Maui Businesses Face Disruptions as Severe Weather Looms

Maui is forecast to transition from dry and light winds to a period of heavy rain and high winds beginning Friday night, February 7th, and continuing into early the following week (February 10th-11th). This significant weather shift, according to forecasts from Maui Now and the National Weather Service, carries considerable risk for businesses across the island.

The Change

Forecasts indicate a dramatic change in weather patterns for Maui starting Friday, February 7th, 2026. After a period of dry conditions and light winds, the island is expected to experience much higher wind speeds and substantial rainfall. This pattern is projected to persist through at least the first half of the following week. The National Weather Service has issued advisories warning of potential flash flooding, hazardous travel conditions due to high winds, and a risk of debris impacting roadways.

Who's Affected

Tourism Operators (Hotels, Tour Companies, Vacation Rentals):

• Operational Disruptions: Expect flight cancellations and delays impacting visitor arrivals and departures. Many outdoor tours and activities may be suspended.
• Booking Volatility: Cancellations and rescheduling are likely. Hotels may see a dip in occupancy or an increase in guests seeking last-minute extended stays if travel is severely impacted.
• Property Management: Vacation rental owners and managers need to ensure properties are secured, and guests are informed of potential risks and safety procedures.

Small Business Operators (Restaurants, Retail, Services):

• Reduced Foot Traffic: High winds and heavy rain will likely deter customers from visiting physical locations, impacting sales for restaurants and retail shops.
• Supply Chain Vulnerability: Interruption to flights and inter-island ferries due to severe weather could delay the delivery of essential goods and inventory.
• Staffing Challenges: Employees may face difficulties commuting to work safely, potentially leading to staffing shortages.

Real Estate Owners (Property Owners, Developers, Landlords):

• Property Damage Risk: High winds can cause damage to roofs, windows, and landscaping. Heavy rains increase the risk of localized flooding and water intrusion, particularly for lower-lying properties or those with compromised drainage.
• Insurance Review: This period warrants a review of property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects against storm-related damages.
• Development Delays: For ongoing construction projects, severe weather can halt work, leading to project delays and increased costs.

Second-Order Effects

Severe weather events, particularly those with significant wind and rain, can create a cascading effect on Maui's economy. Disruptions to air travel and port operations can lead to immediate shortages of perishable goods, driving up costs for restaurants and grocery stores. This, in turn, can increase prices for consumers and tourists. Furthermore, reduced visitor activity due to travel disruptions can impact the demand for services, potentially leading to reduced hours for some businesses and affecting employment for frontline hospitality workers. The need for significant repairs post-storm can also strain local construction resources, potentially delaying other development projects and increasing construction costs island-wide.

What to Do

Given the WATCH level for this event, immediate reactive measures are not yet required, but proactive monitoring and preparation are critical. The primary action is to stay informed and have contingency plans readily accessible.

For Tourism Operators:

• Monitor official advisories: Continuously check advisories from the National Weather Service (National Weather Service) and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (Hawaii Tourism Authority) for flight status and local conditions.
• Communicate proactively: inform guests about potential travel disruptions and update them on any changes to scheduled tours or activities.
• Review cancellation policies: Be prepared to extend flexibility where possible to manage guest expectations and safety.

For Small Business Operators:

• Secure premises: Ensure outdoor signage, equipment, and garbage bins are secured. If possible, bring non-essential items indoors.
• Check inventory levels: Assess critical inventory and consider potential delays in replenishment. Communicate with key suppliers about potential service interruptions.
• Prepare for reduced staffing: Have on-call staff or flexible scheduling options available if employees cannot commute safely.

For Real Estate Owners:

• Inspect properties: Conduct a visual inspection of properties for any pre-existing conditions that could worsen in high winds or heavy rain (e.g., loose roofing, clogged gutters).
• Review insurance policies: Confirm that property insurance is up-to-date and covers storm-related damage. Understand deductible amounts and claims procedures.
• Secure outdoor areas: Ensure landscaping and outdoor fixtures are secure to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.

Action Details:

Monitor official weather alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies. If advisories escalate to a Watch or Warning for severe wind or flood conditions affecting visitor travel routes or your operational area, implement your business continuity and emergency preparedness plans. Pay close attention to airline advisories regarding flight schedules.