Maui Businesses Face Continued Operations Risk Amid Ongoing Power Restoration
While Hawaiian Electric has restored power to over 114,000 customers statewide since Saturday, approximately 50 customers in Maui County, particularly in the Olinda area, may face continued overnight outages. These lingering disruptions highlight the ongoing vulnerability of businesses reliant on a stable power supply and necessitate a reassessment of operational continuity plans.
The Change
As of February 9, 2026, emergency crews are working diligently to restore power across Maui County following severe wind gusts and falling trees. Despite significant progress, a small but critical segment of customers in Upcountry Maui and Molokaʻi, with the most severely impacted being around 50 in Olinda, are expected to remain without electricity overnight. This situation underscores the fragility of infrastructure in challenging weather conditions and the potential for prolonged disruptions in specific locales.
Who's Affected
Small Business Operators
Businesses reliant on electricity for core operations—including restaurants with refrigeration and cooking equipment, retail stores with point-of-sale systems and lighting, and service providers like salons or repair shops—face direct threats. Extended outages can lead to significant financial losses through spoiled inventory (estimated 5-15% of perishable goods), inability to conduct transactions, and loss of customer traffic. The continuity of service directly impacts revenue and customer retention. For any business operating with tight margins, a prolonged outage could be catastrophic.
Tourism Operators
Hotels, vacation rentals, tour operators, and hospitality venues are particularly exposed. Uninterrupted power is essential for guest comfort (air conditioning, lighting, internet) and operational efficiency (kitchens, check-in systems, booking platforms). Service disruptions can lead to severe guest dissatisfaction, negative online reviews, and a hit to the island's reputation as a reliable destination. For vacation rental owners, loss of power can also impact digital lock entry systems, creating security and access issues.
Healthcare Providers
Clinics, private practices, and any medical facilities are at high risk. The uninterrupted operation of critical medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and communication systems is paramount. While many facilities have backup generators, the reliability and fuel supply of these systems during widespread outages can be a concern. Telehealth services may also be compromised if internet infrastructure is affected.
Real Estate Owners
Property managers and landlords need to consider the impact on their tenants. Tenants experiencing prolonged outages may request rent abatements or seek to break leases if operations are severely hampered. Furthermore, if backup generators for multi-unit properties fail or are inadequate, it can lead to tenant dissatisfaction and potential damage claims.
Second-Order Effects
Extended power outages, even in localized areas, can create cascading effects. Interrupted business operations contribute to reduced local spending, impacting other businesses indirectly. For tourism operators, consistent service reliability is key to maintaining visitor numbers; prolonged or frequent disruptions could eventually shift tourist demand to destinations perceived as more stable. Furthermore, frequent reliance on backup generators can increase operational costs for businesses, potentially leading to price increases passed on to consumers or higher operational expenses for property owners.
What to Do
Small Business Operators Review your business continuity plan: Ensure backup power solutions (generators, mobile charging stations) are operational and fueled. If you have perishable inventory, consider contingency plans for storage or expedited sales. Communicate proactively with staff and customers regarding potential disruptions.
Tourism Operators Validate your emergency power systems. Alert guests to potential service interruptions and offer alternatives where possible. Provide clear communication channels for guests to report issues. If operating vacation rentals with digital locks, ensure alternative access methods are available and staff are prepared to assist.
Healthcare Providers Verify the functionality and fuel reserves of backup generators. Confirm redundant communication systems are in place. Ensure patient care continuity plans are up-to-date and staff are trained on emergency protocols.
Real Estate Owners Assess the condition and capacity of any backup power systems for your properties. Communicate with tenants about the situation and the restoration timeline. Be prepared to address tenant concerns regarding operational disruptions.
Watch Monitor the Hawaiian Electric outage map and restoration updates for Maui County. Pay close attention to when the final customers in Olinda are expected to have power restored. If restoration is not completed within the next 12-18 hours, consider activating pre-planned backup power solutions immediately, even if your business is not directly affected, to mitigate potential downstream impacts.
