TLDR: Kona Storm, they do not care. Maui was devasted, but we should still travel. Stay away from this place.
Subject: Formal Demand for Refund - Reservation
March 17-25, 2026
To Whom It May Concern at Maui Rentals,
I am writing to formally request a full refund of $4,505.11 in connection with my reservation for March 17-25, 2026, which I was compelled to cancel due to the severe weather conditions caused by the Kona storm affecting Maui during that period.
I. BACKGROUN
I purchased travel insurance through Red Sky Travel Insurance in connection with this reservation. When I filed a claim for my prepaid, nonrefundable costs, Red Sky denied coverage in part by citing representations from Maui Rentals that the rental unit was available and habitable. I am contacting you directly because I believe that characterization, even if technically accurate in a structural sense, does not reflect the totality of conditions on the ground -- and because I believe we can resolve this matter without further escalation.
II. BASIS FOR REFUND
The Kona storm caused documented, widespread disruption to Maui's infrastructure, transportation systems, and public safety during the exact dates of my reservation. Travel to and use of the destination was not reasonable or practicable for any prudent traveler during this period, regardless of whether a mandatory evacuation order was formally issued.
I sustained a verified financial loss of $4,505.11 in prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. I am not seeking anything beyond what I paid. I am not alleging bad faith on the part of Maui Rentals. I am asking that you review the circumstances and extend a good-faith refund consistent with the extraordinary nature of this weather event and the reasonable expectations of your guests.
III. REQUESTED RELIEF AND TIMELINE
I respectfully request a full refund of $4,505.11 within ten (10) business days of receipt of this letter.
If this matter cannot be resolved directly, I will have no choice but to pursue all available remedies. I am hopeful that Maui Rentals shares that preference.
Sources (Please note the emergency proclamation made by Mayor Bissen)
Official Government Sources
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency -- The Maui Emergency Management Agency worked with local and state partners to assess storm damage, and the State of Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division offered help filing insurance claims for those impacted by the Kona Low storms. Department of Defense (dod.hawaii.gov/hiema)
Maui County / Mayor Bissen Emergency Proclamation -- Mayor Bissen signed an emergency proclamation ahead of the Kona Low storm, with the National Weather Service warning of a "large and powerful" storm that would bring intense rainfall, rapid rises in streams, and flooding of roads and low-lying areas. Maui County (mauicounty.gov)
Maui County Storm Update (March 15) -- About 350 people utilized shelters countywide overnight on March 14, including passengers whose flights were canceled and residents unable to reach West Maui while Honoapiilani Highway was closed. Maui County (mauicounty.gov)
Hawaii Tourism Authority (March 20 Update) -- A statewide Flood Watch remained in effect through the weekend, with the heaviest rainfall expected across Maui County. Airports remained open, however flight delays and cancellations were possible. Hawaii Tourism Authority (hawaiitourismauthority.org)
Major News Articles
NASA Earth Observatory -- Back-to-back low-pressure systems struck Hawaii in March 2026, delivering some of the worst flooding the state had seen in decades, with rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches throughout the state between March 11 and 15, with some areas seeing more than 30 inches. Weather stations in Kahului broke daily rainfall records. NASA Science (science.nasa.gov)
Hawaii Tribune-Herald -- At Kahului Airport on Maui, there were 103 delayed flights and 16 cancellations on Friday alone, followed by 79 delayed flights and 54 cancellations on Saturday. Individual Maui hotel properties estimated $250,000 to $500,000 in lost monthly revenue. Hawaii Tribune-Herald (hawaiitribune-herald.com)
The Points Guy -- Maui and the Island of Hawaii received the brunt of the storm. The Road to Hana on Maui was partially closed due to the storm, allowing local traffic only. Some travelers were stranded on the islands until at least Wednesday due to airline cancellations. The Points Guy (thepointsguy.com)
Travel and Tour World -- Parts of Maui saw up to 40 inches of rain, resulting in flash flooding that washed out roads, closed attractions, and caused significant damage to infrastructure. Airlines including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta cancelled more than 200 flights between major U.S. cities and Hawaii. Travel And Tour World (travelandtourworld.com)
DisasterAWARE -- The March 2026 Kona Low involved simultaneous flash read more