As the news reports came out that Hawaii is ranked 4th in the nation as one of the states most affected and the federal government shutdown spills into 2019, you are probably starting to wonder why you should book with Kahana Village in 2019. Is a Maui vacation really the right way to kick off the New Year? With the coconut palms still dancing in the island breeze as the Hawaiian sunshine warms the white sandy shores, we think that you can still make your Hawaii vacation unforgettable!

Here is how the shutdown may affect your upcoming trip to Maui:

Expect TSA Travel Delays

While security lines can already come with lengthy wait times, it will help you keep your vacation as stress-free as possible if you plan ahead and leave for the airport a little earlier than you normally would. Some airports provide time estimates to travelers but it is always good to stay on the safe side and give yourself ample time to make your flight.

Traveling is a stressful experience but during this time it is important to also be mindful of the TSA employees who are currently not being paid even though they are still required to show up for work. Kindness can go a long way for these individuals and is a great habit to adopt as part of the new year!

So What’s Open?

It really wouldn’t be a true vacation to Maui without a stop atop the island’s highest elevation and unlike previous federal shutdowns, Haleakala National Park has remained open, but with limited services. Reservations to catch a Hawaiian sunrise are still being taken and a good chunk of the national park is currently accessible. Something to keep in mind if you are adding a visit to the summit of the dormant volcano to your Maui activity itinerary is that the park has minimal staffing and emergency response may be delayed or not available due to the shutdown.

Camping is still allowed but only within the Hosmer Grove, Kipahulu, Holua, and Paliku Campgrounds. The visitor centers will be closed and all park educational programs have been canceled until further notice.

If you are worried that the federal government shutdown in 2019 translates to fewer things to do in Maui, we can safely assure you that is not the case. Aside from the national state park, all island entertainment and local events will be operating as usual. Still need some ideas? Kahana Village has put together an extensive Maui Travel Guide to help you plan your stay!

We hope this helps clear any questions or concerns that you may have had about the most recent shutdown and we look forward to seeing you soon. Aloha!