simply don’t know when our resort and the other Kā’anapali Beach properties will back to normal operations.

We have been asked about what TravelEx insurance covers and we would encourage you to call them directly if you are contemplating either coming to Maui or cancelling a trip you have already booked. They have a page on their website about the Maui fires. A link to it is travelexinsurance.com/wildfires.

On behalf of the entire board,
Larry Wolfe
President
Maui Ocean Club Vacation Owners Association
Association of Apartment Owners of Maui Ocean Club

Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

Location: Lahaina, Hawaii

Summary

  • The Hawaii Governor’s Sixth Emergency Proclamation discourages non-essential travel to West Maui through October 17, 2023. This includes areas like Lahaina, Napili, Kā’anapali, and Kapalua.
  • The resort is supporting its associates in their recovery efforts after the devastating wildfires, which resulted in several hundred of them losing their homes.
  • Many local businesses around the resort are not operating, limiting access to facilities such as fuel stations, restaurants, golf courses, and grocery stores.
  • A curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is in place in West Maui, enforced by the Maui Police Department.
  • Power has been restored to the resort, but this could be temporary due to the unstable infrastructure. There have been periodic power outages and residents are advised to limit non-essential electricity usage.
  • New wildfires could potentially occur due to weather conditions. There was a recent brush fire near Lahaina on August 26.
  • People can support recovery and relief efforts by donating to the Company Relief Fund.
  • The resort is currently cashless, accepting only credit card payments.
  • Only service animals that perform work or tasks are allowed at the resort; family pets are not permitted. Misrepresentation of a pet as a service animal could result in penalties or imprisonment.
  • The status of resort amenities and services may change at any time. Visitors are advised to check the website frequently for updates.
Full Update from Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

Update: September 6th

Following the Hawaii Governor’s Sixth Emergency Proclamation, non-essential travel to West Maui is strongly discouraged through October 17, 2023. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, in alignment with Governor Green, also urges visitors to avoid West Maui, which includes locations such as Lahaina, Napili, Kā’anapali, and Kapalua.

We understand that Maui holds a special place in the hearts of our Owners and guests. We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time, as we focus on supporting our associates in recovering their lives and community. Further updates on the resort’s operating status will be provided on our website.

Updated: August 31st

As Maui continues its recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and surrounding areas, several hundred of our associates have unfortunately lost their homes, loved ones, and cherished memories. With limited staffing, we are striving to provide security to the property, restore stability to the resort, among other pressing matters.

The wildfires have also affected the West Maui area around the resort. Many local businesses are not currently operating, resulting in limited or no access to facilities such as fuel stations, restaurants, golf courses, and grocery stores. A curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in place in West Maui, enforced by Maui Police Department checkpoints.

Power has been restored to the resort, but this could be temporary due to the unstable infrastructure. There have been periodic power outages, and residents are advised to limit non-essential electricity usage. Due to weather conditions, there continues to be potential for new wildfires.

How You Can Help

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, home to many of our dedicated associates. To help support recovery and relief efforts, we invite you to donate to the Company Relief Fund here. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Cashless Resort

Please note that this resort is cashless and only accepts credit card payments.

Service Animal Policy

Service animals that perform work or tasks are welcome at this resort. However, family pets are not permitted. Bringing a pet to the resort will result in a room recovery fee of $500 per pet, and you will be asked to move your pet to a local, third-party boarding facility. Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal may result in a monetary penalty and/or imprisonment in some locations.

Amenity Status

The current status of resort amenities and services is subject to change at any time. Please continue to check our website frequently for updates prior to your upcoming reservation.

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North

Location: Lahaina, Hawaii

Summary

  • Hawaii Governor’s Sixth Emergency Proclamation discourages non-essential travel to West Maui until October 17, 2023.
  • The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas North, located in Lahaina, is focusing on supporting associates and community recovery from wildfires.
  • Wildfires have affected local businesses and imposed a curfew in West Maui from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Power has been restored at the resort, but periodic outages may occur due to unstable infrastructure.
  • The resort encourages donations to the Company Relief Fund to support wildfire recovery efforts.
  • The resort operates as cashless and only accepts credit card payments.
  • Service animals are welcome at the resort, but family pets are not permitted.
  • Resort amenities and services status is subject to change:
    • Closed: On-site activities, activity center, BBQ grills, beach services, bicycle rentals, concierge, fitness center, fitness class, on-site golf course, hot tubs/spas, housekeeping, jogging path, kid’s club, mini-golf course, movie theater.
    • Open: On-site convenience store (Kai Ala Market and Pu’ukoli’i General Store), Auntie’s Kitchen, Pailolo Bar & Grill, Spa services (Retail lobby only).
    • Temporarily closed: Pūlehu, an Italian Grill.
    • Limited: Fitness Center (The WestinWorkout® Fitness Studio), valet (Shuttle service on modified schedule), pool chairs, pools, poolside cabanas, sports courts, steam room/sauna.
Full Update from Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North

Update: September 6th

Following the Hawaii Governor’s Sixth Emergency Proclamation, non-essential travel to West Maui is strongly discouraged through October 17, 2023. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, in alignment with Governor Green, also urges visitors to avoid West Maui, which includes locations such as Lahaina, Napili, Kā’anapali, and Kapalua.

We understand that Maui holds a special place in the hearts of our Owners and guests. We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time, as we focus on supporting our associates in recovering their lives and community. Further updates on the resort’s operating status will be provided on our website.

Updated: August 31th

As Maui continues its recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and surrounding areas, several hundred of our associates have unfortunately lost their homes, loved ones, and cherished memories. With limited staffing, we are striving to provide security to the property, restore stability to the resort, among other pressing matters.

The wildfires have also affected the West Maui area around the resort. Many local businesses are not currently operating, resulting in limited or no access to facilities such as fuel stations, restaurants, golf courses, and grocery stores. A curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in place in West Maui, enforced by Maui Police Department checkpoints.

Power has been restored to the resort, but this could be temporary due to the unstable infrastructure. There have been periodic power outages, and residents are advised to limit non-essential electricity usage. Due to weather conditions, there continues to be potential for new wildfires.

How You Can Help

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, home to many of our dedicated associates. To help support recovery and relief efforts, we invite you to donate to the Company Relief Fund. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Cashless Resort

Please note that this resort is cashless and only accepts credit card payments.

Service Animal Policy

Service animals that perform work or tasks are welcome at this resort. However, family pets are not permitted. Bringing a pet to the resort will result in a room recovery fee of $500 per pet, and you will be asked to move your pet to a local, third-party boarding facility. Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal may result in a monetary penalty and/or imprisonment in some locations.

Amenity Status

The current status of resort amenities and services is subject to change at any time. Please continue to check our website frequently for updates prior to your upcoming reservation.

Closed
  • Activities (On-Site)
  • Activity Center
  • BBQ Grills
  • Beach Services
  • Bicycle Rentals
  • Concierge
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Class
  • Golf Course (On-Site)
  • Hot Tub(s)/Spa(s)
  • Housekeeping
  • Jogging Path
  • Kid’s Club
  • Mini-Golf Course
  • Movie Theater
Open
  • On-Site Convenience Store: Kai Ala Market (North Tower) is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Pu’ukoli’i General Store (South Tower) is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
  • On-Site Restaurant: Auntie’s Kitchen is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Pool Bar/Grille: Pailolo Bar & Grill is now open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
  • Spa Services: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (Retail lobby only)
Temporarily Closed
  • Pūlehu, an Italian Grill
Limited
  • Fitness Center: The WestinWorkout® Fitness Studio is open 24 hours.
  • Valet: Shuttle service is available on a modified schedule.
  • Pool Chairs
  • Pool(s)
  • Poolside Cabanas
  • Sports Courts
  • Steam Room/Sauna
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas South

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas South

Location: Lahaina, Hawaii

Summary

  • Non-essential travel to West Maui is discouraged until October 17, 2023, according to the Hawaii Governor’s Sixth Emergency Proclamation.
  • The Hawaii Tourism Authority advises visitors to avoid West Maui, including Lahaina, Napili, Kā’anapali, and Kapalua.
  • Updates on the operating status of The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas North will be provided on their website.
  • The resort is dealing with limited staffing due to wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and surrounding areas.
  • Many local businesses are currently not operating, limiting access to facilities like fuel stations, restaurants, golf courses, and grocery stores.
  • A curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is in place in West Maui, enforced by Maui Police Department checkpoints.
  • Power has been restored at the resort, but temporary outages may occur due to unstable infrastructure and ongoing weather conditions.
  • Donations to the Company Relief Fund are encouraged to support recovery and relief efforts.
  • The resort operates as a cashless facility and only accepts credit card payments.
  • Service animals are welcome at the resort, but family pets are not allowed.
  • Resort amenities and services status is subject to change:
    • Closed: on-site activities, fitness center, BBQ grills, beach services, and more
    • Open: on-site convenience store, Auntie’s Kitchen, and Pailolo Bar & Grill, all operating with modified hours
    • Temporarily closed: Pūlehu, an Italian Grill
    • Limited: Fitness Center, valet shuttle service, pool chairs, pools, poolside cabanas, sports courts, steam room/sauna, and spa services
Full Update from Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas South

Update: September 6th

As per the Hawaii Governor’s Sixth Emergency Proclamation, non-essential travel to West Maui is strongly discouraged through October 17, 2023. The Hawaii Tourism Authority also urges visitors to refrain from visiting West Maui, which includes Lahaina, Napili, Kā’anapali, and Kapalua. We understand that Maui holds a special place in the hearts of our Owners and guests. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time, as we focus on supporting our associates in recovering their lives and community. Further updates on the resort’s operating status will be provided on our website.

Updated: August 31st

As Maui continues its recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and surrounding areas, several hundred of our associates have unfortunately lost their homes, loved ones, and cherished memories. With limited staffing, we are striving to provide security to the property, restore stability to the resort, among other pressing matters.

The wildfires have also affected the West Maui area around the resort. Many local businesses are not currently operating, resulting in limited or no access to facilities such as fuel stations, restaurants, golf courses, and grocery stores. A curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in place in West Maui, enforced by Maui Police Department checkpoints.

Power has been restored to the resort, but this could be temporary due to the unstable infrastructure. There have been periodic power outages, and residents are advised to limit non-essential electricity usage. Due to weather conditions, there continues to be potential for new wildfires.

How You Can Help

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, home to many of our dedicated associates. To help support recovery and relief efforts, we invite you to donate to the Company Relief Fund. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Cashless Resort

Please note that this resort is cashless and only accepts credit card payments.

Service Animal Policy

Service animals that perform work or tasks are welcome at this resort. However, family pets are not permitted. Bringing a pet to the resort will result in a room recovery fee of $500 per pet, and you will be asked to move your pet to a local, third-party boarding facility. Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal may result in a monetary penalty and/or imprisonment in some locations.

Amenity Status

The current status of resort amenities and services is subject to change at any time. Please continue to check our website frequently for updates prior to your upcoming reservation.

Closed
  • Activities (On-Site)
  • Activity Center
  • BBQ Grills
  • Beach Services
  • Bicycle Rentals
  • Concierge
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Class
  • Golf Course (On-Site)
  • Hot Tub(s)/Spa(s)
  • Housekeeping
  • Jogging Path
  • Kid’s Club
  • Mini-Golf Course
  • Movie Theater
Open
  • On-Site Convenience Store: Kai Ala Market (North Tower) is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Pu’ukoli’i General Store (South Tower) is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
  • On-Site Restaurant: Auntie’s Kitchen is now open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Pool Bar/Grille: Pailolo Bar & Grill is now open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Live entertainment will be available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Temporarily Closed
  • Pūlehu, an Italian Grill
Limited
  • Fitness Center: The WestinWorkout® Fitness Studio is open 24 hours.
  • Valet: Shuttle service is available on a modified schedule.
  • Pool Chairs
  • Pool(s)
  • Poolside Cabanas
  • Sports Courts
  • Steam Room/Sauna
  • Spa Services: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (Retail lobby only)

While the West Maui fire indeed brought challenging times for the island, the resilient spirit of its people has turned a disaster into an opportunity for renewal. As these resorts welcome back guests, they’re not just opening their doors to tourism but also marking a significant step towards recovery and normalcy. Here’s to new beginnings in West Maui!

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