Experience the Beauty of Maui with Somewhere Beyond Vacations
At Somewhere Beyond Vacations, we're thrilled to share the wonderful news of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) returning to the stunning shores of Kahului, Maui. The Aloha State welcomes back NCL's Pride of America, a ship with an illustrious 18-year history of cruising the Hawaiian Islands year-round. Having begun on September 3, 2023, guests can once again embark on unforgettable journeys to Maui's shores with weekly overnight calls to Kahului.
NCL's decision to pause its calls to Maui earlier this month, in light of the devastating wildfires in Lāhainā on the island's west side, demonstrated their commitment to responsible tourism. The Maui community, Hawaii State Governor Josh Green, and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority rallied together to ensure a mindful and supportive return.
"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," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL's swift actions included adjusting itineraries to avoid further stress on the affected destination and contributing to recovery efforts with a generous donation of $50,000 to Maui United Way. Additionally, NCL and its partners have collected and will be donating over $150,000 worth of essential supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses.
Hawaii State Governor Josh Green, M.D., expressed his appreciation for NCL's ongoing partnership and the support provided in aiding the recovery of Lāhainā residents. While travel to West Maui remains restricted to returning residents and emergency responders, the state is actively working with tourism partners like Norwegian Cruise Line to facilitate a steady return to other areas of the island and the rest of the state.
Kalani Ka‘anÄ‘anÄ, chief brand officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, emphasized the importance of mindful and respectful visitation to help Maui's recovery efforts. As the island rebuilds, your responsible travel choices can make a significant impact on the community's well-being. Many areas of Maui were unaffected by the fires and eagerly await the return of travelers.
To stay informed about the latest Maui emergency management and recovery information and to lend your support to the people of Maui, visit mauistrong.hawaii.gov and Maui United Way. Discover the areas of Maui that remain open and ready to welcome visitors by visiting gohawaii.com/maui.
As your trusted travel agency, Somewhere Beyond Vacations is here to help you plan your next Hawaiian adventure. Whether you're dreaming of cruising the beautiful Hawaiian Islands or exploring other breathtaking destinations, contact us today to turn your travel dreams into reality. Book your next vacation with us and experience the magic of travel in a responsible and mindful way. Aloha! 🌺