Jason Momoa tells tourists to cancel trips to Maui amid raging wildfires
As the death toll from the horrific Maui wildfires climbed to 80 on Saturday, “Aquaman” actor Jason Momoa told tourists to stay away from the Hawaiian island.
The Honolulu native took to Instagram to warn vacationers against jets setting to Maui as the fires continue to wreak havoc and devastation.
“Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now,” he wrote on Instagram. “DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI.”
“Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply,” he continued, calling for donations and travelers to cancel their planned trips.
“Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need.”
His statement was accompanied by a series of explainer clips urging non-Maui residents to stay off the island unless they’re attempting to help, as flights and hotels should be reserved for displaced people.
Momoa’s stark warning comes as airlines add flights and decrease air fares for people fleeing the inferno-torn island on short notice.
Even the Hawaii State Department of Transportation has discouraged nonessential tourism, according to CNN.
The “Game of Thrones” star has been especially outspoken about Maui relief efforts as the town of Lahaina turned to ashes on Friday, resulting in the loss of people’s homes and lives.
Hawaiian native and “Moana” star Auli’i Cravalho also demanded that visitors stay away from Maui in a heart-wrenching note posted to Instagram.
“DO NOT TRAVEL TO HAWAIʻI UNLESS YOU ARE RENDERING AID,” she wrote, in part, adding that she feels “numb and close to tears” over the crisis. “This has been declared a FEDERAL DISASTER. Your vacation can wait.”
“My heart and funds and donations are headed your way Hawaiʻi, even if I physically am not.”
The wildfires, which began Tuesday, have ravaged parts of the tropical island, amid high winds following a notoriously dry summer.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden issued a federal disaster declaration as supplies poured into the island and notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos and pro-golfer Collin Morikawa donate their time and resources to aid survivors.
Momoa described the inferno’s aftermath as looking “like a bomb was dropped right on the town.”
“I can’t believe this happened and I’m praying that everyone that’s unaccounted for gets reunited with their ʻohana,’” he said in another Instagram post, in part.
“This is probably the worst disaster that I’ve lived through so far,” he continued. “As we honor the memories of Lāhaina’s past, let us rebuild and restore this historic town. Maui no ka ‘oi.”
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