Maui's Honolua Bay to require visitor reservations
Hawaii is moving to cap crowds at one of Maui's most popular bays, good news for residents and the shoreline but a new hurdle for tourists.
- The state tourism agency will require reservations to visit Honolua Bay, with parking moved offsite and a shuttle bringing people in.
- The change was approved by Governor Josh Green and sits inside a broader plan to manage crowding at busy Maui spots, including the Road to Hana.
- Officials point to traffic backing up, cars stopping unsafely on the road, and damage to the natural and cultural site.
- Hotel and lodging groups back the plan, saying tourism has to work for residents too, not just visitors.
- No changes are listed for local residents, who would keep their access.
Outlook: Officials want the reservation system running in the next fiscal year, with similar limits likely at other crowded Maui sites.