Maui fires-need help getting refund please!

[emeryjre]

If your policy has this clause, the question is whether the resort is inaccessible because of the governor's statement
The other question is for Vistana
Is the resort open for people having reservations on October 7
Frankly I have seen many conflicting posts about this on various travel sites
There seems to be some confusion even at Vistana

 

[dioxide45]

Force majeure section of Redweek Rental Agreement

If the Unit is uninhabitable or inaccessible on the day the Rental Period commences by reason of flood, fire, storm, force majeure, or other natural disaster, and a satisfactory substitute is not made available, the total Rent Payment will be refunded to the Renter. If the Renter is required to evacuate the Unit at any point during the Rental Term, the Renter is entitled to a pro-rated refund for unused nights from the point of evacuation order through the remainder of the Rental Period. In such events, the Owner will have no further liability to the Renter. Renter's inability to complete their travel for any other reason beyond the Owner's control (including, but not limited to, illness, airline interruptions, job loss, government mandate or restrictions) are the sole responsibility of the Renter, and the Cancellation Policy in section 4 applies. Renter is encouraged to purchase trip interruption and cancellation insurance for such matters.

Right now we don't know if this provision of the contract applies. 1: we don't know if they bought full service/protected. The owner could have rented DYI with or without their own contract. 2: If Vistana hasn't cancelled the reservation yet, then force majeure probably doesn't apply. At least not yet.\

@Brightstar85 is also not answering very basic questions in this thread. I am not sure why. Either they don't want to provide more information or they are just replying to the last post in the thread instead of reading all the responses.

 

[EnglishmanAbroad]

Right now we don't know if this provision of the contract applies. 1: we don't know if they bought full service/protected. The owner could have rented DYI with or without their own contract. 2: If Vistana hasn't cancelled the reservation yet, then force majeure probably doesn't apply. At least not yet.\

@Brightstar85 is also not answering very basic questions in this thread. I am not sure why. Either they don't want to provide more information or they are just replying to the last post in the thread instead of reading all the responses.

If it is a DIY rental then Redweek aren't even involved apart from the fact that they listed it so I doubt the renter would have any recourse with them.

 

[easyrider]

Hi, I need help getting a refund through redweek for a 10/7 trip I had planned to Westin Kaanapali Lahaina. This is all due to the Maui fires. Redweek and the owner are not helpful and will not issue refund. The government doesnt want us there. I dont know where to turn. Please help, any advice is appreciated.
Thank you!

Doesn't trip insurance cover this ?

Bill

 

[dioxide45]

If it is a DIY rental then Redweek aren't even involved apart from the fact that they listed it so I doubt the renter would have any recourse with them.

Probably the reason Redweek isn’t responding.

 

[Luanne]

Doesn't trip insurance cover this ?

Bill

Well first you have to take out trip insurance. Not everyone does.

 

[billymach4]

Hi, I need help getting a refund through redweek for a 10/7 trip I had planned to Westin Kaanapali Lahaina. This is all due to the Maui fires. Redweek and the owner are not helpful and will not issue refund. The government doesnt want us there. I dont know where to turn. Please help, any advice is appreciated.
Thank you!

Although it may seem counterintuitive if it were me I would just go. Offer your moral support. Take an afternoon and see if you can volunteer for some time to support an aid activity. At least HA is encouraging travel.

 

[Brightstar85]

Doesn't trip insurance cover this ?

Bill

we are trying that avenue. we filed a claim but havent heard back yet

 

[Brightstar85]

Right now we don't know if this provision of the contract applies. 1: we don't know if they bought full service/protected. The owner could have rented DYI with or without their own contract. 2: If Vistana hasn't cancelled the reservation yet, then force majeure probably doesn't apply. At least not yet.\

@Brightstar85 is also not answering very basic questions in this thread. I am not sure why. Either they don't want to provide more information or they are just replying to the last post in the thread instead of reading all the responses.

im currently trying to go through insurance that i purchased and waiting to hear if it is covered. Im trying to honor the government issued travel advisory for non essential travel.

 

[Brightstar85]

Well first you have to take out trip insurance. Not everyone does.

i did and am trying that avenue

 

[Brightstar85]

Doesn't trip insurance cover this ?

Bill

i sure hope so

 

[Brightstar85]

If your policy has this clause, the question is whether the resort is inaccessible because of the governor's statement
The other question is for Vistana
Is the resort open for people having reservations on October 7
Frankly I have seen many conflicting posts about this on various travel sites
There seems to be some confusion even at Vistana

i would agree.

 

[Passepartout]

im currently trying to go through insurance that i purchased and waiting to hear if it is covered. Im trying to honor the government issued travel advisory for non essential travel.

In order to file a claim against travel insurance, you have to experience a loss. You have not had a coverable loss unless and until have been refused check-in at the resort, or if the airline is not flying to your destination. If you are going by an 'advisory', and the resort is open, I can't see that you have a claim. Your reservation is not for another 6- or so weeks. Rather than trying to get refunded, why not make the best of it? There are snorkeling tours out of Kihei and Maui has beautiful beaches that are NOT in Lahaina.

The people of Maui will be helped far more by your visit and help than if you choose to stay home.

Jim

 

[billymach4]

In order to file a claim against travel insurance, you have to experience a loss. You have not had a coverable loss unless and until have been refused check-in at the resort, or if the airline is not flying to your destination. If you are going by an 'advisory', and the resort is open, I can't see that you have a claim. Your reservation is not for another 6- or so weeks. Rather than trying to get refunded, why not make the best of it? There are snorkeling tours out of Kihei and Maui has beautiful beaches that are NOT in Lahaina.

The people of Maui will be helped far more by your visit and help than if you choose to stay home.

Jim

Spot On! Just go and make the best of it. At this point that is the right thing to do. We certainly will not hold any grudge. Heck you might even get to meet Oprah!

 

[Luanne]

In order to file a claim against travel insurance, you have to experience a loss. You have not had a coverable loss unless and until have been refused check-in at the resort, or if the airline is not flying to your destination. If you are going by an 'advisory', and the resort is open, I can't see that you have a claim. Your reservation is not for another 6- or so weeks. Rather than trying to get refunded, why not make the best of it? There are snorkeling tours out of Kihei and Maui has beautiful beaches that are NOT in Lahaina.

The people of Maui will be helped far more by your visit and help than if you choose to stay home.

Jim

This about says it all.

If you don't want to go to West Maui, you will need to cancel your reservation and in that case no refund. Check your policy to see what is allowed, probably the only way you would get a refund is if you cancelled for illness or injury that would prevent you going, or something happened to the place you were going to stay.

 

[Rman]

It seems the resort not sure which westin, I spoke today is not open till end october, have to wait and see

 

[echino]

The resort is not taking new reservations for those dates, but existing reservations have not been cancelled. It is unclear if those will be cancelled or not. If the resort ultimately cancels the reservation, then you will get a refund. If the reservation stays, then you are not entitled to a refund per the agreement.

 

[dioxide45]

The resort is not taking new reservations for those dates, but existing reservations have not been cancelled. It is unclear if those will be cancelled or not. If the resort ultimately cancels the reservation, then you will get a refund. If the reservation stays, then you are not entitled to a refund per the agreement.

It really depends on what agreement they signed. We still don't know if they rented through full service/protected or just from a DIY owner.

 

[cindylou]

FYI - the resort is not uninhabitable due to fires and pollution. There are no fires in that area, and the air quality is fine.

The Westin Maui is housing displaced residents as well as staff and their families.
The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas are housing displaced staff and their families in Bldg 4.

My friend works at WKORV and she lost her apartment and all her belongings so she is a "refugee at work" and is helping those who lost their homes by providing compassion and donated items at "Kiwi's KORner." She is also coordinating the collection and shipment of all the items left behind in rooms by tourists who had to evacuate and left the island. She is also coordinating donations that are available and coming into the resort.

Times Market is open and has dairy, fruit, and vegetables, and just about everything else.

Air quality is fine in Ka'anapali. No pollution.
There is power.
The bypass is open but they are putting up dust screens around the perimeter of Lahaina.

Lahaina Gateway and Safeway survived, but Safeway may still be closed as they clean up spoiled food due to the power outage.

The only thing missing at WKORV may be the internet. But my info there is about 12 days old. However, internet was restored to the neighborhoods directly up the hill from there so I'm optimistic WKORV got their internet back.

The island needs tourists back to support the economy.

The Governor and Mayor don't want extraneous people poking around Lahaina just to say "I saw it" and causing accidents on the highway when they stop to be looky-loos. Idiots are sneaking in, disturbing the ashes of a city-sized "crematorium."

These establishments are currently open:
Kaanapali Fairway Shops:
Round Table Pizza
Island Press Coffee
Washpros

Times Market Plaza:
Pizza Paradiso
Dole Whip n Ice cream
Java Jazz
L&L BBQ
Happy Nails
Times Market, 9-5pm

AAAAA Retail Center:
AAAAA Rent A Space
Plush
Okazuka Deli
Healing Hands
Miss Arepa
All About Fish

Farmers Market Plaza:
Farmers Market

Kahana:
Dollies
Sands of Kahana Beach Club for food

Kahana Gateway:
Shell Gas Station & Whalers General Store
Smiles Nails
McDonald's
Club Maui Gym
First Hawaiian Bank
Bank of Hawaii

Napili Plaza:
Napili Market, 9-5pm
Coffee Store
Joey's Kitchen
Mail Services Plus
Roxanna's Hair Affair
Maui Tacos

Napili:
Farmers Market
Kitchen 5315
Head To Toe Salon

Kapalua:
Golf Academy/Bay Course Driving Range Opens Aug 28th

Kapalua Bay Course to open Sept. 20th

Kaanapali golf courses and range tentatively opening Sep 17th

Don't cancel. Just wait to see if they cancel on you. If they don't, go and support the people of Maui.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Hi, I need help getting a refund through redweek for a 10/7 trip I had planned to Westin Kaanapali Lahaina. This is all due to the Maui fires. Redweek and the owner are not helpful and will not issue refund. The government doesnt want us there. I dont know where to turn. Please help, any advice is appreciated.
Thank you!

I believe you have a case here, actually.

I just received communication from our management company, Soleil Management, manager of Hono Koa, Sands of Kahana, Kahana Villas at Kahana Beach, and Gardens at West Maui. They are saying that they won't open the resorts until 10/17.

Dear Owners, The past month has been a challenging journey for all of us and we appreciate your patience and flexibility through this difficult time as we prioritize our team members and the community as a result of the Maui Wildfire. We still ask that Owners and guests continue to strongly consider the directive from Hawaii State Governor, Josh Green, to reschedule non-essential travel to West Maui through October 17. With services and amenities slowly returning to our West Maui resorts (Sands of Kahana, Kahana Beach, Kahana Villa, Hono Koa, and The Gardens at West Maui), we are gradually welcoming back Owners reservations starting October 17 per the Governor's instruction. Arrivals and reservations into South Maui (Maui Beach and Maui Banyan) are not impacted by the Governor's directive. To plan your upcoming reservation or to receive more information about availability, please contact our Soleil Management owners services team at (800) 775-8463 or for reservations online at www.soleilmanagement.com. We are experiencing an influx of calls during this time, so to avoid wait times, you can email us at reservations@soleilmanagement.com, and we will return your call as soon as possible to assist with rescheduling your vacation. No fees will be charged for reservation adjustments or cancellations for Owners or direct bookings, and we've communicated to our Exchange Company and Retail partners that we recommend them to do the same. Travel to West Maui continues to be discouraged following the deadly wildfire that decimated Lahaina's historic Front Street. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui - including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua - out of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue. We hope that with time, West Maui will be fully ready to welcome you with open arms. Your visit not only contributes to the reinvigoration of our local economy but also helps sustain the rich tapestry of our community. We genuinely understand the anticipation and excitement of your upcoming Maui vacation and are grateful for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support during these challenging times. Being a guest at a Soleil Management vacation destination, you are a part of our 'ohana, and we are fully committed to providing a safe and exceptional experience for you, despite the adversity posed by the fire. Click the link below for our latest updates.​

MORE INFO​

Sincerely, Soleil Management Hawaii​

 

[Luanne]

I believe you have a case here, actually.

I just received communication from our management company, Soleil Management, manager of Hono Koa, Sands of Kahana, Kahana Villas at Kahana Beach, and Gardens at West Maui. They are saying that they won't open the resorts until 10/17.

​

Dear Owners, The past month has been a challenging journey for all of us and we appreciate your patience and flexibility through this difficult time as we prioritize our team members and the community as a result of the Maui Wildfire. We still ask that Owners and guests continue to strongly consider the directive from Hawaii State Governor, Josh Green, to reschedule non-essential travel to West Maui through October 17. With services and amenities slowly returning to our West Maui resorts (Sands of Kahana, Kahana Beach, Kahana Villa, Hono Koa, and The Gardens at West Maui), we are gradually welcoming back Owners reservations starting October 17 per the Governor's instruction. Arrivals and reservations into South Maui (Maui Beach and Maui Banyan) are not impacted by the Governor's directive. To plan your upcoming reservation or to receive more information about availability, please contact our Soleil Management owners services team at (800) 775-8463 or for reservations online at www.soleilmanagement.com. We are experiencing an influx of calls during this time, so to avoid wait times, you can email us at reservations@soleilmanagement.com, and we will return your call as soon as possible to assist with rescheduling your vacation. No fees will be charged for reservation adjustments or cancellations for Owners or direct bookings, and we've communicated to our Exchange Company and Retail partners that we recommend them to do the same. Travel to West Maui continues to be discouraged following the deadly wildfire that decimated Lahaina's historic Front Street. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui - including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua - out of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue. We hope that with time, West Maui will be fully ready to welcome you with open arms. Your visit not only contributes to the reinvigoration of our local economy but also helps sustain the rich tapestry of our community. We genuinely understand the anticipation and excitement of your upcoming Maui vacation and are grateful for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support during these challenging times. Being a guest at a Soleil Management vacation destination, you are a part of our 'ohana, and we are fully committed to providing a safe and exceptional experience for you, despite the adversity posed by the fire. Click the link below for our latest updates.​

MORE INFO​

Sincerely, Soleil Management Hawaii​

Cindy, are they also the management company for Westin Kaanapali, where the OP is booked? They won't have a case unless that particular resort is closed at the time of their reservation. Doesn't matter what others are doing.

 

[Sicnarf]

Note that Vistana cancelled reservations with check in dates a few days after the fire and returned the points RESTRICTED. I called Vistana 3x and was consistently informed that standard cancellation policy applies regardless of the owner or Vistana cancels the booking. Hence, if the booking is canceled within 60 days, points will be returned restricted.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Cindy, are they also the management company for Westin Kaanapali, where the OP is booked? They won't have a case unless that particular resort is closed at the time of their reservation. Doesn't matter what others are doing.

We still ask that Owners and guests continue to strongly consider the directive from Hawaii State Governor, Josh Green, to reschedule non-essential travel to West Maui through October 17. With services and amenities slowly returning to our West Maui resorts (Sands of Kahana, Kahana Beach, Kahana Villa, Hono Koa, and The Gardens at West Maui), we are gradually welcoming back Owners reservations starting October 17 per the Governor's instruction. Arrivals and reservations into South Maui (Maui Beach and Maui Banyan) are not impacted by the Governor's directive.

This is pretty clear that non-essential travel should be rescheduled.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Note that Vistana cancelled reservations with check in dates a few days after the fire and returned the points RESTRICTED. I called Vistana 3x and was consistently informed that standard cancellation policy applies regardless of the owner or Vistana cancels the booking. Hence, if the booking is canceled within 60 days, points will be returned restricted.

I thought Vistana eased up on that. Not sure what Vistana is saying about travel up to 10/17.

 

[sponger76]

Not sure what Vistana is saying about travel up to 10/17.

I thought I saw somewhere that they are allowing owners on reservations beginning September 9, then other guests beginning September 30.