Emergencies in Maui

Good to Know

• 911 is the single number for police, fire, and ambulance across all of Maui, the same as everywhere else in the US.
• Maui uses an island-wide outdoor siren system as part of Hawai'i's all-hazard warning network, primarily for tsunami and other large-scale hazards — it is tested monthly at 11:45am on the first business day of the month, so hearing it then is not a real emergency.
• Visitors are encouraged to download the Genasys Protect app and sign up for MEMA Alerts on arrival, since these provide real evacuation zone info and are the official channels used during tsunami, wildfire, or hurricane events.
• Cell coverage can be patchy in remote parts of Maui (e.g. the Hana Highway, upcountry, and parts of West Maui), so don't rely solely on phone alerts if traveling to remote areas — check local radio stations as a backup.
• If you feel a strong earthquake or notice a sudden, unusual rise or drop in sea level near the coast, move to high ground immediately rather than waiting for official sirens or alerts.
• Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku is the only hospital on the island with a full emergency department and trauma capability — if you're in West Maui (Lahaina/Kaanapali) or Upcountry, plan for a real drive time (often 30–45+ minutes) to reach it in an emergency.
• Kula Hospital's emergency department is currently closed due to storm damage, so Upcountry residents and visitors cannot rely on it for emergencies right now — check Maui Health's website for reopening updates.
• Maui Memorial Medical Center provides emergency care regardless of insurance or ability to pay, but there is no dedicated pediatric ICU on the island — critical pediatric cases are typically flown to Oahu.
• For serious trauma beyond Level III capability (e.g. certain neurosurgical or highly specialized cases), inter-island medevac transfer to Oahu is sometimes still necessary — a real limitation of practicing 'island medicine.'